Restructuring and Other - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) seat	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) aircraft
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other	$ 0	$ 35	$ 716
Fleet and other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other	$ 0	35	$ 758
Fleet and other | B-747-400
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of aircraft designated for retirement | aircraft			16
Fleet retirement, time horizon			3 years
Number of aircraft retired | aircraft			3
Fleet and other | Regional Carrier
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of seats on aircraft | seat	50
Severance and related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Additional costs and expenses	$ 11	51	$ 71
Restructuring and other	$ 0	$ 0	71
Favorable settlement of outstanding litigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other			67
Insurance settlement
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other			$ 46