Fair Value Measurements (Long Term Debt And Current Maturities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Other LT Debt [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] Other LT Debt [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value			$ 7,633	$ 8,247	$ 2,648	$ 2,952	$ 1,830	$ 1,942	$ 1,318	$ 1,436	$ 1,000	$ 1,000	$ 809	$ 890	$ 28	$ 27	$ 1,427	$ 1,642	$ 1,241	$ 1,456	$ 0	$ 0	$ 186	$ 186	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value			$ 7,693	$ 7,444	$ 2,568	$ 2,647	$ 1,949	$ 1,927	$ 1,332	$ 1,230	$ 1,001	$ 711	$ 815	$ 902	$ 28	$ 27	$ 1,130	$ 1,160	$ 1,024	$ 1,123	$ 0	$ 0	$ 106	$ 37	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum		5.10%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum		10.38%