Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years:

Years Ending December 31, (in millions)
2012	$	69
2013	68
2014	67
2015	67
2016	9

Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

	Carrying Amount at December 31,
(in millions)	2011		2010
International routes and slots	$	2,240	$	2,290
Delta tradename	850		850
SkyTeam	661		661
Domestic slots	624		502
Total	$	4,375	$	4,303

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

	December 31, 2011					December 31, 2010
(in millions)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Marketing agreements	$	730	$	(486	)	$	730	$	(428	)
Contracts	193		(61		)	193		(49		)
Other	53		(53		)	53		(53		)
Total	$	976	$	(600	)	$	976	$	(530	)