Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ (257)	$ (153)	$ (2,197)	$ (868)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	56	33	169	98
Defined benefit pension plans and retiree medical:
Current year change	0	(3)	0	10
amr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeBenefitPlanModifications	1,673	0	1,673	0
Derivative financial instruments:
Change in fair value	86	(142)	29	152
Reclassification into earnings	12	(57)	(13)	(287)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Net change in value	2	(1)	5	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax	1,829	(170)	1,863	(28)
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 1,572	$ (323)	$ (334)	$ (896)