Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 26,534	$ 25,173	$ 23,843
Passenger Revenue, Regional	6,408	6,581	6,414
Total Passenger Revenue	32,942	31,754	30,257
Cargo Revenue	937	990	1,027
Other Revenue	3,894	3,926	3,831
Total Operating Revenue	37,773	36,670	35,115
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	9,397	10,150	9,730
Salaries and related costs	7,720	7,266	6,894
Regional carrier expense	5,669	5,647	5,470
Aircraft maintenance, materials and outside repairs	1,852	1,955	1,765
Contracted services	1,665	1,566	1,642
Depreciation and amortization	1,658	1,565	1,523
Passenger commissions and other selling expenses	1,603	1,590	1,682
Landing fees and other rents	1,410	1,336	1,281
Passenger service	762	732	721
Profit sharing	506	372	264
Aircraft rent	209	272	298
Restructuring and other items	402	452	242
Other operating expense	1,520	1,592	1,628
Total operating expense	34,373	34,495	33,140
Operating Income (Loss)	3,400	2,175	1,975
Other Expense [Abstract]
Interest expense, net	(698)	(812)	(901)
Amortization of debt discount, net	(154)	(193)	(193)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(118)	(68)
Miscellaneous, net	(21)	(27)	(44)
Total other expense, net	(873)	(1,150)	(1,206)
Income Before Income Taxes	2,527	1,025	769
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)	8,013	(16)	85
Net Income	$ 10,540	$ 1,009	$ 854
Basic earnings per share	$ 12.41	$ 1.20	$ 1.02
Diluted earnings per share	$ 12.29	$ 1.19	$ 1.01
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.12	$ 0	$ 0