Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES Valuation Allowance We periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. We establish valuation allowances if it is not likely we will realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, our deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results, our industry's historically cyclical financial results and potential current and future tax planning strategies. We recorded a full valuation allowance in 2004 due to our cumulative three year loss position at that time, compounded by the negative industry-wide business trends and outlook. At September 30, 2012, we had a $10.2 billion valuation allowance established against our deferred income tax assets, which represents a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax asset. During the March 2012 quarter, we moved from a cumulative loss position over the previous three years to a cumulative income position for the first time since we established the full valuation allowance. We have concluded as of September 30, 2012 that the valuation allowance was still needed on our net deferred tax assets based upon the weight of the factors described above. We continue to evaluate our cumulative income position and income trend as well as our future projections of sustained profitability. We will evaluate whether this profitability trend constitutes sufficient positive evidence to support a reversal of our valuation allowance (in full or in part). Income Tax Allocation We consider all income sources, including other comprehensive income, in determining the amount of tax benefit allocated to continuing operations (the "Income Tax Allocation"). During 2009, as a result of the Income Tax Allocation, we recorded a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $321 million on other comprehensive income as a result of hedge gains on fuel derivatives and an offsetting non-cash income tax benefit of $321 million. This deferred income tax expense will remain in AOCI until all amounts in AOCI that relate to fuel derivatives which are designated as accounting hedges are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We will reclassify to earnings all amounts relating to our fuel derivative contracts in AOCI on the original contract settlement dates. As a result, a non-cash income tax expense of $321 million will be recognized upon the settlement of the fuel derivative contracts designated as accounting hedges.

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

INCOME TAXES

Valuation Allowance

We periodically assess whether it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred income tax assets. We establish valuation allowances if it is not likely we will realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, our deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial results, our industry's historically cyclical financial results and potential current and future tax planning strategies.

We recorded a full valuation allowance in 2004 due to our cumulative three year loss position at that time, compounded by the negative industry-wide business trends and outlook. At September 30, 2012, we had a $10.2 billion valuation allowance established against our deferred income tax assets, which represents a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax asset.

During the March 2012 quarter, we moved from a cumulative loss position over the previous three years to a cumulative income position for the first time since we established the full valuation allowance. We have concluded as of September 30, 2012 that the valuation allowance was still needed on our net deferred tax assets based upon the weight of the factors described above. We continue to evaluate our cumulative income position and income trend as well as our future projections of sustained profitability. We will evaluate whether this profitability trend constitutes sufficient positive evidence to support a reversal of our valuation allowance (in full or in part).

Income Tax Allocation

We consider all income sources, including other comprehensive income, in determining the amount of tax benefit allocated to continuing operations (the "Income Tax Allocation"). During 2009, as a result of the Income Tax Allocation, we recorded a non-cash deferred income tax expense of $321 million on other comprehensive income as a result of hedge gains on fuel derivatives and an offsetting non-cash income tax benefit of $321 million. This deferred income tax expense will remain in AOCI until all amounts in AOCI that relate to fuel derivatives which are designated as accounting hedges are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We will reclassify to earnings all amounts relating to our fuel derivative contracts in AOCI on the original contract settlement dates. As a result, a non-cash income tax expense of $321 million will be recognized upon the settlement of the fuel derivative contracts designated as accounting hedges.