Indebtedness (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less current maturities	$ 1,256	$ 1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	6,646	6,735
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2023
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2036
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.20%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2021
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.55%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2039
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	7,902	8,123
Less current maturities	1,256	1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	6,646	6,735
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	3,004	3,297
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,851	1,741
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	4.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.375%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,314	1,313
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2036
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,000	1,000
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate	7.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	733	772
Effective interest rate percentage	8.30%
Debt instrument discount, net	50
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Six Point Two Five Senior Convertible Notes Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0	0
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0	0
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.20%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.55%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2039

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

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Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

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Latest date the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

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The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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