Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,636	$ 2,416
Short-term investments	958	958
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	291	375
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts	1,994	1,693
Fuel inventory	624	619
Expendable parts and supplies inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence	371	404
Deferred income taxes, net	463	463
Prepaid Expense and Other	1,304	1,344
Total current assets	8,641	8,272
Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	20,793	20,713
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	4,709	4,679
Other noncurrent assets	1,131	1,092
Total other assets	15,634	15,565
Total assets	45,068	44,550
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	1,593	1,627
Air traffic liability	4,920	3,696
Accounts payable	2,405	2,293
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	1,715	1,806
Accrued salaries and related benefits	1,223	1,680
Taxes payable	735	585
Fuel card obligation	604	455
Other accrued liabilities	873	1,128
Total current liabilities	14,068	13,270
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt and capital leases	10,721	11,082
Pension, postretirement and related benefits	15,865	16,005
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,616	2,628
Deferred income taxes, net	2,047	2,047
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,694	1,649
Total noncurrent liabilities	32,943	33,411
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Deficit
Common Stock	0	0
Additional paid in capital	14,120	14,069
Accumulated deficit	(7,382)	(7,389)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,426)	(8,577)
Treasury stock, at cost	(255)	(234)
Total stockholders' deficit	(1,943)	(2,131)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	$ 45,068	$ 44,550