Special Items - Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 303	$ (137)
Nonoperating special items, net	(8)	47
Income tax special items, net	9	8
Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	7	4
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	198	(216)
Nonoperating special items, net	(8)	44
Income tax special items, net	8	7
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 2	$ 1