Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,018	$ 2,416
Short-term investments	959	958
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	213	375
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,969	1,693
Fuel inventory	679	619
Expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of an allowance for obsolescence	353	404
Deferred income taxes, net	405	463
Prepaid expenses and other	1,355	1,344
Total current assets	8,951	8,272
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	21,297	20,713
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	4,675	4,679
Other noncurrent assets	1,280	1,092
Total other assets	15,749	15,565
Total assets	45,997	44,550
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,823	1,627
Air traffic liability	4,583	3,696
Accounts payable	2,592	2,293
Accrued salaries and related benefits	1,769	1,680
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	1,554	1,806
Taxes payable	697	585
Fuel card obligation	545	455
Other accrued liabilities	571	1,128
Total current liabilities	14,134	13,270
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt and capital leases	10,077	11,082
Pension, postretirement and related benefits	15,379	16,005
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,568	2,628
Deferred Income Taxes, Net	1,993	2,047
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,709	1,649
Total noncurrent liabilities	31,726	33,411
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	14,096	14,069
Accumulated deficit	(5,379)	(7,389)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(8,324)	(8,577)
Treasury stock, at cost	(256)	(234)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	137	(2,131)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 45,997	$ 44,550