Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 1,778	$ 845
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits paid	(1,399)	(1,027)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	65	146
Decrease in restricted cash, net	35	98
Increase in short-term and other investments, net	(22)	(22)
Other, net	22
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,299)	(805)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments of long-term debt	(1,965)	(1,158)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	819	86
Principal payments under capital leases	(98)	(89)
Other, net	(70)	4
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,314)	(1,157)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(835)	(1,117)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	4,770	6,246
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	3,935	5,129
Investing and Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash:
Exchanges of certain 6% convertible senior notes for common stock (Note 3)	240
Net property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt	239	526
Special facility and airport construction financing	35	132
8% Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes, net of discount		48
United Airlines, Inc.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,774	844
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits paid	(1,399)	(1,027)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	65	146
Decrease in restricted cash, net	36	98
Increase in short-term and other investments, net	(22)	(22)
Other, net	20
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,300)	(805)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments of long-term debt	(1,965)	(1,158)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	819	86
Principal payments under capital leases	(98)	(89)
Other, net	(67)	6
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,311)	(1,155)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(837)	(1,116)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	4,765	6,240
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	3,928	5,124
Investing and Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash:
Net property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt	239	526
Special facility and airport construction financing	35	132
8% Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes, net of discount		$ 48