Debt - Details of 2016-2 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (Detail) - Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) [Member] $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
2016-2 EETC Class AA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 567
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.20%
2016-2 EETC Class A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 261
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.65%
2016-2 EETC Class B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 227
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.375%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | 2016-2 EETC Class AA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 567
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.20%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | 2016-2 EETC Class A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 261
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.65%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | 2016-2 EETC Class B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount	$ 227
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.375%