Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equity investment	$ 0	$ 120	$ 0
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations	0	15	3
Supplemental information:
Interest paid, net	1,091	1,040	964
Income taxes paid	18	20	16
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Equity investment	0	120	0
Settlement of bankruptcy obligations	0	15	3
Supplemental information:
Interest paid, net	1,009	942	867
Income taxes paid	$ 16	$ 18	$ 14