Debt - Details of 2017-1 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (Detail) - Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) [Member] $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Series 2017-1 Class AA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 537
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 190
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.65%
Series 2017-1 Class A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 248
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 88
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.00%
Series 2017-1 Class B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 198
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 70
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.95%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Series 2017-1 Class AA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 537
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 190
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	3.65%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Series 2017-1 Class A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 248
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 88
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.00%
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Series 2017-1 Class B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount	$ 198
Debt instrument, remaining escrowed proceeds	$ 70
Debt instrument, stated interest rate percentage	4.95%