Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 6,644	$ 6,204	$ 12,306	$ 11,334
Passenger Revenue, Regional	1,807	1,687	3,371	3,132
Passenger Revenue	8,451	7,891	15,677	14,466
Cargo and Freight Revenue	262	264	506	514
Other Revenue, Net	1,019	998	1,962	1,920
Revenues	9,732	9,153	18,145	16,900
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Fuel Costs	3,305	2,663	5,538	4,829
Labor and Related Expense	1,825	1,739	3,588	3,466
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements	1,416	1,410	2,791	2,710
Aircraft Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs	548	485	1,109	970
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	388	381	774	757
Selling and Marketing Expense	393	440	773	809
Professional and Contract Services Expense	397	415	775	840
Landing Fees and Other Rentals	347	320	652	633
Other Cost of Services	187	181	358	345
Aircraft Rental	68	74	143	152
Other Labor-related Expenses	135	8	135	8
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	193	144	181	151
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	396	412	812	841
Operating Expenses	9,598	8,672	17,629	16,511
Operating Income (Loss)	134	481	516	389
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(207)	(233)	(428)	(454)
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	(49)	(46)	(100)	(93)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	(13)	0	(33)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(42)	6	(25)	(4)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(298)	(286)	(553)	(584)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(164)	195	(37)	(195)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(4)	3	(7)	75
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	(168)	198	(44)	(120)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (0.20)	$ 0.24	$ (0.05)	$ (0.14)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.20)	$ 0.23	$ (0.05)	$ (0.14)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ (140)	$ 8	$ 232	$ (135)