Income Taxes (Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal and state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards	$ 2,911	$ 3,429
Frequent flyer deferred revenue	2,386	2,358
Employee benefits, including pension, postretirement and medical	1,897	1,741
Lease fair value adjustment	376	504
AMT credit carryforwards	268	268
Restructuring charges	50	69
Other assets	1,201	1,031
Less: accumulated amortization	(4,137)	(4,171)
Total deferred tax assets	4,952	5,229
Depreciation, capitalized interest and other	(3,860)	(4,091)
Intangibles	(1,627)	(1,699)
Other liabilities	(453)	(433)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(5,940)	(6,223)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (988)	$ (994)