Summary of Stock Option Transaction Pursuant to Continental Plans for Continental Predecessor Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010 Continental Airlines Inc Predecessor
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, Outstanding at beginning of year	6,946	11,052	6,406	8,114
Granted, Options				654
Exercised, Options	(1,327)	(2,449)	(2,467)	(1,652)
Surrendered, Options	(1,012)	(1,657)	(253)	(92)
Options, Outstanding at end of year	4,607	6,946	11,052	7,024
Weighted- Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at beginning of year	$ 23.80	$ 21.70	$ 22.42	$ 16.08
Granted, Weighted- Average Exercise Price				$ 23.83
Exercised, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 12.42	$ 10.77	$ 8.13	$ 11.92
Surrendered, Weighted- Average Exercise Price	$ 30.50	$ 29.07	$ 28.77	$ 29.59
Weighted- Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at end of year	$ 25.60	$ 23.80	$ 21.70	$ 17.60
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life , Outstanding at end of year, in years	2 years 10 months 24 days			2 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised	$ 14	$ 33	$ 42	$ 18
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at end of period	$ 20			$ 61