Expected Employer Contributions to Pension And Postretirement Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	$ 217
Pension Benefits \| United Air Lines Inc
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	17
Pension Benefits \| Continental Airlines Inc
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	200
Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	134
Other Postretirement Benefits \| United Air Lines Inc
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	124
Other Postretirement Benefits \| Continental Airlines Inc
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected employer contributions	$ 10

The employer's best estimate, as soon as it can be reasonably determined, of contributions expected to be paid to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Estimated contributions may be presented in the aggregate combining (1) contributions required by funding regulations or laws, (2) discretionary contributions, and (3) noncash contributions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (g)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph g

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant