Fair Value Measurements (Long Term Debt And Current Maturities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.20%
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.55%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 10,198	$ 8,123
Fair Value	10,383	8,115
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,625	3,297
Fair Value	2,570	3,143
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,747	1,741
Fair Value	2,725	1,811
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,288	1,313
Fair Value	1,368	1,308
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,000	1,000
Fair Value	1,190	1,074
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,886	0
Fair Value	1,872	0
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	652	772
Fair Value	658	779
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,130	1,198
Fair Value	1,038	885
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	104	172
Fair Value	107	154
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	186	186
Fair Value	176	186
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	460	460
Fair Value	485	400
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	214	214
Fair Value	221	112
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	166	166
Fair Value	$ 49	$ 33