Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ (238,000,000)	$ (162,000,000)	$ (2,139,000,000)	$ (884,000,000)
Defined benefit pension plans and retiree medical:
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	56,000,000	33,000,000	169,000,000	98,000,000
Current year change	0	(3,000,000)	0	10,000,000
amr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBenefitPlanModifications	1,673,000,000	0	1,673,000,000	0
Derivative financial instruments:
Change in fair value	86,000,000	(142,000,000)	29,000,000	152,000,000
Reclassification into earnings	12,000,000	(57,000,000)	(13,000,000)	(287,000,000)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Net change in value	2,000,000	(1,000,000)	5,000,000	(1,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax	1,829,000,000	(170,000,000)	1,863,000,000	(28,000,000)
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 1,591,000,000	$ (332,000,000)	$ (276,000,000)	$ (912,000,000)