Special Items, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ 157	$ (1,923)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	2	26
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	1	(49)
Nonoperating special items, net	3	(23)
Payments for salary and medical costs	90	170
American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	157	(1,925)
Debt refinancing, extinguishment and other, net	2	26
Mark-to-market adjustments on equity and other investments, net	1	(49)
Nonoperating special items, net	3	(23)
Payments for salary and medical costs	90	170
Mainline
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	149	0
PSP Financial Assistance	0	(1,882)
Severance expenses	0	168
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	0	6
Other operating special items, net	8	0
Operating special items, net	157	(1,708)
Mainline | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	149	0
PSP Financial Assistance	0	(1,882)
Severance expenses	0	168
Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net	0	6
Other operating special items, net	8	0
Operating special items, net	157	(1,708)
Regional Carrier
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	0	27
PSP Financial Assistance	0	(244)
Severance expenses	0	2
Operating special items, net	0	(215)
Regional Carrier | American Airlines, Inc.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Fleet impairment	0	27
PSP Financial Assistance	0	(244)
Operating special items, net	$ 0	$ (217)