Special Items, Net - Components of Special Items, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet restructuring expenses	$ 82	$ 63
Merger integration expenses	59	63
Labor contract expenses	13	0
Other operating charges, net	41	(7)
Mainline operating special items, net	195	119
Regional operating special items, net	0	2
Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges	0	5
Nonoperating special items, net	0	5
Income tax special items, net	22	0
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet restructuring expenses	82	63
Merger integration expenses	59	63
Labor contract expenses	13	0
Other operating charges, net	41	(7)
Mainline operating special items, net	195	119
Regional operating special items, net	0	2
Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges	0	5
Nonoperating special items, net	0	5
Income tax special items, net	$ 30	$ 0