Statements Of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net loss	$ (448)	$ (213)
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	31	(154)
Change in fair value	93	524
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses	4	(5)
Investments and other	9	4
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	137	369
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	(311)	156
United Airlines Inc [Member]
Net loss	(423)	(160)
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	15	(125)
Change in fair value	58	385
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses	(1)
Investments and other	4
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	76	260
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	(347)	100
Continental Airlines Inc [Member]
Net loss	(8)	(57)
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	16	(29)
Change in fair value	35	139
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses	5	(5)
Investments and other	6	4
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	62	109
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 54	$ 52