Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Term on alliance agreement (years)	3
Break-even payments to Southwest in the second year of air service	$ 12,000,000
Standby guarantee liability	800,000
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	934,000	(3,892,000)	4,215,000
Carrying value of long-lived assets	471,700,000	13,200,000
Fair value of long-lived assets	94,400,000	8,900,000
Impairment charge on long lived assets	377,300,000	4,300,000
Minimum discount rate	10.00%
Maximum discount rate	20.00%
Write off of note receivable	100,000
Qualifying Special Purpose [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest income	$ 600,000	$ 400,000	$ 400,000
Maturity period of certain monetized installment notes (in years)	15
Minimum [Member] | Qualifying Special Purpose [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount rate on retained interest	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Qualifying Special Purpose [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Maximum discount rate	7.00%