CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger	$ 3,239,525	$ 3,467,546	$ 3,584,777
Ground handling and other	58,200	66,826	70,146
Total operating revenues	3,297,725	3,534,372	3,654,923
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages and benefits	1,211,307	1,171,689	1,155,051
Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs	686,381	659,869	712,926
Aircraft rentals	325,360	333,637	346,526
Depreciation and amortization	245,005	251,958	254,182
Aircraft fuel	193,513	426,387	592,871
Station rentals and landing fees	114,688	169,855	174,838
Ground handling services	129,119	125,148	131,462
Acquisition related costs			5,770
Other, net	239,241	229,842	240,192
Total operating expenses	3,144,614	3,368,385	3,613,818
OPERATING INCOME	153,111	165,987	41,105
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	3,689	7,928	8,236
Interest expense	(68,658)	(77,380)	(80,383)
Purchase accounting adjustment			(5,711)
Other, net	10,390	(10,639)	(13,417)
Total other expense, net	(54,579)	(80,091)	(91,275)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	98,532	85,896	(50,170)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	39,576	34,739	(22,835)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	58,956	51,157	(27,335)
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 1.14	$ 1.00	$ (0.52)
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (in dollars per share)	$ 1.12	$ 0.99	$ (0.52)
Weighted average common shares:
Basic (in shares)	51,688	51,090	52,201
Diluted (in shares)	52,422	51,746	52,201
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Net income (loss)	58,956	51,157	(27,335)
Proportionate share of other companies foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	66	(251)	(295)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on marketable securities, net of taxes	(13)	316	534
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 59,009	$ 51,222	$ (27,096)