Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	$ (14)	$ (16)	$ (43)	$ (48)
Prior Service Cost (Benefit) [Member] | Salaries, Wages and Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	(33)	(33)	(100)	(100)
Actuarial Loss [Member] | Salaries, Wages and Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	19	17	57	52
American Airlines, Inc. [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	(14)	(16)	(43)	(49)
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Prior Service Cost (Benefit) [Member] | Salaries, Wages and Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	(33)	(33)	(100)	(101)
American Airlines, Inc. [Member] | Actuarial Loss [Member] | Salaries, Wages and Benefits [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassifications out of AOCI	$ 19	$ 17	$ 57	$ 52