(Gain) Loss on Aircraft Sales

No definition available.

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- Definition

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Restructuring

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Significant and non-routine operating expenses such as asset impairments and restructuring charges that may not be an indicator of future cash flows.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Restructuring And Other Charges Net Of Tax

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Details

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- Definition

Costs incurred to effect a business combination which have been expensed during the period. Such costs could include business integration costs, systems integration and conversion costs, and severance and other employee-related costs.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The gains (losses) included in results of operations resulting from the sale or disposal of other assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

Amount of payroll tax expense, compensation, postemployment and benefit-related expenses not elsewhere specified in the taxonomy (such as health plan, profit sharing, incentives, tuition reimbursement, other fringe benefits and perquisites) incurred in the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

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- Definition

Period expense related to postemployment benefits.

+ References

No definition available.

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Components of Special Charges (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Special Charges [Line Items]
Voluntary severance and benefits		$ 76		$ 125
Subtotal special charges	514		120	884	343
United Continental Holdings Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Labor agreement costs	454			454
Integration-related costs	60		123	331	347
Voluntary severance and benefits				125
Gains on aircraft sales			(3)		(4)
Gains on sale of assets and other special charges, net				(26)
Subtotal special charges	514		120	884	343
Income tax benefit				(2)
Total special charges, net of income taxes	514			882
United Air Lines Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Labor agreement costs	296			296
Integration-related costs	36		72	205	236
Voluntary severance and benefits				125
Gains on sale of assets and other special charges, net				(22)
Subtotal special charges	332		72	604	236
Total special charges, net of income taxes	332			604
Continental Airlines Inc
Special Charges [Line Items]
Labor agreement costs	158			158
Integration-related costs	24		51	126	111
Gains on aircraft sales			(3)		(4)
Gains on sale of assets and other special charges, net				(4)
Subtotal special charges	182		48	280	107
Income tax benefit				(2)
Total special charges, net of income taxes	$ 182			$ 278