Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Passenger:
Mainline	$ 23,864	$ 21,408	$ 18,522
Regional carriers	6,393	5,850	5,285
Total passenger revenue	30,257	27,258	23,807
Cargo	1,027	850	788
Other	3,831	3,647	3,468
Revenues	35,115	31,755	28,063
Operating Expense:
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	9,730	7,594	7,384
Salaries and related costs	6,894	6,751	6,838
Contract carrier arrangements	5,470	4,305	3,823
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs	1,765	1,569	1,434
Selling and Marketing Expense	1,682	1,509	1,405
Professional and Contract Services Expense	1,642	1,549	1,595
Depreciation and amortization	1,523	1,511	1,536
Landing fees and other rents	1,281	1,281	1,289
Passenger service	721	673	638
Aircraft rent	298	387	480
Other Labor-related Expenses	264	313	0
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	242	450	407
Other	1,628	1,646	1,558
Operating Expenses	33,140	29,538	28,387
Operating Income (Loss)	1,975	2,217	(324)
Other (Expense) Income:
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(901)	(969)	(881)
Amortization of debt discount, net	(193)	(216)	(370)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	(68)	(391)	(83)
Miscellaneous, net	(44)	(33)	77
Total other expense, net	(1,206)	(1,609)	(1,257)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	769	608	(1,581)
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	85	(15)	344
Net Income (Loss)	$ 854	$ 593	$ (1,237)
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share	$ 1.02	$ 0.71	$ (1.50)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share	$ 1.01	$ 0.70	$ (1.50)