Special Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ (1,923)	$ 1,225
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	(49)	180
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	26	37
Nonoperating special items, net	(23)	217
Payments for salary and medical costs	170
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts	27	764
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs		73
American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	(1,925)	1,225
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	(49)	180
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	26	37
Nonoperating special items, net	(23)	217
Payments for salary and medical costs	170
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts	27	764
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs		73
Mainline
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP2 Financial Assistance	(1,882)	0
Severance expenses	168	205
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	6	(50)
Fleet impairment	0	744
Labor contract expenses	0	218
Other operating special items, net	0	15
Operating special items, net	(1,708)	1,132
Mainline | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP2 Financial Assistance	(1,882)	0
Severance expenses	168	205
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	6	(50)
Fleet impairment	0	744
Labor contract expenses	0	218
Other operating special items, net	0	15
Operating special items, net	(1,708)	1,132
Regional Carrier
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP2 Financial Assistance	(244)	0
Severance expenses	2	0
Fleet impairment	27	93
Operating special items, net	(215)	93
Regional Carrier | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP2 Financial Assistance	(244)	0
Fleet impairment	27	93
Operating special items, net	$ (217)	$ 93