Components Of Special Charges (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Special Charges [Line Items]
Voluntary severance and benefits	$ 76		$ 125
Subtotal special charges	206	146	370	223
United Continental Holdings Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Integration-related costs	137	145	271	224
Voluntary severance and benefits	76		125
(Gains) losses on aircraft sales		1		(1)
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges, net	(7)		(26)
Subtotal special charges	206	146	370	223
Income tax benefit			(2)
Total special charges, net of income taxes	206		368
United Airlines Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Integration-related costs	98	90	169	164
Voluntary severance and benefits	76		125
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges, net	2		(22)
Subtotal special charges	176	90	272	164
Total special charges, net of income taxes	176		272
Continental Airlines Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Integration-related costs	39	55	102	60
(Gains) losses on aircraft sales		1		(1)
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges, net	(9)		(4)
Subtotal special charges	30	56	98	59
Income tax benefit			(2)
Total special charges, net of income taxes	$ 30		$ 96