Special Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ 1,225	$ 138
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	180	(69)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other charges	37	0
Nonoperating special items, net	217	(69)
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	1,225	138
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	180	(69)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other charges	37	0
Nonoperating special items, net	217	(69)
Mainline [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	744	0
Labor contract expenses	218	0
Severance expenses	205	0
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	(50)	0
Fleet restructuring expenses	0	83
Merger integration expenses	0	37
Other operating charges, net	15	18
Operating special items, net	1,132	138
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts	676
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs	68
Mainline [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	744	0
Labor contract expenses	218	0
Severance expenses	205	0
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	(50)	0
Fleet restructuring expenses	0	83
Merger integration expenses	0	37
Other operating charges, net	15	18
Operating special items, net	1,132	138
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts	676
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs	68
Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	93	0
Write-down of aircraft	88
Regional Carrier [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	93	$ 0
Write-down of aircraft	$ 88