Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	$ 442	$ 1,075
Rent expense	60	257
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	493	493
Operating loss carryforwards	2,296	2,271
Pensions	2,455	2,337
Frequent flyer obligation	657	680
Gains from lease transactions	5	26
Reorganization items	863	0
Other	963	885
Total deferred tax assets	8,234	8,024
Valuation allowance	(5,084)	(4,802)
Net deferred tax assets	3,150	3,222
Accelerated depreciation and amortization	(2,960)	(3,045)
Other	(190)	(177)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(3,150)	(3,222)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 0	$ 0