Schedule of Derivative Credit Risk and Fair Value (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012
United Continental Holdings Inc
Derivative [Line Items]
Net derivative liability with counterparties	$ 101
Collateral posted by the Company with its counterparties	61	[1]
Potential loss related to the failure of the Company's counterparties to perform
United Airlines Inc
Derivative [Line Items]
Net derivative liability with counterparties	54
Collateral posted by the Company with its counterparties	27	[1]
Potential loss related to the failure of the Company's counterparties to perform
Continental Airlines Inc
Derivative [Line Items]
Net derivative liability with counterparties	47
Collateral posted by the Company with its counterparties	34	[1]
Potential loss related to the failure of the Company's counterparties to perform

[1] Classified as a current receivable.