Special Items, Net - Components of Company's Special Items, Net Included in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 2,000	$ 507	$ 1,051	$ 800	$ 559
Other revenue special item, net					(31)
Nonoperating special items, net			594	132	211
Reorganization items, net					2,655
Income tax special items, net			(3,015)	346	(324)
Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net			29	24	8
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 2,500	$ 495	1,051	783	559
Other revenue special item, net					(31)
Nonoperating special items, net			616	128	121
Reorganization items, net					2,640
Income tax special items, net			(3,468)	344	$ (324)
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net			$ 18	$ 5