Special Items - Components of Company's Special Items, Net Included in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ 289	$ 163	$ 450	$ 610
Nonoperating special items, net		21	36	2
Income tax special items, net		6		22
Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	5	2	13	20
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	289	163	450	610
Nonoperating special items, net		21	36	24
Income tax special items, net		6		22
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ 3	$ 2	$ 11	$ 11