Equity and Equity Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Capital stock shares authorized	2,000,000,000dal_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000,000us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized	1,500,000,000us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000,000us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized
Treasury stock acquired, weighted average cost per share	$ 15.82	$ 14.31
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized	157,000,000
Common Stock, capital shares reserved for future issuance	27,000,000
Share-based compensation	$ 81us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	$ 90us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation	$ 54us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized	56
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, nonvested, number	5,000,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, outstanding, number	7,000,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 12.88
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, exercisable, number	6,000,000
Employee service share-based compensation, tax benefit from compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Capital stock, shares authorized.

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Aggregate number of common shares reserved for future issuance.

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Face amount or stated value per share of common stock.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29)

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The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.

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Unrecognized cost of unvested share-based compensation awards.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

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The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period.

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- Definition

The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.

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-Publisher FASB

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-Topic 210

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28)

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The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (a)

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The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

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-Publisher FASB

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-Topic 718

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The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

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The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan.

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The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan.

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Number of options outstanding, including both vested and non-vested options.

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Total cost of shares repurchased divided by the total number of shares repurchased.

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