Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Cash Provided by (used for) Operating Activities	$ 1,652	$ 571
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including aircraft lease deposits	(728)	(577)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	(891)	(531)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and short-term investments	34	7
Proceeds from sale of equipment and property	(56)	13
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,597)	(1,128)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(602)	(1,013)
Proceeds from:
Issuance of debt	0	1,530
Sale leaseback transactions	568	262
Funds transferred to affiliates, net	66	(74)
Net cash provided by financing activities	32	705
Net increase (decrease) in cash	87	148
Cash at beginning of period	280	165
Cash at end of period	$ 367	$ 313