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Fair Value Disclosure (Summary Of Carrying Value And Estimated Fair Values Of Long Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended9 Months Ended3 Months Ended9 Months Ended12 Months Ended9 Months Ended12 Months Ended
Oct. 04, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2011
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2021 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2021 [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
AAdvantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
AAdvantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Mar. 31, 2011
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
9.0% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
9.0% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Sep. 30, 2011
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Carrying Value of Debt $ 10,926$ 10,532$ 4,577$ 5,114$ 1,985$ 2,002$ 1,627$ 1,641$ 1,000 $ 890$ 890 $ 460$ 460$ 214$ 214$ 173$ 211
Fair Value of Debt $ 9,767$ 10,191$ 3,923$ 4,562$ 1,935$ 2,127$ 1,604$ 1,657$ 800 $ 906$ 903 $ 263$ 526$ 188$ 207$ 148$ 209
Debt instrument interest percentage - minimum     5.10% 6.00%        9.00%9.00%7.88%7.88%
Debt instrument interest percentage - maximum     12.00% 8.50%     6.25%  10.20%10.20%10.55%10.55%
Debt instrument interest percentage8.625%        7.50%7.50%