Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 4,375	$ 4,303
International Routes and Slots [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	2,240	2,290
Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	850	850
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	661	661
Domestic Slots [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 624	$ 502