Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 2,539	$ 2,657
Short-term Investments	959	958
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	368	305
Receivables, Net, Current	1,828	1,563
Airline Related Inventory, Net	393	367
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	488	461
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	1,882	1,418
Assets, Current	8,457	7,729
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	20,609	20,223
Other Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	9,794	9,794
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	4,716	4,751
Other Assets, Noncurrent	1,144	1,002
Other Assets	15,654	15,547
Assets	44,720	43,499
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current	1,779	1,944
Air Traffic Liability, Current	5,006	3,480
Accounts Payable, Current	2,175	1,600
Frequent Flier Liability, Current	1,665	1,849
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	1,229	1,367
Taxes Payable, Current	722	594
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	476	318
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	1,641	1,549
Liabilities, Current	14,693	12,701
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	11,221	11,847
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	13,613	14,200
Frequent Flier Liability, Noncurrent	2,651	2,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	2,071	2,028
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	1,606	1,419
Liabilities, Noncurrent	31,162	32,194
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	14,031	13,999
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	(8,442)	(8,398)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(6,490)	(6,766)
Treasury Stock, Value	(234)	(231)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	(1,135)	(1,396)
Liabilities and Equity	$ 44,720	$ 43,499