Operating Segments and Related Disclosures - Operating Revenues by Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 40,180	$ 40,990	$ 42,650
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	40,163	40,938	42,676
DOT Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	28,620	28,761	28,568
DOT Domestic [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	28,603	28,709	28,584
DOT Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	4,995	5,539	6,964
DOT Latin America [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	4,995	5,539	6,974
DOT Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	4,769	5,146	5,652
DOT Atlantic [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	4,769	5,146	5,652
DOT Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	1,796	1,544	1,466
DOT Pacific [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 1,796	$ 1,544	$ 1,466