Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 10,540	$ 1,009	$ 854
Depreciation and amortization	1,658	1,565	1,523
Amortization of Debt Discount, net	154	193	193
Fuel hedge derivative contracts	(114)	(209)	135
Deferred Income Taxes	(7,991)	17	(2)
Pension, postretirement and postemployment expense less than payments	(624)	(208)	(308)
Restructuring and Other Items	285	184	142
SkyMiles used pursuant to advance purchase under American Express Agreements	(333)	(333)	(49)
Receivables	90	(116)	(76)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	231	(51)	153
Fuel Inventory	(87)	(451)	(8)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	28	(134)	(8)
Air Traffic Liability	426	216	174
Frequent Flyer Deferred Revenue	(121)	(115)	82
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	213	899	303
Other Assets and Liabilities	(36)	(66)	(373)
Other Operating Activities, net	185	76	99
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	4,504	2,476	2,834
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Flight Equipment, including advance payments	(2,117)	(1,196)	(907)
Ground Property and Equipment, including technology	(451)	(772)	(347)
Purchase of Virgin Atlantic shares	(360)	0	0
Purchase of Short-term Investments	(959)	(958)	(1,078)
Redemption of short-term investments	1,117	1,019	844
Other Investing Activities, net	14	(55)	(10)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(2,756)	(1,962)	(1,498)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Payments on Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	(1,461)	(2,864)	(4,172)
Cash Dividends	(102)	0	0
Proceeds from Long-term Obligations	268	1,965	2,395
Repurchase of Common Stock	(250)	0	0
Fuel Card Obligation	147	137	318
Other Financing Activities, net	78	7	(112)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(1,320)	(755)	(1,571)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	428	(241)	(235)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of period	2,416	2,657	2,892
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of period	2,844	2,416	2,657
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid for Interest	698	834	925
Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Flight Equipment under Capital Leases	67	28	117
Built-to-suit Leased Facilities	114	214	126
American Express advance purchase of restricted SkyMiles	$ 285	$ 0	$ 0