Special Items - Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 163	$ 221	$ 610	$ 335
Nonoperating special items, net	21	50	2	101
Income tax special items, net	6	8	22	352
Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	2	2	20	7
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	77	164	350	127
Nonoperating special items, net	21	48	24	89
Income tax special items, net	6	7	20	349
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Operating Special Items, Net [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Mainline operating special items, net	$ 1	$ 2	$ 4	$ 4