Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 7,566	$ 6,994	$ 20,222	$ 19,276
Passenger Revenue, Regional carriers	1,688	1,679	4,846	5,055
Total passenger revenue	9,254	8,673	25,068	24,331
Cargo Revenue	229	244	699	749
Other Revenue	1,007	1,006	2,930	2,988
Total operating revenue	10,490	9,923	28,697	28,068
Operating Expense [Abstract]
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	2,291	2,221	7,175	7,759
Salaries and related costs	1,976	1,850	5,809	5,438
Regional carrier expense	1,459	1,447	4,302	4,238
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs	474	493	1,437	1,602
Contracted services	429	402	1,239	1,177
Depreciation and amortization	418	392	1,238	1,166
Passenger commissions and other selling expenses	447	440	1,212	1,213
Landing fees and other rents	378	360	1,060	1,012
Passenger service	214	201	575	559
Profit sharing	249	174	387	309
Aircraft rent	47	65	162	208
Restructuring and other items	106	149	242	330
Other Operating Expense	439	421	1,160	1,233
Total operating expense	8,927	8,615	25,998	26,244
Operating Income (Loss)	1,563	1,308	2,699	1,824
Other (Expense) Income [Abstract]
Interest expense, net	(176)	(195)	(526)	(623)
Amortization of debt discount, net	(37)	(48)	(120)	(148)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	0	(12)	0	(12)
Miscellaneous, net	13	(1)	(1)	(27)
Total other expense, net	(200)	(256)	(647)	(810)
Income Before Income Taxes	1,363	1,052	2,052	1,014
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)	6	(5)	9	(11)
Net income	1,369	1,047	2,061	1,003
Basic earnings per share	$ 1.61	$ 1.24	$ 2.42	$ 1.19
Diluted earnings per share	$ 1.59	$ 1.23	$ 2.40	$ 1.18
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income	$ 1,376	$ 1,073	$ 2,314	$ 1,305