Special Items, Net - Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Merger integration expenses	$ 62	$ 194	$ 192	$ 395
Fleet restructuring expenses	62	31	174	72
Mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations and other	(12)	39	7	(22)
Labor contract expenses	0	0	45	0
Other operating charges, net	0	25	14	5
Operating special items, net	112	289	432	450
Nonoperating special items, net	3	0	12	36
Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	(5)	5	(1)	13
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Merger integration expenses	62	194	192	395
Fleet restructuring expenses	62	31	174	72
Mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations and other	(12)	39	7	(22)
Labor contract expenses	0	0	45	0
Other operating charges, net	0	25	14	5
Operating special items, net	112	289	432	450
Nonoperating special items, net	3	0	12	36
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Regional Carrier [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Operating special items, net	$ (1)	$ 3	$ 3	$ 11