Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 1,009	$ 854	$ 593
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,565	1,523	1,511
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	193	193	216
Other Noncash Expense	56	68	391
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(209)	135	(136)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	17	(2)	9
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	(208)	(308)	(301)
Share-based Compensation	54	72	89
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	184	142	182
Adjustment, SkyMiles used pursuant to advance purchase agreement	333	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables	(116)	(76)	(141)
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments for Operating Activities	(51)	153	16
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories	(451)	(8)	(36)
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets	(134)	(8)	29
Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability	216	174	232
Increase (Decrease) in Frequent Flyer Liability	(115)	82	(345)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	899	303	516
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net	66	373	98
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement	(34)	(90)	105
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	2,476	2,834	2,832
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Payments for Flight Equipment	(1,196)	(907)	(1,055)
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets	(772)	(347)	(287)
Payments to Acquire Investments	(958)	(1,078)	(815)
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	1,019	844	149
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	(55)	(10)	(18)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(1,962)	(1,498)	(2,026)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities	(2,864)	(4,172)	(3,722)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	1,965	2,395	1,130
Proceeds from Other Short-term Debt	137	318	0
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	(41)	(63)	(19)
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	48	(49)	90
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(755)	(1,571)	(2,521)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)	(241)	(235)	(1,715)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	2,657	2,892	4,607
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	2,416	2,657	2,892
Interest Paid	834	925	1,036
Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	28	117	329
RedevelopmentProjectFundedByThirdParties	214	126	0
Debt Relief Through Vendor Negotiations	0	0	160
Debt Discount On Customer Agreement	$ 0	$ 0	$ 110