Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 7,582	$ 6,796	$ 13,806	$ 12,656
Passenger Revenue, Regional carriers	1,684	1,698	3,137	3,158
Total passenger revenue	9,266	8,494	16,943	15,814
Cargo Revenue	230	232	447	470
Other Revenue	1,125	981	2,147	1,923
Total operating revenue	10,621	9,707	19,537	18,207
Operating Expense [Abstract]
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	2,434	2,595	4,660	4,884
Salaries and related costs	2,046	1,922	4,015	3,833
Regional carrier expense	1,361	1,444	2,680	2,843
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs	466	472	914	963
Depreciation and amortization	451	415	893	820
Contracted services	440	409	867	810
Passenger commissions and other selling expenses	440	408	813	765
Landing fees and other rents	355	359	696	682
Profit sharing	340	118	439	138
Passenger service	215	197	388	361
Aircraft rent	56	55	107	115
Restructuring and other items	30	34	79	136
Other operating expense	408	365	787	721
Total operating expense	9,042	8,793	17,338	17,071
Operating Income	1,579	914	2,199	1,136
Other (Expense) Income [Abstract]
Interest expense, net	(155)	(172)	(320)	(350)
Amortization of debt discount, net	(18)	(41)	(39)	(83)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(111)	0	(129)	0
Miscellaneous, net	3	(15)	(78)	(14)
Total other expense, net	(281)	(228)	(566)	(447)
Income Before Income Taxes	1,298	686	1,633	689
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	(497)	(1)	(619)	3
Net Income	801	685	1,014	692
Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0.95	$ 0.81	$ 1.20	$ 0.81
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$ 0.94	$ 0.80	$ 1.19	$ 0.81
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ 0.12	$ 0
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income	$ 803	$ 780	$ 1,007	$ 938