Special Items - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013 Aircraft	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012 Attendant
Special Charges [Line Items]
Severance and benefits			$ 76	$ 14	$ 125
Number of flight attendants voluntarily on leave				1,300	1,800
Temporary grounding of 787 aircraft charges	7			18
Gain related to contract termination				5
Loss on sale of asset				2
Number of mechanics offering to retire early					400
Number of flight attendants accepted voluntary retirement					1,300
Number of aircraft that the company operate		133
Number of aircraft to be sold		30
Depreciation		40
Expected depreciation for full year of 2013		80
Accrual severance and medical costs	38		153	38	153
Accrual balance of future lease	3		8	3	8
Voluntary retirement program
Special Charges [Line Items]
Severance and benefits					$ 76