Retirement Benefits - Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ 5,047	$ 4,961
Prior service cost (benefit)	216	245
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive Income	5,263	5,206
Pension Benefits [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	5,036	4,949
Prior service cost (benefit)	216	245
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive Income	5,252	5,194
Retiree Medical And Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(339)	(199)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(1,084)	(1,326)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive Income	(1,423)	(1,525)
Retiree Medical And Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(339)	(199)
Prior service cost (benefit)	(1,084)	(1,326)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive Income	$ (1,423)	$ (1,525)