Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,307	$ 2,892
Short-term investments	958	718
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	405	409
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,816	1,456
Expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of an allowance for obsolescence	380	318
Deferred income taxes, net	396	355
Prepaid expenses and other	1,067	1,159
Total current assets	7,329	7,307
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	20,256	20,307
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	4,697	4,749
Other noncurrent assets	960	1,031
Total other assets	15,451	15,574
Total assets	43,036	43,188
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,937	2,073
Air Traffic Liability, Current	4,072	3,306
Accounts payable	1,641	1,713
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	1,701	1,690
Accrued salaries and related benefits	1,203	1,370
Taxes payable	597	579
Other accrued liabilities	861	654
Total current liabilities	12,012	11,385
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital leases	12,557	13,179
Pension, postretirement and related benefits	11,250	11,493
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,604	2,777
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Noncurrent	(1,967)	(1,924)
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,424	1,533
Total noncurrent liabilities	29,802	30,906
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	13,983	13,926
Accumulated deficit	(8,823)	(9,252)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,724)	(3,578)
Treasury stock, at cost	(214)	(199)
Total stockholders' equity	1,222	897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 43,036	$ 43,188