Restructuring and Other Items (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	$ 452	$ 242	$ 450
Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Estimated Fair Value Of Aircraft				97
Facilities and Fleet [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	293	135	202
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	237	100	15
Comair Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	66
Gain on slot exchange and divestiture [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions	(78)	(43)	0
Deferred Gain on Sale of Property		78
Delta Employee Severance [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Entity Number of Employees	2,000
Comair Employee Severance [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Entity Number of Employees	1,700
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	116	0	0
United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] | Special Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	$ 116