Special Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ (4,455)	$ (966)	$ 641
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	31	135	(5)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	29	35	8
Nonoperating special items, net	60	170	3
Fleet equipment impairment and inventory write-down		1,500
Operating lease, impairment loss		109
Payments for restructuring, salary and medical costs	520	365
American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	(4,518)	(995)	635
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	31	135	(5)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	29	35	16
Nonoperating special items, net	60	170	11
Fleet equipment impairment and inventory write-down	1,500
Operating lease, impairment loss	109
Payments for restructuring, salary and medical costs	365
Mainline
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payroll Support Program Grant	(4,162)	(3,710)	0
Severance expenses	168	1,408	11
Litigation reserve adjustments	(19)	0	(53)
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	(3)	(49)	(11)
Fleet impairment	0	1,484	213
Labor contract expenses	0	228	0
Fleet restructuring expenses	0	0	271
Merger integration expenses	0	0	191
Other operating special items, net	10	(18)	13
Operating special items, net	(4,006)	(657)	635
Mainline | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payroll Support Program Grant	(4,162)	(3,710)	0
Severance expenses	168	1,408	11
Litigation reserve adjustments	(19)	0	(53)
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	(3)	(49)	(11)
Fleet impairment	0	1,484	213
Labor contract expenses	0	228	0
Fleet restructuring expenses	0	0	271
Merger integration expenses	0	0	191
Other operating special items, net	10	(18)	13
Operating special items, net	(4,006)	(657)	635
Regional Carrier
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payroll Support Program Grant	(539)	(444)	0
Severance expenses	2	18	0
Fleet impairment	27	117	0
Other operating special items, net	0	0	6
Operating special items, net	(449)	(309)	6
Regional pilot retention program	61	0	0
Regional Carrier | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payroll Support Program Grant	(539)	(444)	0
Fleet impairment	27	106	0
Operating special items, net	$ (512)	$ (338)	$ 0