Restructuring and Other Items (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	$ 402	$ 452	$ 242
Facilities, fleet and other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	402	293	135
Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	107
Severance and related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	0	237	100
Comair Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items		66
Routes and slots [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	0	(78)	7
Delta Employee Severance [Member] | Severance and related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Entity Number of Employees		2,000
Comair Employee Severance [Member] | Severance and related costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Entity Number of Employees		1,700
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	0	116	0
Minimum [Member] | Future operating lease charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	200
Maximum [Member] | Future operating lease charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other items	$ 300