Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by (used for) Operating Activities	$ 346	$ 1,090
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including aircraft lease deposits	(1,234)	(1,412)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	336	(109)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and short-term investments	(24)	13
Proceeds from sale of equipment and property	(8)	12
Net cash used for investing activities	(930)	(1,496)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(1,527)	(873)
Proceeds from:
Issuance of debt	1,784	426
Sale leaseback transactions	463	901
Other		1
Net cash provided by financing activities	720	455
Net increase (decrease) in cash	136	49
Cash at beginning of period	168	153
Cash at end of period	$ 304	$ 202

The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds and investments that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities.

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).

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The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a debit balance consistent with its label.

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The cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets.

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The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer.

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The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.

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The gross proceeds received from the asset(s) sold in connection with the transaction involving the sale of property to another party and the lease of the property back to the seller less the costs incurred in connection with the transaction, such as closing and deferred financing costs.

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