Summary Of Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Airport operating and gate lease rights, amortized life (in years)	25
Airport operating and gate lease rights, residual value	$ 0
Deferred and amortization period of revenue for air transportation sold at fair value (in months)	28
Unrecognized revenue	4,223	3,656
Advertising expense	186	165	153
AAdvantage Miles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Unrecognized revenue	$ 1,600	$ 1,400
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual value percentage of equipments and properties	10.00%
Maximum [Member] | Aircraft [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortized period of equipment and property under capital leases, in years	25
Maximum [Member] | Other Leased Equipment And Property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortized period of equipment and property under capital leases, in years	40
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Residual value percentage of equipments and properties	5.00%
Minimum [Member] | Aircraft [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortized period of equipment and property under capital leases, in years	6
Minimum [Member] | Other Leased Equipment And Property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Amortized period of equipment and property under capital leases, in years	7