Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Deferred offering costs charged to additional paid-in capital, net of proceeds		$ 6,100,000
Credit shell, contractual term	60 days
Amortization of heavy maintenance and major overhaul costs	9,100,000	2,574,000	1,307,000
Deferred costs for heavy maintenance	61,600,000	22,100,000	5,200,000
Accumulated heavy maintenance amortization	(14,000,000)	(4,900,000)	(2,300,000)
Marketing and advertising expenses	2,400,000	2,500,000	4,000,000
Related-party interest expense	0	21,000,000	44,600,000
Non-related party interest expense	$ 1,400,000	$ 3,800,000	$ 5,700,000
Aircraft fuel expenditure concentration risk | Total operating expenses
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Company's employees covered under collective bargaining agreements (as a percent)	41.00%	42.00%	35.00%
Unionized employees concentration risk | Number of employees, total
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Union-represented employee groups	3
Company's employees covered under collective bargaining agreements (as a percent)	54.00%	52.00%