Special Items, Net - Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Merger integration expenses	$ 63	$ 104
Fleet restructuring expenses	63	26
Mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations and other	(18)	(5)
Other operating charges (credits), net	11	(26)
Operating special items, net	119	99
Nonoperating special items, net	5
Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	2	5
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Merger integration expenses	63	104
Fleet restructuring expenses	63	26
Mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations and other	(18)	(5)
Other operating charges (credits), net	11	(26)
Operating special items, net	119	99
Nonoperating special items, net	5
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ 2	$ 5