Indebtedness and Leases (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less current maturities	$ 1,335	$ 1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	8,863	6,735
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2023
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2036
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	10,198	8,123
Less current maturities	1,335	1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	8,863	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	2,625	3,297
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	2,747	1,741
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	4.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	7.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,288	1,313
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2031
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 (percent)	7.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,886	0
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Debt instrument maturity year	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	652	772
Effective interest rate percentage (percent)	8.30%
Debt instrument discount, net	$ 43

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

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When presenting a range of interest rates, the highest effective rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date.

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When presenting a range of interest rates, the lowest effective rate for funds borrowed under the debt agreement as of the balance sheet date.

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Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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Maximum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the 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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Amount of long-term debt, after unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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