Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Passenger Revenue [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline	$ 25,237	$ 23,843	$ 21,408
Passenger Revenue, Regional	6,570	6,414	5,850
Passenger Revenue	31,807	30,257	27,258
Cargo and Freight Revenue	990	1,027	850
Other Revenue, Net	3,873	3,831	3,647
Revenues	36,670	35,115	31,755
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Fuel Costs	10,150	9,730	7,594
Labor and Related Expense	7,266	6,894	6,751
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements	5,647	5,470	4,305
Aircraft Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs	1,955	1,765	1,569
Selling and Marketing Expense	1,590	1,682	1,509
Professional and Contract Services Expense	1,566	1,642	1,549
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,565	1,523	1,511
Landing Fees and Other Rentals	1,336	1,281	1,281
Other Cost of Services	732	721	673
Other Labor-related Expenses	372	264	313
Aircraft Rental	272	298	387
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	452	242	450
Other Cost and Expense, Operating	1,592	1,628	1,646
Operating Expenses	34,495	33,140	29,538
Operating Income (Loss)	2,175	1,975	2,217
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest Income (Expense), Net	(812)	(901)	(969)
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	(193)	(193)	(216)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	(118)	(68)	(391)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(27)	(44)	(33)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(1,150)	(1,206)	(1,609)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	1,025	769	608
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(16)	85	(15)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 1,009	$ 854	$ 593
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.20	$ 1.02	$ 0.71
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.19	$ 1.01	$ 0.70