Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 6	$ 653	$ (103)	$ 978
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	38	(94)	107	(526)
Change in fair value	133	(181)	(36)	112
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial items	4	(5)	13	(18)
Investments and other	5	(5)	14
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	180	(285)	98	(432)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	186	368	(5)	546
United Air Lines Inc
Net income (loss)	(127)	415	(621)	536
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	23	(90)	55	(427)
Change in fair value	77	(91)	(13)	145
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial items	(2)		(4)	(1)
Investments and other	3	(3)	7	(4)
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	101	(184)	45	(287)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	(26)	231	(576)	249
Continental Airlines Inc
Net income (loss)	102	236	534	441
Fuel derivative financial instruments:
Reclassification into earnings	15	(4)	52	(99)
Change in fair value	56	(90)	(23)	(33)
Employee benefit plans:
Amortization of net actuarial items	6	(5)	17	(17)
Investments and other	3	(2)	8	2
Comprehensive income (loss) adjustments, before tax	80	(101)	54	(147)
Total comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 182	$ 135	$ 588	$ 294

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