Retirement Benefits - Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance at December 31	$ 10,986	$ 10,057
Actual return on plan assets	(506)	746
Employer contributions	6	810
Settlements	(3)	(20)
Benefit payments	(776)	(607)
Ending balance at December 31	9,707	10,986
Funded status at December 31	(6,688)	(6,608)
Pension Benefits [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance at December 31	10,935	10,009
Actual return on plan assets	(505)	742
Employer contributions	6	809
Settlements	(3)	(20)
Benefit payments	(773)	(605)
Ending balance at December 31	9,660	10,935
Funded status at December 31	(6,650)	(6,569)
Retiree Medical And Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance at December 31	244	239
Actual return on plan assets	(10)	11
Employer contributions	89	106
Benefit payments	(94)	(112)
Other	24	(4)
Ending balance at December 31	253	244
Funded status at December 31	(878)	(1,081)
Retiree Medical And Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance at December 31	244	239
Actual return on plan assets	(10)	11
Employer contributions	89	105
Benefit payments	(94)	(111)
Other	24	(4)
Ending balance at December 31	253	244
Funded status at December 31	$ (876)	$ (1,080)