Supplemental Financial Information - Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Postretirement obligation	$ 169	$ 148
Non-current lease-related obligations	312	376
Airport construction obligation		331
Other deferred compensation	153	141
Other	72	91
Other non-current liabilities	1,198	1,124
Fuel derivatives | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Liability derivative contracts, net	18	0
Interest rate derivatives | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Liability derivative contracts, net	54	37
DAL
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Airport construction obligation	$ 420