Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 2,416	$ 2,657
Short-term Investments	958	958
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	375	305
Receivables, Net, Current	1,693	1,563
Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross	619	168
Airline Related Inventory, Net	404	367
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Current	463	461
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	1,344	1,250
Assets, Current	8,272	7,729
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	20,713	20,223
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	4,679	4,751
Other Assets, Noncurrent	1,092	1,002
Other Assets	15,565	15,547
Assets	44,550	43,499
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current	1,627	1,944
Air Traffic Liability, Current	3,696	3,480
Accounts Payable, Current	2,293	1,600
Frequent Flier Liability, Current	1,806	1,849
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	1,680	1,367
Taxes Payable, Current	585	594
Other Short-term Borrowings	455	318
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	1,128	1,549
Liabilities, Current	13,270	12,701
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	11,082	11,847
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	16,005	14,200
Frequent Flier Liability, Noncurrent	2,628	2,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	2,047	2,028
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	1,649	1,419
Liabilities, Noncurrent	33,411	32,194
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	14,069	13,999
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	(7,389)	(8,398)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(8,577)	(6,766)
Treasury Stock, Value	(234)	(231)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	(2,131)	(1,396)
Liabilities and Equity	$ 44,550	$ 43,499