Debt instrument, amount held in escrow and not recorded on the balance sheet

No definition available.

Name:	dal_DebtInstrumentAmountHeldInEscrow
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, if collateral coverage ratios are not maintained, additional interest on the notes is payable at a specified interest rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dal_DebtInstrumentCollateralAdditionalInterest
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument was originally scheduled to be fully repaid prior to being extended, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter, etc.).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dal_DebtInstrumentOriginalMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the required periodic payments, as a percentage of principal, applied to principal.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dal_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercentageOfPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Restructuring Amount

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dal_DebtInstrumentRestructuringAmount
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Restructuring Debt Extingushment Threasehold Percentage Change

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dal_RestructuringDebtExtingushmentThreasehold
Namespace Prefix:	dal_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Discussion of whether the debt instrument is secured or unsecured, and, if secured, a description of the collateral and guarantees required or provided.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

States whether the entity was in compliance with the debt covenants throughout the reporting period, and describes facts and circumstances of any compliance failure.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCovenantCompliance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Decrease for amounts repaid on the debt instrument for the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph f

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the frequency of periodic payments (monthly, quarterly, annual).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter, etc.).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gross amount of debt extinguished.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 50

-Section 40

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12355-112629

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 26

-Paragraph 20, 21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 50

-Section 40

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12317-112629

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Long Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Amount Held in Escrow	$ 0	$ 204
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	2,243
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	We were in compliance with all covenants in our financing agreements at December 31, 2011
Restructuring Debt Extingushment Threasehold	10.00%
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	(68)	(391)	(83)
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,400
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Percentage of Principal	0.01
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment	quarterly
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2017
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	1,200
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2016
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	100
Senior Secured Exit Financing Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	2,500
Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	2,600
Revolving Credit Facility Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	500
Aircraft Financings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral	269 aircraft
First Lien Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	914
First Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	86
First Lien Synthetic Revoving Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	600
Second Lien Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2014
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	900
Pacific Routes Term Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			250
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Percentage of Principal	0.01
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument, Original Maturity Date	Sep. 30, 2013
Pacific Routes Revolving Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			500
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Additional Interest	0.02
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			750
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments	75	75
Senior Second Lien Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral Additional Interest	0.02
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	600
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments		171
Other Secured Financing Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	502	403
Debt Instrument, Restructuring Amount		820
Certificates [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Collateral	262 aircraft
Cash Tender Offers [Member] \| Other Secured Financing Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		129
Debt Relief Through Vendor Negotiations [Member] \| Other Secured Financing Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 160