Operating Segments and Related Disclosures - Operating Revenues by Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 10,600	$ 10,878	$ 11,105	$ 9,624	$ 9,789	$ 10,594	$ 10,363	$ 9,435	$ 42,207	$ 40,180	$ 40,990
DOT Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									29,612	28,620	28,761
DOT Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									5,422	4,995	5,539
DOT Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									5,059	4,769	5,146
DOT Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									2,114	1,796	1,544
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 10,597	$ 10,875	$ 11,102	$ 9,621	$ 9,786	$ 10,591	$ 10,360	$ 9,427	42,195	40,163	40,938
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | DOT Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									29,600	28,603	28,709
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | DOT Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									5,422	4,995	5,539
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | DOT Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									5,059	4,769	5,146
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | DOT Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues									$ 2,114	$ 1,796	$ 1,544