Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,657	$ 2,892
Short-term investments	958	718
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	305	409
Accounts receivable, net of an allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,563	1,456
Airline Related Inventory, Net	367	318
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Current	461	355
Prepaid expenses and other	1,418	1,159
Total current assets	7,729	7,307
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	20,223	20,307
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	4,751	4,749
Other noncurrent assets	1,002	1,031
Total other assets	15,547	15,574
Total assets	43,499	43,188
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,944	2,073
Air traffic liability	3,480	3,306
Accounts payable	1,600	1,713
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	1,849	1,690
Accrued salaries and related benefits	1,367	1,370
Taxes payable	594	579
Other accrued liabilities	1,867	654
Total current liabilities	12,701	11,385
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term debt and capital leases	11,847	13,179
Pension, postretirement and related benefits	14,200	11,493
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,700	2,777
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Noncurrent	2,028	1,924
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,419	1,533
Total noncurrent liabilities	32,194	30,906
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	13,999	13,926
Accumulated deficit	(8,398)	(9,252)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(6,766)	(3,578)
Treasury stock, at cost	(231)	(199)
Total stockholders' equity	(1,396)	897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 43,499	$ 43,188