Other Investments (Notes)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets [Text Block]	OTHER INVESTMENTS Pinnacle Acquisition In May 2013, Pinnacle emerged from bankruptcy and we became its sole owner pursuant to a confirmed plan of reorganization. Consideration totaled $30 million, primarily consisting of previous loans and advances we made to Pinnacle. The primary assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to 16 CRJ-900 aircraft with a fair value of $270 million and related debt of $240 million. These aircraft and 181 other aircraft operated by Pinnacle were already in service to Delta; accordingly, our capacity is unaffected by the acquisition. Transatlantic Joint Venture With Virgin Atlantic In June 2013, we purchased 49% of Virgin Atlantic, a privately held London-based airline, from Singapore Airlines for $360 million, which is accounted for under the equity method. We also entered into an agreement with Virgin Atlantic for a proposed joint venture with respect to operations on non-stop routes between the United Kingdom and North America. We and Virgin Atlantic have filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for U.S. antitrust immunity with respect to the joint venture.

OTHER INVESTMENTS

Pinnacle Acquisition

In May 2013, Pinnacle emerged from bankruptcy and we became its sole owner pursuant to a confirmed plan of reorganization. Consideration totaled $30 million, primarily consisting of previous loans and advances we made to Pinnacle. The primary assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to 16 CRJ-900 aircraft with a fair value of $270 million and related debt of $240 million. These aircraft and 181 other aircraft operated by Pinnacle were already in service to Delta; accordingly, our capacity is unaffected by the acquisition.

Transatlantic Joint Venture With Virgin Atlantic

In June 2013, we purchased 49% of Virgin Atlantic, a privately held London-based airline, from Singapore Airlines for $360 million, which is accounted for under the equity method. We also entered into an agreement with Virgin Atlantic for a proposed joint venture with respect to operations on non-stop routes between the United Kingdom and North America. We and Virgin Atlantic have filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for U.S. antitrust immunity with respect to the joint venture.