Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,844	$ 2,416
Short-term investments	959	958
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	122	375
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,609	1,693
Fuel Inventory	706	619
Expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of an allowance for obsolescence	357	404
Deferred income taxes, net	1,736	463
Prepaid expenses and other	1,318	1,344
Total current assets	9,651	8,272
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	21,854	20,713
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	4,658	4,679
Deferred income taxes, net	4,992	0
Other noncurrent assets	1,303	1,092
Total other assets	20,747	15,565
Total assets	52,252	44,550
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,547	1,627
Air traffic liability	4,122	3,696
Accounts payable	2,300	2,293
Accrued salaries and related benefits	1,926	1,680
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	1,861	1,806
Taxes payable	673	585
Fuel card obligation	602	455
Other accrued liabilities	1,121	1,128
Total current liabilities	14,152	13,270
Noncurrent Liabilities [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital leases	9,795	11,082
Pension, postretirement and related benefits	12,392	16,005
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,559	2,628
Deferred income taxes, net	0	2,047
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,711	1,649
Total noncurrent liabilities	26,457	33,411
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract]
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	13,982	14,069
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)	3,049	(7,389)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,130)	(8,577)
Treasury stock, at cost	(258)	(234)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	11,643	(2,131)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$ 52,252	$ 44,550