Computation of Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
UAL 4.5% Senior Limited-Subordination Convertible Notes
Earnings Loss Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible effective interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Continental 4.5% Convertible Notes
Earnings Loss Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible effective interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Continental 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures
Earnings Loss Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible effective interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
UAL 6% Senior Convertible Notes
Earnings Loss Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument convertible effective interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%