Operating Segments and Related Disclosures - Operating Revenues by Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 40,990	$ 42,650	$ 26,743
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	41,084	42,763	26,701
DOT Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	28,761	28,568	15,376
DOT Domestic [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	28,855	28,671	15,392
DOT Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	5,539	6,964	6,288
DOT Latin America [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	5,539	6,974	6,267
DOT Atlantic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	5,146	5,652	3,756
DOT Atlantic [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	5,146	5,652	3,720
DOT Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	1,544	1,466	1,323
DOT Pacific [Member] | American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 1,544	$ 1,466	$ 1,322