Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 5,675	$ 5,134
Passenger Revenue, Regional	1,551	1,441
Passenger Revenue	7,226	6,575
Cargo and Freight Revenue	244	250
Other Revenue, Net	943	922
Revenues	8,413	7,747
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Fuel Costs	2,233	2,166
Labor and Related Expense	1,763	1,727
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements	1,375	1,300
Aircraft Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs	561	485
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	386	376
Selling and Marketing Expense	380	369
Professional and Contract Services Expense	378	425
Landing Fees and Other Rentals	305	313
Other Cost of Services	171	164
Aircraft Rental	75	78
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	(12)	7
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	416	429
Operating Expenses	8,031	7,839
Operating Income (Loss)	382	(92)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(221)	(221)
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	(51)	(47)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	17	(29)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(255)	(297)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	127	(389)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(3)	71
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	124	(318)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.15	$ (0.38)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.15	$ (0.38)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 372	$ (143)