Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative 1) (Details) (USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months	$ 1.6
Other Commitment, Due in Second Year	1.6
Other Commitment, Due in Third Year	1.5
Other Commitment, Due in Fourth Year	1.4
Other Commitment, Due after Fourth Year	$ 8.8
All Employees [Member]
Entity Number of Employees	77,000
Percentage Of Employees Represented By Unions Under Collective Bargaining Agreements	14.00%
Delta Pilots [Member]
Entity Number of Employees	10,700
Date On Which Collective Bargaining Agreement Took Effect	Jul. 01, 2012
Date On Which Collective Bargaining Agreement Becomes Amendable	Dec. 31, 2015
B 717 200 aircraft [Member]
Other Commitments	88
Delivery Dates	2013 and continuing through 2015