Special Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ (1,455)	$ (1,672)	$ (3,377)	$ (447)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	37	0	(13)	180
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	0	11	26	48
Nonoperating special items, net	37	11	13	228
Payments for salary and medical costs	120		290
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts				784
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs				76
American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	(1,455)	(1,697)	(3,379)	(472)
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	37	0	(13)	180
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	0	11	26	48
Nonoperating special items, net	37	11	13	228
Payments for salary and medical costs	120		290
Write-down of aircraft and spare parts				773
Write-offs of ROU assets and lease return costs				76
Mainline
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP Financial Assistance	(1,288)	(1,803)	(3,170)	(1,803)
Severance expenses	0	332	168	537
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	0	0	6	(49)
Fleet impairment	0	0	0	743
Labor contract expenses	0	10	0	228
Other operating special items, net	0	(33)	0	(18)
Operating special items, net	(1,288)	(1,494)	(2,996)	(362)
Mainline | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP Financial Assistance	(1,288)	(1,803)	(3,170)	(1,803)
Severance expenses	0	332	168	537
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	0	0	6	(49)
Fleet impairment	0	0	0	743
Labor contract expenses	0	10	0	228
Other operating special items, net	0	(33)	0	(18)
Operating special items, net	(1,288)	(1,494)	(2,996)	(362)
Regional Carrier
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP Financial Assistance	(167)	(216)	(410)	(216)
Severance expenses	0	14	2	14
Fleet impairment	0	24	27	117
Operating special items, net	(167)	(178)	(381)	(85)
Regional Carrier | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
PSP Financial Assistance	(167)	(216)	(410)	(216)
Fleet impairment	0	13	27	106
Operating special items, net	$ (167)	$ (203)	$ (383)	$ (110)