Special Items - Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 144	$ 251	$ 447	$ 114
Nonoperating special items, net	(11)	2	(19)	50
Income tax special items, net	7	337	16	345
Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	10	2	18	6
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	74	179	272	(37)
Nonoperating special items, net	11	(4)	3	40
Income tax special items, net	7	335	15	342
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 1	$ 1	$ 4	$ 2