Name:	luv_AirportProjectLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate costs related to airport construction projects recorded as an asset.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_AssetsConstructedForOthers
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total expected cost of the airport modernization project for the city.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_ExpectedTotalCostOfAirportProject
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long-term debt securities issued by state, city or local governments or the agencies operated by state, city or local governments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_MunicipalBondsIssued
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate costs related to airport construction projects recorded as a liability.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_ObligationRelatedtoAssetsConstructedForOthers
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Airport Project [Line Items]
Municipal bonds issued			$ 146	$ 310
Airport construction obligation							331
Depreciation and amortization	221	217			643	620
DAL
Airport Project [Line Items]
Expected total airport modernization project cost	519
Assets constructed for others	415				415
Airport construction obligation	420				420
Depreciation and amortization	3				6
HOU
Airport Project [Line Items]
Expected total airport modernization project cost	$ 156