Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
International slot and route authorities	$ 708,000,000	$ 708,000,000
Airport operating and gate lease rights, useful life	25
Acquired finite-lived intangible asset, residual value	0
Amortization expense to intangible assets	27,000,000	28,000,000	28,000,000
Annual amortization expense year one	22,000,000
Annual amortization expense year two	22,000,000
Annual amortization expense year three	22,000,000
Annual amortization expense year four	22,000,000
Annual amortization expense year five	$ 22,000,000