Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 11, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	AMR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000006201
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		335,271,557

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues
Passenger - American Airlines	$ 4,557	$ 4,134
-Regional Affiliates	670	577
Cargo	168	169
Other revenues	642	653
Total operating revenues	6,037	5,533
Expenses
Aircraft fuel	2,165	1,842
Wages, salaries and benefits	1,782	1,722
Other rentals and landing fees	328	352
Maintenance, materials and repairs	343	305
Depreciation and amortization	260	276
Commissions, booking fees and credit card expense	266	256
Aircraft rentals	143	160
Food service	125	121
Special charges	11
Other operating expenses	703	731
Total operating expenses	6,126	5,765
Operating Income (Loss)	(89)	(232)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income	6	7
Interest expense (contractual interest expense equals $(198) for the three months ended March 31, 2012)	(178)	(200)
Interest capitalized	12	7
Miscellaneous - net	(10)	(18)
Other Income (Expense)	(170)	(204)
Income (Loss) Before Reorganization Items, Net	(259)	(436)
Reorganization Items, Net	(1,401)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(1,660)	(436)
Income tax
Net Loss	$ (1,660)	$ (436)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic	$ (4.95)	$ (1.31)
Diluted	$ (4.95)	$ (1.31)

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Contractual interest expense	$ (198)

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ (1,660)	$ (436)
Defined benefit pension plans and retiree medical:
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost	56	32
Current year change	2	13
Derivative financial instruments:
Change in fair value	48	475
Reclassification into earnings	(26)	(98)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments
Net change in value
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax	80	422
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ (1,580)	$ (14)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets
Cash	$ 375	$ 283
Short-term investments	4,444	3,718
Restricted cash and short-term investments	771	738
Receivables, net	1,056	902
Inventories, net	619	617
Fuel derivative contracts	124	97
Other current assets	389	402
Total current assets	7,778	6,757
Equipment and Property
Flight equipment, net	10,800	11,041
Other equipment and property, net	2,114	2,126
Purchase deposits for flight equipment	682	746
Equipment and property, net	13,596	13,913
Equipment and Property Under Capital Leases
Flight equipment, net	253	323
Other equipment and property, net	69	70
Equipment and property under capital leases, net	322	393
International slots and route authorities	708	708
Domestic slots and airport operating and gate lease rights, less accumulated amortization, net	179	186
Other assets	1,928	1,891
Total Assets	24,511	23,848
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,336	1,007
Accrued liabilities	1,700	1,882
Air traffic liability	4,848	4,223
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,593	1,518
Current obligations under capital leases	66
Total current liabilities	9,543	8,630
Long-term debt, less current maturities	6,575	6,702
Obligations under capital leases, less current obligations	316
Pension and postretirement benefits	77	9,204
Other liabilities, deferred gains and deferred credits	1,685	1,580
Liabilities Subject to Compromise	15,001	4,843
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock
Common stock	341	341
Additional paid-in capital	4,470	4,465
Treasury stock	(367)	(367)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,884)	(3,964)
Accumulated deficit	(9,246)	(7,586)
Total stockholders' equity	(8,686)	(7,111)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$ 24,511	$ 23,848

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Cash Provided by (used for) Operating Activities	$ 1,067	$ 708
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including aircraft lease deposits	(238)	(359)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments	(726)	(1,185)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and short-term investments	(33)	(5)
Proceeds from sale of equipment and property	12	(6)
Net cash used for investing activities	(985)	(1,555)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(314)	(323)
Proceeds from:
Issuance of debt		1,164
Sale leaseback transactions	324	125
Other		(1)
Net cash provided by financing activities	10	965
Net increase (decrease) in cash	92	118
Cash at beginning of period	283	168
Cash at end of period	$ 375	$ 286

Chapter 11 Reorganization

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Chapter 11 Reorganization [Abstract]

Chapter 11 Reorganization

1. Chapter 11 Reorganization

Overview

On November 29, 2011 (the Petition Date), AMR Corporation (AMR or the Company) and certain of the Company's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for relief (the Chapter 11 Cases) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the Bankruptcy Court). The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption "in re AMR Corporation, et al, Case No. 11-15463-SHL."

The Company and the other Debtors are operating as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. In general, as debtors in possession under the Bankruptcy Code, we are authorized to continue to operate as an ongoing business but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Code enables the Company to continue to operate its business without interruption, and the Bankruptcy Court has granted additional relief covering, among other things, obligations to (i) employees, (ii) taxing authorities, (iii) insurance providers, (iv) independent contractors for improvement projects, (v) foreign vendors, (vi) other airlines pursuant to certain interline agreements, and (vii) certain vendors deemed critical to the Debtors' operations.

While operating as debtors in possession under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may sell or otherwise dispose of or liquidate assets or settle liabilities, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise as permitted in the ordinary course of business. The Debtors have not yet prepared or filed with the Bankruptcy Court a plan of reorganization. On March 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order pursuant to Section 1121(d) of the Bankruptcy Code extending the exclusivity periods during which only the Debtors have the right to file a plan of reorganization and solicit and obtain acceptances of such plan. The date until which the Debtors have to file a plan of reorganization has been extended through and including September 28, 2012. If the Debtors file a plan of reorganization on or prior to such date, the Debtors have an exclusive period to solicit and obtain acceptances for such plan through and including November 29, 2012. These extensions are without prejudice to the Debtors' right to seek further extensions of the exclusivity periods. The ultimate plan of reorganization, which would be subject to acceptance by the requisite majorities of empowered creditors under the Bankruptcy Code and approved by the Bankruptcy Court, could materially change the amounts and classifications in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's Chapter 11 Cases followed an extended effort by the Company to restructure its business to strengthen its competitive and financial position. However, the Company's substantial cost disadvantage compared to its larger competitors, all of which restructured their costs and debt through Chapter 11, became increasingly untenable given the accelerating impact of global economic uncertainty and resulting revenue instability, volatile and rising fuel prices, and intensifying competitive challenges.

No assurance can be given as to the value, if any, that may be ascribed to the Debtors' various prepetition liabilities and other securities. The Company cannot predict what the ultimate value of any of its securities may be and it remains too early to determine whether holders of any such securities will receive any distribution in the Debtors' reorganization. In particular, in most cases under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, holders of equity securities receive little or no recovery of value from their investment. Accordingly, the Debtors urge that caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these securities or other Debtor claims. In addition, trading in the Company's common stock and certain debt securities on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was suspended on January 5, 2012, and the Company's common stock and such debt securities were delisted by the Securities and Exchange Commission from the NYSE on January 30, 2012. On January 5, 2012, the Company's common stock began trading under the symbol "AAMRQ" on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group (www.otcmarkets.com).

General Information

Notices to Creditors; Effect of Automatic Stay. The Debtors have notified all known current or potential creditors that the Chapter 11 Cases were filed. Subject to certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of the Debtors' Chapter 11 Cases automatically enjoined, or stayed, the continuation of most judicial or administrative proceedings or filing of other actions against the Debtors or their property to recover on, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the Petition Date. Thus, for example, most creditor actions to obtain possession of property from the Debtors, or to create, perfect or enforce any lien against the property of the Debtors, or to collect on monies owed or otherwise exercise rights or remedies with respect to a prepetition claim, are enjoined unless and until the Bankruptcy Court lifts the automatic stay as to any such claim. Vendors are being paid for goods furnished and services provided after the Petition Date in the ordinary course of business.

Appointment of Creditors' Committee. On December 5, 2011, the U.S. Trustee appointed a statutory official committee of unsecured creditors (the Creditors' Committee) for the Chapter 11 Cases.

Appointment of Retiree Committee. On March 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered a Stipulation and Order providing for the appointment of a committee of retired independent and unionized AMR employees (the Retiree Committee). The Retiree Committee will be constituted of persons selected by the U.S. Trustee.

Rejection of Executory Contracts. Under Section 365 and other relevant sections of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may assume, assume and assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases, including, without limitation, agreements relating to aircraft and aircraft engines (collectively, Aircraft Property) and leases of real property, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. The Debtors' rights to assume, assume and assign, or reject unexpired leases of non-residential real estate has been extended by order of the Bankruptcy Court through June 26, 2012. In general, rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease is treated as a prepetition breach of the executory contract or unexpired lease in question and, subject to certain exceptions, relieves the Debtors from performing their future obligations under such executory contract or unexpired lease but entitles the contract counterparty or lessor to a prepetition general unsecured claim for damages caused by such deemed breach. Counterparties to such rejected contracts or leases have the right to file claims against the Debtors' estate for such damages. Generally, the assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease requires the Debtors to cure existing defaults under such executory contract or unexpired lease.

In accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, as of March 31, 2012, the Company had rejected 2 ground leases of an immaterial amount and filed a motion to reject facility agreements supporting special facility revenue bonds at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Fort Worth Alliance Airport. See "Reorganization Items, net" in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Any description of an executory contract or unexpired lease elsewhere in these Notes or in the report to which these Notes are attached, including where applicable the Debtors' express termination rights or a quantification of their obligations, must be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by, any rights the Debtors or counterparties have under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

The Debtors expect that liabilities subject to compromise and resolution in the Chapter 11 Cases will arise in the future as a result of damage claims created by the Debtors' rejection of various executory contracts and unexpired leases. Due to the uncertain nature of many of the potential rejection claims, the magnitude of such claims is not reasonably estimable at this time. Such claims may be material (see "Liabilities Subject to Compromise" in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment. Notwithstanding the general discussion above of the impact of the automatic stay, under Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code, beginning 60 days after filing a petition under Chapter 11, certain secured parties, lessors and conditional sales vendors may have a right to take possession of certain qualifying Aircraft Property that is leased or subject to a security interest or conditional sale contract, unless the Debtors, subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court, agree to perform under the applicable agreement, and cure any defaults as provided in Section 1110 (other than defaults of a kind specified in Section 365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code). Taking such action does not preclude the Debtors from later rejecting the applicable lease or abandoning the Aircraft Property subject to the related security agreement, or from later seeking to renegotiate the terms of the related financing.

The Debtors may extend the 60-day period by agreement of the relevant financing party, with Bankruptcy Court approval. In the absence of an agreement or cure as described above or such an extension, the financing party may take possession of the Aircraft Property and enforce any of its contractual rights or remedies to sell, lease or otherwise retain or dispose of such equipment.

The 60-day period under Section 1110 in the Chapter 11 Cases expired on January 27, 2012. In accordance with the Bankruptcy Court's Order Authorizing the Debtors to (i) Enter into Agreements Under Section 1110(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) Enter into Stipulations to Extend the Time to Comply with Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code and (iii) File Redacted Section 1110(b) Stipulations, dated December 23, 2011, the Debtors have entered into agreements to extend the automatic stay or agreed to perform and cure defaults under financing agreements with respect to certain aircraft in their fleet and other Aircraft Property. With respect to certain Aircraft Property, the Debtors have reached agreements on, or agreements on key aspects of, renegotiated terms of the related financings, and the Debtors are continuing to negotiate terms with respect to many of their other Aircraft Property financings. The ultimate outcome of these negotiations cannot be predicted with certainty. To the extent the Debtors are unable to reach definitive agreements with Aircraft Property financing parties, those parties may seek to repossess the subject Aircraft Property. The loss of a significant number of aircraft could result in a material adverse effect on the Debtors' financial and operating performance.

In accordance with Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code, as of March 31, 2012, the Company had (i) rejected 40 leases relating to 21 MD-80 aircraft, four Fokker 100 aircraft, seven Boeing 757-200 aircraft and eight spare engines; (ii) relinquished one Airbus A300-600R aircraft that was subject to a mortgage; (iii) made elections under Section 1110(a) of the Bankruptcy Code to retain 347 aircraft and 87 spare engines, including Boeing 737-800, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200ER, Bombardier CRJ-700, and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft, on the terms provided in the related financing documents; and (iv) reached agreement on revised economic terms of the financings of 139 aircraft, comprising 70 MD-80 aircraft, nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 36 Boeing 757-200 aircraft, 11 Boeing 767-200ER aircraft and 13 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft (which agreements are subject to reaching agreement on definitive documentation). In addition, the Company reached an agreement with the lessor to modify the leases of 39 Super ATR aircraft. As of March 31, 2012, 21 of the Super ATR aircraft had been returned to the lessor as allowed under the modified agreement. The remaining 18 Super ATR aircraft are expected to be returned to the lessor during the remainder of 2012 and 2013. Lastly, the Company reached an agreement with the lender with respect to 18 Embraer RJ-135 aircraft pursuant to which the Company agreed to surrender such aircraft to the lender, and the lender agreed that, following such surrender, the Company would have no further obligations under the related mortgage documents.

Magnitude of Potential Claims. On February 27, 2012, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements of financial affairs setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of the Debtors, subject to the assumptions filed in connection therewith. All of the schedules are subject to further amendment or modification.

Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c)(3) requires the Bankruptcy Court to fix the time within which proofs of claim must be filed in a Chapter 11 case pursuant to Section 501 of the Bankruptcy Code. This Bankruptcy Rule also provides that any creditor who asserts a claim against the Debtors that arose prior to the Petition Date and whose claim (i) is not listed on the Debtors' schedules or (ii) is listed on the schedules as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated, must file a proof of claim. On March 30, 2012, the Debtors filed the Motion of Debtors for Entry of Order Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 502(b)(9) and Fed. R. Bankr. P. 3003(c)(3) Establishing Deadline for Filing Proofs of Claim and Procedures Relating Thereto and Approving Form and Manner of Notice Thereof. Pursuant to such Motion, the Debtors have requested an Order establishing June 29, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) as the deadline to file proofs of claim against any Debtor. The Bankruptcy Court has not yet entered this proposed Order.

Differences between amounts scheduled by the Debtors and claims by creditors will be investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. In light of the expected number of creditors, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete. Accordingly, the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known, nor can the ultimate recovery with respect to allowed claims be presently ascertained.

Collective Bargaining Agreements. The Bankruptcy Code provides a process for the modification and/or rejection of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). In particular, Section 1113(c) of the Bankruptcy Code permits a debtor to reject its CBAs if the debtor satisfies a number of statutorily prescribed substantive and procedural prerequisites and obtains the Bankruptcy Court's approval to reject the CBAs. The Section 1113(c) process requires that a debtor must make proposals to its unions to modify existing CBAs based on the most complete and reliable information available at the time the proposals are made. The proposed modifications must be necessary to permit the reorganization of the debtor and must assure that all the affected parties are treated fairly and equitably. The debtor must provide the unions with all information necessary to evaluate the proposals, and meet at reasonable times and confer in good faith with the unions in an effort to reach mutually agreeable modifications to the CBAs. American commenced the Section 1113(c) process with its unions on February 1, 2012, and since that time has been negotiating in good faith with the unions for consensual agreements that achieve the necessary level of labor cost savings. Because consensual agreements had not been reached, and given American's need to restructure its labor costs expeditiously, the Debtors filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court on March 27, 2012 requesting approval to reject the CBAs. Rejection of the CBAs is appropriate if the Bankruptcy Court finds the debtor's proposals are necessary for its reorganization, are fair and equitable, and that the unions refused to agree to the proposals without good cause. Throughout this Court process, American will continue to negotiate in good faith with the unions toward consensual agreements. AMR Eagle commenced the Section 1113(c) process with its unions on March 21, 2012. The ultimate resolution of American's and AMR Eagle's union negotiations cannot be determined at this time.

Plan of Reorganization. On March 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order pursuant to Section 1121(d) of the Bankruptcy Code extending the exclusivity periods during which only the Debtors have the right to file a plan of reorganization and solicit and obtain acceptances of such plan. The date until which the Debtors have to file a plan of reorganization has been extended through and including September 28, 2012. If the Debtors file a plan of reorganization on or prior to such date, the Debtors have an exclusive period to solicit and obtain acceptances for such plan through and including November 29, 2012. These extensions are without prejudice to the Debtors' right to seek further extensions of the exclusivity periods. If the Debtors' exclusivity period lapses, any party in interest may file a plan of reorganization for any of the Debtors. In addition to being voted on by holders of impaired claims and equity interests, a plan of reorganization must satisfy certain requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and must be approved, or confirmed, by the Bankruptcy Court in order to become effective. A plan of reorganization has been accepted by holders of claims against and equity interests in the Debtors if (1) at least one-half in number and two-thirds in dollar amount of claims actually voting in each impaired class of claims have voted to accept the plan and (2) at least two-thirds in amount of equity interests actually voting in each impaired class of equity interests has voted to accept the plan.

Under certain circumstances set forth in Section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Court may confirm a plan even if such plan has not been accepted by all impaired classes of claims and equity interests. A class of claims or equity interests that does not receive or retain any property under the plan on account of such claims or interests is deemed to have voted to reject the plan. The precise requirements and evidentiary showing for confirming a plan notwithstanding its rejection by one or more impaired classes of claims or equity interests depends upon a number of factors, including the status and seniority of the claims or equity interests in the rejecting class (i.e., secured claims or unsecured claims, subordinated or senior claims, preferred or common stock). Generally, with respect to common stock interests, a plan may be "crammed down" even if the shareowners receive no recovery if the proponent of the plan demonstrates that (1) no class junior to the common stock is receiving or retaining property under the plan and (2) no class of claims or interests senior to the common stock is being paid more than in full.

Availability and Utilization of Net Operating Losses. The availability and utilization of net operating losses (and utilization of alternative minimum tax credits) after the Debtors' emergence from Chapter 11 is uncertain at this time and will be highly influenced by the composition of the plan of reorganization that is ultimately pursued. On January 27, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court issued a Final Order Establishing Notification Procedures for Substantial Claimholders and Equityholders and Approving Restrictions on Certain Transfers of Interests in the Debtors' Estates, which restricts trading in the Company's common stock and claims. The order is intended to prevent certain transfers of the Company's common stock and certain transfers of claims against the Debtors that could impair the ability of one or more of the Debtors' estates to use their net operating loss carryovers and certain other tax attributes currently or on a reorganized basis. Any acquisition, disposition, or other transfer of equity or claims on or after November 29, 2011 in violation of the restrictions set forth in the order will be null and void ab initio and/or subject to sanctions as an act in violation of the automatic stay under sections 105(a) and 362 of the Bankruptcy Code. The order applies to (i) "Substantial Equityholders," i.e., persons who are, or as a result of a transaction would become, the beneficial owner of approximately 4.5 percent of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock and (ii) "Substantial Claimholders," i.e., persons who are, or as a result of a transaction become, the beneficial owner of unsecured claims in excess of a threshold amount of unsecured claims (initially $190 million of unsecured claims, but which may be subsequently increased or decreased under certain circumstances in connection with the Debtors' filing of a Chapter 11 plan). In the case of Substantial Equityholders, the order imposes current restrictions with respect to the acquisition or disposition of the Company's stock, and certain notifications may be required. In the case of Substantial Claimholders, the order imposes a procedure pursuant to which, under certain circumstances, the claims acquired during the Chapter 11 cases may have to be resold, and certain notifications may be required.

Liabilities Subject to Compromise

The following table summarizes the components of liabilities subject to compromise included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2012:

		00000000
(in millions)

Long-term debt	$	2,238
Aircraft lease and facility bond related obligations		2,830
Pension and postretirement benefits		9,430
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		511
Other		(8	)

Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	15,001

Long-term debt, including undersecured debt, classified as subject to compromise as of March 31, 2012 consisted of (in millions):

		00000000
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00% - 13.00% at March 31, 2012)	$	1,212
6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036		186
6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014		460
9.0%—10.20% debentures due through 2021		214
7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039		166

	$	2,238

Liabilities subject to compromise refers to prepetition obligations which may be impacted by the Chapter 11 reorganization process. These amounts represent the Debtors' current estimate of known or potential prepetition obligations to be resolved in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases.

In accordance with ASC 852, substantially all of the Company's unsecured debt has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise. Additionally, certain of the Company's undersecured debt instruments have also been classified as liabilities subject to compromise.

As a result of the announcements discussed in Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company's Pension and postretirement benefits liability has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise.

Differences between liabilities the Debtors have estimated and the claims filed, or to be filed, will be investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. The Company will continue to evaluate these liabilities throughout the Chapter 11 proceedings and adjust amounts as necessary. Such adjustments may be material. In light of the expected number of creditors, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete. Accordingly, the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known.

Reorganization Items, net

Reorganization items refer to revenues, expenses (including professional fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred as a direct result of the Chapter 11 proceedings. The following table summarizes the components included in reorganization items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012:


(in millions)

Aircraft financing renegotiations and rejections ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾	$	1,017
Rejection of facility bond related obligations⁽²⁾		339
Professional fees		45

Total reorganization items, net	$	1,401

⁽¹⁾

The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease when a motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court to reject such contract or lease and the Debtors believe that it is probable the motion will be approved and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the renegotiation of an executory contract or unexpired lease when the renegotiated terms of such contract or lease are not opposed or are otherwise approved by the Bankruptcy Court and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim.

⁽²⁾

Estimated allowed claims from (i) rejecting 16 leases of seven Boeing 757-200 aircraft, one McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft, and eight spare engines, (ii) relinquishing one Airbus A300-600R aircraft that was subject to a mortgage, (iii) filing a motion to reject facility agreements supporting special facility revenue bonds at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Fort Worth Alliance Airport, and (iv) filing motions to modify the leases of 158 aircraft, including 39 Super ATR aircraft, six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, 33 Boeing 757-200 aircraft, 11 Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, 10 Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, and 59 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft. The rejections of the leases of such aircraft and spare engines and the modification of the leases relating to such aircraft have been approved by the Bankruptcy Court. See above, "Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment," for further information.

Claims related to reorganization items are reflected in liabilities subject to compromise on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2012.

Additional information about the Company's Chapter 11 filing is also available on the Internet at aa.com/restructuring. Court filings and claims information are available at amrcaseinfo.com.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the description and amounts of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code.

+ References+ Details

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2012
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	2. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Results of operations for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMR Corporation (AMR or the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including (i) its principal subsidiary American Airlines, Inc. (American) and (ii) its regional airline subsidiary, AMR Eagle Holding Corporation and its primary subsidiaries, American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, AMR Eagle). The condensed consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in AMR's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 15, 2012 (2011 Form 10-K). In accordance with GAAP, the Debtors have applied ASC 852 "Reorganizations" (ASC 852), in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. ASC 852 requires that the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 Cases, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues, expenses (including professional fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the Chapter 11 Cases are recorded in reorganization items, net on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, prepetition obligations that may be impacted by the Chapter 11 reorganization process have been classified on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in liabilities subject to compromise. These liabilities are reported at the amounts expected to be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts. Certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries were not part of the Chapter 11 filings. Since the non-US subsidiaries not part of the bankruptcy filing do not have significant transactions, we do not separately disclose the condensed combined financial statements of the Debtors in accordance with the requirements of reorganization accounting. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have also been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Debtors be unable to continue as a going concern. As a result of the Chapter 11 proceedings, the satisfaction of our liabilities and funding of ongoing operations are subject to uncertainty and, accordingly, there is a substantial doubt of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not purport to reflect or provide for the consequences of the Chapter 11 Cases, other than as set forth under "liabilities subject to compromise" on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and "income (loss) before reorganization items" and "reorganization items, net" on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). In particular, the financial statements do not purport to show (1) as to assets, their realizable value on a liquidation basis or their availability to satisfy liabilities; (2) as to prepetition liabilities, the amounts that may be allowed for claims or contingencies, or the status and priority thereof; (3) as to shareowners' equity accounts, the effect of any changes that may be made to the Debtors' capitalization; or (4) as to operations, the effect of any changes that may be made to the Debtors' business.

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees [Abstract]

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees

3. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

American had total aircraft acquisition commitments as of March 31, 2012 as follows:


		Boeing						Airbus
		737 Family¹		777-200ER		777-300ER		A320 Family		NEO		Total
Remainder of 2012	Purchase		22				2						24
	Lease												—
2013	Purchase		15				8						23
	Lease		16						20				36
2014	Purchase		5		2								7
2014	Lease		15						35				50
2015	Purchase				2								2
2015	Lease		20						30				50
2016	Purchase				2								2
2016	Lease		20						25				45
2017 and beyond	Purchase										130		130
2017 and beyond	Lease		20						20				40
Total	Purchase		42		6		10		0		130		188
Total	Lease		91		0		0		130		0		221

¹	As of March 31, 2012, American had elected to purchase nine Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft using the sale-leaseback financing arranged directly by American with a third party leasing company. These aircraft are therefore reflected as purchases in the above table.

The assumption of agreements related to the Company's aircraft commitments is subject to collaboration with the Company's key stakeholders and, in some instances, approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company cannot predict what the outcome of these discussions and the Bankruptcy Court process will be.

As of March 31, 2012, and subject to assumption of the related agreements, payments for the above purchase commitments and certain engines will approximate $998 million in the remainder of 2012, $1.5 billion in 2013, $555 million in 2014, $311 million in 2015, $341 million in 2016, and $7.3 billion for 2017 and beyond. These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. American has granted Boeing a security interest in American's purchase deposits with Boeing. The Company's purchase deposits totaled $682 million as of March 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, and subject to assumption of the related agreements, total future lease payments for all leased aircraft, including aircraft not yet delivered, will approximate $742 million in the remainder of 2012, $1.0 billion in 2013, $1.2 billion in 2014, $1.4 billion in 2015, $1.6 billion in 2016, and $15.3 billion in 2017 and beyond.

In 2008, American entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing (subject to certain reconfirmation rights) to acquire 42 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. American's first Boeing 787-9 aircraft was previously scheduled to deliver (subject to reconfirmation rights) in 2014; however, due to production issues such delivery has been delayed. American has selected GE Aviation as the exclusive provider of engines for its expected order of Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The assumption of the agreements related to our Boeing 787-9 aircraft order is subject to collaboration with the Company's key stakeholders and, in some instances, approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company cannot predict what the outcome of these discussions and the Bankruptcy Court process will be.

In 2010, American and Japan Airlines (JAL) entered into a Joint Business Agreement (JBA) to enhance their scope of cooperation on routes between North America and Asia through adjustments to their respective networks, flight schedules, and other business activities. American and JAL began implementing the JBA on April 1, 2011. The JBA provides for expanded codesharing, enhanced frequent flyer program reciprocity, and cooperation in other areas. American and JAL entered into a Revenue Sharing Agreement, effective April 1, 2011, as envisaged by the JBA. Under this agreement, American and JAL share certain revenues of their operations. In addition, American provided JAL a guarantee of certain minimum incremental revenue resulting from the successful operation of the joint business for the first three years following its implementation, subject to certain terms and conditions. The amount required to be paid by the Company under the guarantee in any one of such years may not exceed $100 million, and is reduced if capacity for one of such years is less than a defined base year period capacity. Based on current Trans-Pacific capacity, the guarantee in any one of such years may not exceed approximately $75 million. As of March 31, 2012, based on an expected probability model, American had recorded a guarantee liability that is not material.

As discussed further in Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company announced the principal terms of a new business plan on February 1, 2012 which contemplates, among other things, reducing headcount by approximately 13,000. The Company may incur significant accounting charges as a result of this business plan, including employee severance charges. The business plan will require continued collaboration with the Creditors' Committee, various economic stakeholders and union representatives, and in some instances, approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the business plan will be implemented. As such, at this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the amount and timing of such charges or the portion of these charges that will result in future cash expenditures.

As a result of the current Chapter 11 filings, attempts to prosecute, collect, secure or enforce remedies with respect to prepetition claims against the Debtors are subject to the automatic stay provisions of Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, except in such cases where the Bankruptcy Court has entered an order modifying or lifting the automatic stay. Notwithstanding the general application of the automatic stay described above, governmental authorities, both domestic and foreign, may determine to continue actions brought under their regulatory powers. Therefore, the automatic stay may have no effect on certain matters, and the Debtors cannot predict the impact, if any, that its Chapter 11 Cases might have on its commitments and obligations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

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+ Details

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	5. Income Taxes The Company provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company's deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased from $4.1 billion as of December 31, 2011 to $4.7 billion as of March 31, 2012, including the impact of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and changes from other adjustments. Under current accounting rules, the Company is required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations and that should be allocated to continuing operations. The Company generally does not record any such tax benefit allocation in interim reporting periods as the Company concluded the potential benefit is not considered realizable because the change in the pension liability, a material component of other comprehensive income, is determined annually. Thus, any such interim tax benefit allocation may subsequently be subject to reversal.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Number 109

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

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+ Details

Indebtedness

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Indebtedness [Abstract]

Indebtedness

6. Indebtedness

Long-term debt classified as not subject to compromise consisted of (in millions):


	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00%—13.00% at March 31, 2012)	$	2,958	$	2,952
Enhanced equipment trust certificates due through 2021 (rates from 5.10%—10.375% at March 31, 2012)		1,891		1,942
6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036		1,437		1,436
7.50% senior secured notes due 2016		1,000		1,000

AAdvantage Miles advance purchase (net of discount of $110 million) (effective rate 8.3%)		882		890
6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014		—		—
9.0%—10.20% debentures due through 2021		—		—
7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039		—		—

		8,168		8,220

Less current maturities		1,593		1,518


Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	6,575	$	6,702

The financings listed in the table above are considered not subject to compromise. For information regarding the liabilities subject to compromise, see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's future long-term debt and operating lease payments have changed as its ordered aircraft are delivered and such deliveries have been financed. As of March 31, 2012, maturities of long-term debt (including sinking fund requirements) for the next five years are:


Years Ending December 31 (in millions)	Principal Not Subject to Compromise	Principal Subject to Compromise	Total Principal Amount
Remainder of 2012	$1,273	$184	$1,457
2013	898	193	1,091
2014	761	639	1,400
2015	664	162	826
2016	1,645	227	1,872

Future minimum lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of a year as of March 31, 2012, were: remainder of 2012 – $701 million, 2013 – $897 million, 2014 – $823 million, 2015 – $731 million, 2016 – $661 million, and 2017 and beyond – $4.6 billion.

As of March 31, 2012, AMR had issued guarantees covering approximately $1.6 billion of American's tax-exempt bond debt (and interest thereon) and $4.2 billion of American's secured debt (and interest thereon). American had issued guarantees covering approximately $842 million of AMR's unsecured debt (and interest thereon). AMR also guarantees $10.5 million of American's leases of certain Super ATR aircraft, which are subleased to AMR Eagle.

In July 2011, American entered into a sale-leaseback arrangement with a leasing company to finance 35 Boeing 737-800 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2011 through 2014. The financing of each aircraft under this arrangement will be subject to certain terms and conditions. As of the end of the first quarter of 2012, American had financed 21 Boeing 737-800 aircraft under this and other arrangements, which are accounted for as operating leases.

Certain of the Company's debt financing agreements contain loan to value ratio covenants and require the Company to periodically appraise the collateral. Pursuant to such agreements, if the loan to value ratio exceeds a specified threshold, the Company is required to subject additional qualifying collateral (which in some cases may include cash collateral) or, in the alternative, to pay down such financing, in whole or in part, with premium (if any).

Specifically, the Company is required to meet certain collateral coverage tests on a periodic basis on three financing transactions: (1) 10.5% $450 million Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (the 10.5% Notes), (2) Senior Secured Notes, and (3) 2005 Spare Engine EETC due in 2012, as described below:


	(1) 10.5% Notes		(2) Senior Secured Notes	(3) 2005 Spare Engine EETC
Frequency of Appraisals	Semi-Annual (April and October)		Semi-Annual (June and December, commencing December 2011)	Semi-Annual (April and October)

LTV Requirement	43%; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional collateral		1.5x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (67% LTV); failure to meet collateral test results in American paying 2% additional interest until the ratio is at least 1.5x; additional collateral can be posted to meet this requirement	32.8% applicable to the one Tranche only; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional cash collateral

LTV as of Last Measurement Date	44.1%		65.5%	31.8%
Collateral Description	143 aircraft consisting of:
	Type	# of Aircraft	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita/ Haneda, and China	87 spare aircraft engines consisting of:
	MD-80	74		Engine/Associated Aircraft	# of Engines
	B757-200	41		JT8D-219/MD-80	47
	B767-200ER	3		RB211-535E4B/B757-200	22
	B767-300ER	25		CF6-80A/B767-200ER	3
	TOTAL	143		CF6-80C2 B6/B767-300ER	12
				CF6-80C2 A5/A300	3
				TOTAL	87

At March 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the most recently completed collateral coverage tests for the Senior Secured Notes and the 2005 Spare Engine EETC, and was not in compliance with the most recently completed collateral coverage test for the 10.5% Notes. The Company has not remedied its non-compliance with that test due to the ongoing Chapter 11 proceedings.

Almost all of the Company's aircraft assets (including aircraft and aircraft-related assets eligible for the benefits of Section 1110 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) are encumbered, and the Company has a very limited quantity of assets which could be used as collateral in financing.

The Chapter 11 petitions triggered defaults on substantially all debt obligations of the Debtors. However, under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the commencement of a Chapter 11 case automatically stays most creditor actions against the Debtors' estates.

The Debtors cannot predict the impact, if any, that the Chapter 11 Cases might have on these obligations. For further information regarding the Chapter 11 Cases, see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

7. Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The Company's short-term investments classified as Level 2 primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities. The Company's fuel derivative contracts, primarily call options, collars (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and call spreads (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold call option), are valued using energy and commodity market data which is derived by combining raw inputs with quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities. Heating oil, jet fuel and crude oil are the primary underlying commodities in the hedge portfolio. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
(in millions)	Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2012
Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments^{1, 2}
Money market funds	$	895	$	895	$	—	$	—
Government agency investments		584		—		584		—
Repurchase investments		128		—		128		—
Corporate obligations		2,277		—		2,277		—
Bank notes / Certificates of deposit / Time deposits		560		—		560		—

		4,444		895		3,549		—

Restricted cash and short-term investments ¹		771		771		—		—
Fuel derivative contracts, net ¹		124		—		124		—

Total	$	5,339	$	1,666	$	3,673	$	—

¹	Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) at each measurement date.

²	The Company's short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $50 million of Bank notes/Certificates of deposit/Time deposits, $584 million of U.S. Government agency investments and $412 million of Corporate obligations which have maturity dates exceeding one year.

No significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The Company's policy regarding the recording of transfers between levels is to reflect any such transfers at the end of the reporting period.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had no exposure to European sovereign debt.

The fair values of the Company's long-term debt classified as Level 1 were estimated using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt classified as Level 2 were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

All of the Company's long term debt not classified as subject to compromise is classified as Level 1, with the exception of the AAdvantage Miles advance purchase and $2.1 billion of the fair value of the Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness.

The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, not classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	2,958	$	2,791	$	2,952	$	2,647
Enhanced equipment trust certificates		1,891		1,969		1,942		1,927
6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds		1,437		1,390		1,436		1,230
7.50% senior secured notes		1,000		879		1,000		711
AAdvantage Miles advance purchase		882		884		890		902
6.25% senior convertible notes		—		—		—		—
9.0%—10.20% debentures		—		—		—		—
7.88%—10.55% notes		—		—		—		—

	$	8,168	$	7,913	$	8,220	$	7,417

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	1,212	$	1,013	$	1,456	$	1,123
Enhanced equipment trust certificates		—		—		—		—
6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds		186		83		186		37
7.50% senior secured notes		—		—		—		—
AAdvantage Miles advance purchase		—		—		—		—
6.25% senior convertible notes		460		215		460		101
9.0%—10.20% debentures		214		83		214		46
7.88%—10.55% notes		166		22		166		34

	$	2,238	$	1,416	$	2,482	$	1,341

All of the Company's long term debt classified as subject to compromise is classified as Level 1, with the exception of the AAdvantage Miles advance purchase and the Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

+ Details

Retirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Benefits

8. Retirement Benefits

The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (in millions):

		000000000			000000000			000000000			000000000
	Pension Benefits						Retiree Medical and Other Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	104		$	95		$	15		$	15
Interest cost		191			190			38			44
Expected return on assets		(166	)		(163	)		(4	)		(5	)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		4			4			(7	)		(7	)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss		61			37			(2	)		(2	)

Net periodic benefit cost	$	194		$	163		$	40		$	45

The Company is required to make minimum contributions to its defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and the Pension Relief Act of 2010.

As a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, AMR contributed $6.5 million to its defined benefit pension plans on January 13, 2012 to cover the post-petition period of November 29, 2011 to December 31, 2011. As a result of only contributing the post-petition portion of the required contribution, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation filed a lien against certain assets of the Company's non-debtor subsidiaries. On April 13, 2012, the Company contributed $86 million to its defined benefit pension plans to cover the post-petition period of January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012. The Company's 2012 contributions to its defined benefit pension plans is subject to the Chapter 11 proceedings, as discussed below.

On February 1, 2012, the Company announced the principal terms of a new business plan. The chief components of the business plan included targets of an annual $2 billion in cost savings and $1 billion in revenue enhancement. The business plan contemplates, among other things, reducing headcount by approximately 13,000, terminating American's defined benefit pension plans, and discontinuing subsidized retiree medical coverage. On March 7, 2012, the Company announced that, in working with the Creditors' Committee and the PBGC, it had developed a solution that would allow the Company to pursue a freeze of its defined benefit pension plans for non-pilot employees instead of seeking termination. These arrangements have not yet been presented to or approved by the Bankruptcy Court. In addition, the Company is continuing to work with the PBGC, the Creditors' Committee and the Allied Pilots Association on a solution that could allow the Company to freeze the defined benefit pension plan for pilots instead of seeking termination.

As a result of these announcements, the Company's Pension and postretirement benefits liability has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise.

The Company may incur significant accounting charges as a result of this business plan, including pension related curtailment or settlement charges upon modification of the retirement plans. The business plan will require continued collaboration with the Creditors' Committee, various economic stakeholders and union representatives, and in some instances, approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the business plan will be implemented. As such, at this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the amount and timing of such charges or the portion of these charges that will result in future cash expenditures.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)

-Number FAS88

-Paragraph 63

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 7, 21, 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 8

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 03-2

-Paragraph 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 30

-Paragraph 26

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+ Details

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities [Abstract]

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities

9. Special Charges and Restructuring Activities

As a result of the revenue environment, high fuel prices and the Company's restructuring activities, including its capacity reductions, the Company has recorded a number of charges during the last few years. In 2008 and 2009, the Company announced capacity reductions due to unprecedented high fuel costs at that time and the other challenges facing the industry. In connection with these capacity reductions, the Company incurred special charges related to aircraft and certain other charges.

The following table summarizes the components of the Company's special charges, the remaining accruals for these charges and the capacity reduction related charges (in millions) as of March 31, 2012:

		00000000000			00000000000			00000000000
	Aircraft Charges			Facility Exit Costs			Total
Remaining accrual at December 31, 2011	$	49		$	16		$	65
Non-cash charges		(11	)		—			(11	)
Adjustments		(29	)		—			(29	)
Payments		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)

Remaining accrual at March 31, 2012	$	8		$	15		$	23

Cash outlays related to the accruals for aircraft charges and facility exit costs will occur through 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, these cash outlays could be modified in the Chapter 11 proceedings.

As previously discussed, the Company announced the principal terms of a new business plan on February 1, 2012 which contemplates, among other things, reducing headcount by approximately 13,000. The Company may incur significant accounting charges as a result of this business plan, including employee severance charges. The business plan will require continued collaboration with the Creditors' Committee, various economic stakeholders and union representatives, and in some instances, approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Company cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the business plan will be implemented. As such, at this time, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the amount and timing of such charges or the portion of these charges that will result in future cash expenditures.

Financial Instruments And Risk Management

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments And Risk Management [Abstract]

Financial Instruments And Risk Management

10. Financial Instruments and Risk Management

As part of the Company's risk management program, it uses a variety of financial instruments, primarily heating oil, jet fuel, and WTI crude option and collar contracts, as cash flow hedges to mitigate commodity price risk. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had fuel derivative contracts outstanding covering 18 million barrels of jet fuel that will be settled over the next 12 months. A deterioration of the Company's liquidity position and its Chapter 11 filing may negatively affect the Company's ability to hedge fuel in the future.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a decrease of approximately $29 million and $101 million, respectively, in fuel expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations related to its fuel hedging agreements, including the ineffective portion of the hedges. The net fair value of the Company's fuel hedging agreements at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, representing the amount the Company would receive upon termination of the agreements (net of settled contract assets), totaled $104 million and $80 million, respectively.

The impact of cash flow hedges on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is depicted below (in millions):

Fair Value of Aircraft Fuel Derivative Instruments (all cash flow hedges)

Asset Derivatives as of

Liability Derivatives as of

March 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

March 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair Value

Fuel derivative contracts

124

Fuel derivative contracts

Accrued liabilities

—

Accrued liabilities

Effect of Aircraft Fuel Derivative Instruments on Statements of Operations (all cash flow hedges)


Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative¹ for the quarter ended March 31,			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income ¹	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income ¹ for the quarter ended March 31,				Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative ²	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative ² for the quarter ended March 31,
2012	2011			2012		2011			2012		2011
$ 48	$	475	Aircraft Fuel	$	26	$	98	Aircraft Fuel	$	3	$	3

¹	Effective portion of gain (loss)

²	Ineffective portion of gain (loss)

The Company is also exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to these financial instruments, and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet its obligations. The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts with a positive fair value at the reporting date, reduced by the effects of master netting agreements. To manage credit risks, the Company selects counterparties based on credit ratings, limits its exposure to a single counterparty under defined guidelines, and monitors the market position of the program and its relative market position with each counterparty. The Company also maintains industry-standard security agreements with a number of its counterparties which may require the Company or the counterparty to post collateral if the value of selected instruments exceed specified mark-to-market thresholds or upon certain changes in credit ratings.

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had received collateral of $9 million which is included in short-term investments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4H

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4K

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708775-113959

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

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-Topic 815

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-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

+ Details

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

11. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions, except per share data):

		0000000000			0000000000
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss)—numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(1,660	)	$	(436	)
Interest on senior convertible notes		—			—

Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$	(1,660	)	$	(436	)


Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted-average shares		335			333
Effect of dilutive securities:
Senior convertible notes		—			—
Employee options and shares		—			—
Assumed treasury shares purchased		—			—

Dilutive potential common shares		335			333

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—adjusted weighted-average shares		335			333


Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(4.95	)	$	(1.31	)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(4.95	)	$	(1.31	)


The following were excluded from the calculation:

Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive		46			57
Employee stock options because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares		24			10

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Chapter 11 Reorganization [Abstract]

Schedule Of Liabilities Subject To Compromise

		00000000
(in millions)

Long-term debt	$	2,238
Aircraft lease and facility bond related obligations		2,830
Pension and postretirement benefits		9,430
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		511
Other		(8	)

Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	15,001

Components Of Long-Term Debt

		00000000
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00% - 13.00% at March 31, 2012)	$	1,212
6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036		186
6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014		460
9.0%—10.20% debentures due through 2021		214
7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039		166

	$	2,238

Schedule Of Reorganization Items


(in millions)

Aircraft financing renegotiations and rejections ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾	$	1,017
Rejection of facility bond related obligations⁽²⁾		339
Professional fees		45

Total reorganization items, net	$	1,401

⁽¹⁾

⁽²⁾

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees [Abstract]

Aircraft Acquisition Commitments


		Boeing						Airbus
		737 Family¹		777-200ER		777-300ER		A320 Family		NEO		Total
Remainder of 2012	Purchase		22				2						24
	Lease												—
2013	Purchase		15				8						23
	Lease		16						20				36
2014	Purchase		5		2								7
2014	Lease		15						35				50
2015	Purchase				2								2
2015	Lease		20						30				50
2016	Purchase				2								2
2016	Lease		20						25				45
2017 and beyond	Purchase										130		130
2017 and beyond	Lease		20						20				40
Total	Purchase		42		6		10		0		130		188
Total	Lease		91		0		0		130		0		221

¹	As of March 31, 2012, American had elected to purchase nine Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft using the sale-leaseback financing arranged directly by American with a third party leasing company. These aircraft are therefore reflected as purchases in the above table.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 51

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 52

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Appendix F

-Paragraph F4

-Subparagraph e

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909870&loc=d3e1392-128463

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909870&loc=d3e1486-128463

+ Details

Indebtedness (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Indebtedness [Abstract]

Components Of Long-Term Debt


	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00%—13.00% at March 31, 2012)	$	2,958	$	2,952
Enhanced equipment trust certificates due through 2021 (rates from 5.10%—10.375% at March 31, 2012)		1,891		1,942
6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036		1,437		1,436
7.50% senior secured notes due 2016		1,000		1,000

AAdvantage Miles advance purchase (net of discount of $110 million) (effective rate 8.3%)		882		890
6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014		—		—
9.0%—10.20% debentures due through 2021		—		—
7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039		—		—

		8,168		8,220

Less current maturities		1,593		1,518


Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	6,575	$	6,702

Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt And Operating Lease Payments


Years Ending December 31 (in millions)	Principal Not Subject to Compromise	Principal Subject to Compromise	Total Principal Amount
Remainder of 2012	$1,273	$184	$1,457
2013	898	193	1,091
2014	761	639	1,400
2015	664	162	826
2016	1,645	227	1,872

Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests


	(1) 10.5% Notes		(2) Senior Secured Notes	(3) 2005 Spare Engine EETC
Frequency of Appraisals	Semi-Annual (April and October)		Semi-Annual (June and December, commencing December 2011)	Semi-Annual (April and October)

LTV Requirement	43%; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional collateral		1.5x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (67% LTV); failure to meet collateral test results in American paying 2% additional interest until the ratio is at least 1.5x; additional collateral can be posted to meet this requirement	32.8% applicable to the one Tranche only; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional cash collateral

LTV as of Last Measurement Date	44.1%		65.5%	31.8%
Collateral Description	143 aircraft consisting of:
	Type	# of Aircraft	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita/ Haneda, and China	87 spare aircraft engines consisting of:
	MD-80	74		Engine/Associated Aircraft	# of Engines
	B757-200	41		JT8D-219/MD-80	47
	B767-200ER	3		RB211-535E4B/B757-200	22
	B767-300ER	25		CF6-80A/B767-200ER	3
	TOTAL	143		CF6-80C2 B6/B767-300ER	12
				CF6-80C2 A5/A300	3
				TOTAL	87

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
(in millions)	Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2012
Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Short-term investments^{1, 2}
Money market funds	$	895	$	895	$	—	$	—
Government agency investments		584		—		584		—
Repurchase investments		128		—		128		—
Corporate obligations		2,277		—		2,277		—
Bank notes / Certificates of deposit / Time deposits		560		—		560		—

		4,444		895		3,549		—

Restricted cash and short-term investments ¹		771		771		—		—
Fuel derivative contracts, net ¹		124		—		124		—

Total	$	5,339	$	1,666	$	3,673	$	—

¹	Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) at each measurement date.

²	The Company's short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $50 million of Bank notes/Certificates of deposit/Time deposits, $584 million of U.S. Government agency investments and $412 million of Corporate obligations which have maturity dates exceeding one year.

Not Classified [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Components Of Long-Term Debt

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	2,958	$	2,791	$	2,952	$	2,647
Enhanced equipment trust certificates		1,891		1,969		1,942		1,927
6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds		1,437		1,390		1,436		1,230
7.50% senior secured notes		1,000		879		1,000		711
AAdvantage Miles advance purchase		882		884		890		902
6.25% senior convertible notes		—		—		—		—
9.0%—10.20% debentures		—		—		—		—
7.88%—10.55% notes		—		—		—		—

	$	8,168	$	7,913	$	8,220	$	7,417

Classified [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Components Of Long-Term Debt

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	1,212	$	1,013	$	1,456	$	1,123
Enhanced equipment trust certificates		—		—		—		—
6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds		186		83		186		37
7.50% senior secured notes		—		—		—		—
AAdvantage Miles advance purchase		—		—		—		—
6.25% senior convertible notes		460		215		460		101
9.0%—10.20% debentures		214		83		214		46
7.88%—10.55% notes		166		22		166		34

	$	2,238	$	1,416	$	2,482	$	1,341

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

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-Paragraph 1A

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

		000000000			000000000			000000000			000000000
	Pension Benefits						Retiree Medical and Other Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	104		$	95		$	15		$	15
Interest cost		191			190			38			44
Expected return on assets		(166	)		(163	)		(4	)		(5	)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost		4			4			(7	)		(7	)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss		61			37			(2	)		(2	)

Net periodic benefit cost	$	194		$	163		$	40		$	45

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5, 6, 7

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 158

-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

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-Paragraph 1

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-Paragraph 3

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities [Abstract]

Components Of Company's Special Charges

		00000000000			00000000000			00000000000
	Aircraft Charges			Facility Exit Costs			Total
Remaining accrual at December 31, 2011	$	49		$	16		$	65
Non-cash charges		(11	)		—			(11	)
Adjustments		(29	)		—			(29	)
Payments		(1	)		(1	)		(2	)

Remaining accrual at March 31, 2012	$	8		$	15		$	23

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of restructuring and related costs by type of restructuring including the description of the restructuring costs, such as the expected cost; the costs incurred during the period; the cumulative costs incurred as of the balance sheet date; the income statement caption within which the restructuring charges recognized for the period are included; and changes to an entity's restructuring reserve that occurred during the period associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings for each major type of cost.

+ References+ Details

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments And Risk Management [Abstract]

Effect Of Cash Flow Hedges On Financial Statements

Asset Derivatives as of

Liability Derivatives as of

March 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

March 31, 2012

December 31, 2011

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair Value

Fuel derivative contracts

124

Fuel derivative contracts

Accrued liabilities

—

Accrued liabilities

Effect Of Derivative Instruments On Statements Of Operations


Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative¹ for the quarter ended March 31,			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income ¹	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income ¹ for the quarter ended March 31,				Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative ²	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative ² for the quarter ended March 31,
2012	2011			2012		2011			2012		2011
$ 48	$	475	Aircraft Fuel	$	26	$	98	Aircraft Fuel	$	3	$	3

¹	Effective portion of gain (loss)

²	Ineffective portion of gain (loss)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments (and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments) reported in the statement of financial position.

+ References+ Details

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]

Computations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

		0000000000			0000000000
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2012			2011
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss)—numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(1,660	)	$	(436	)
Interest on senior convertible notes		—			—

Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$	(1,660	)	$	(436	)


Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share – weighted-average shares		335			333
Effect of dilutive securities:
Senior convertible notes		—			—
Employee options and shares		—			—
Assumed treasury shares purchased		—			—

Dilutive potential common shares		335			333

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—adjusted weighted-average shares		335			333


Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(4.95	)	$	(1.31	)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(4.95	)	$	(1.31	)


The following were excluded from the calculation:

Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive		46			57
Employee stock options because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares		24			10

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 MD-80 Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Fokker 100 Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 757-200 Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Airbus A300-600R Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 737-800, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200ER, Bombardier CRJ-700, And McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Spare Engines [Member]	Feb. 29, 2012 Super ATR Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Super ATR Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 737-800 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Boeing 737-800 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 767-200ER Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 767-300ER Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Embraer RJ-135 [Member]
Reorganization [Line Items]
Ground leases rejected	2
Aircraft leases rejected	40		4	16
Aircraft leases number of aircraft		21		7
Aircraft Leases Number Of Spare Engines							8
Aircraft leases retained						347	87
Additional aircraft leases rejected	139	70		36	1						9	11	13
Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases	158			33					39	6		11	10
Airplanes still to be released back under modified agreement								18
Aircraft to be surrendered to the lender														18
Percentage of common stock shares, outstanding	4.50%
Unsecured claims	$ 190

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Schedule Of Liabilities Subject To Compromise) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Chapter 11 Reorganization [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$ 2,238
Aircraft lease and facility bond related obligations	2,830
Pension and postretirement benefits	9,430
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	511
Other	(8)
Total liabilities subject to compromise	$ 15,001

- Definition

The amount of trade accounts payable included in liabilities subject to compromise.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of other obligations included in liabilities subject to compromise.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of pension and other postretirement obligations included in liabilities subject to compromise.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.

+ References+ Details

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,238
Effective interest rate percentage		7.50%
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,212
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	2023
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	186
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	6.00%	6.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	8.50%	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	2036
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	460
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity year	2014
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	214
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	9.00%	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.20%	10.20%
Debt instrument maturity year	2021
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 166
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	7.88%	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.55%	10.55%
Debt instrument maturity year	2039

- Definition

+ References+ Details

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Schedule Of Reorganization Items) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft financing renegotiations and rejections

$ 1,017

^[1],[2]

Rejection of facility bond related obligations

339

^[2]

Professional fees

Total reorganization items, net

$ 1,401

Aircraft leases rejected

Additional aircraft leases rejected

139

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

158

MD-80 Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft Leases Number Of Aircraft

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Fokker 100 Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft leases rejected

Boeing 757-200 Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft leases rejected

Aircraft Leases Number Of Aircraft

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

Airbus A300-600R Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Spare Engines [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft Leases Number Of Spare Engines

McDonnell Douglas MD-80 Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aircraft leases rejected

Aircraft Leases Number Of Spare Engines

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

Super ATR Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

Boeing 737-800 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

Boeing 767-200ER Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

Boeing 767-300ER Aircraft [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Additional aircraft leases rejected

Bankruptcy Court to modify aircraft leases

[1]

[2]

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2008 Boeing 787-9 Aircraft [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Purchase [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Lease [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts to be purchased under previously announced plans			42
Rights to acquire additional number of aircrafts			58
Payments for the purchase commitments in remainder of 2012				$ 998,000,000	$ 742,000,000
Payments for the purchase commitments in 2013				1,500,000,000	1,000,000,000
Payments for the purchase commitments in 2014				555,000,000	1,200,000,000
Payments for the purchase commitments in 2015				311,000,000	1,400,000,000
Payments for the purchase commitments in 2016				341,000,000	1,600,000,000
Payments for the purchase commitments in 2017 and beyond				7,300,000,000	15,300,000,000
Purchase deposits, total				682,000,000
Maximum required to be paid by the company in one year under the guarantee		100,000,000
Maximum amount of guarantee provided		$ 75,000,000
Principal terms of new business, headcount reduced	13,000

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Aircraft Acquisition Commitments) (Details)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

2017 and beyond, Purchase

130

2017 and beyond, Lease

Total, Purchase

188

Total, Lease

221

Number of aircraft purchase commitments

Boeing 737 Family [Member]

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

^[1]

^[1]

^[1]

^[1]

^[1]

^[1]

^[1]

2017 and beyond, Lease

^[1]

Total, Purchase

^[1]

Total, Lease

^[1]

Boeing 777-200ER [Member]

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft [Member]

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

Airbus A320 Family [Member]

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

2017 and beyond, Lease

Total, Purchase

Total, Lease

130

Airbus NEO [Member]

Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]

2017 and beyond, Purchase

130

Total, Purchase

130

Total, Lease

[1]	As of March 31, 2012, American had elected to purchase nine Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft using the sale-leaseback financing arranged directly by American with a third party leasing company. These aircraft are therefore reflected as purchases in the above table.

Depreciation And Amortization (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Depreciation And Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation of owned equipment and property	$ 10,300,000,000	$ 10,100,000,000
Accumulated amortization of equipment and property under capital leases	$ 199,000,000	$ 448,000,000

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased	$ 4.7	$ 4.1

- Definition

The sum of the portions of deferred tax assets as of the balance sheet date for which, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not will not be realized through future reductions of tax-based income.

+ References+ Details

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011 Boeing 737-800 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Boeing 737-800 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Remainder of 2012		$ 701,000,000
2013		897,000,000
2014		823,000,000
2015		731,000,000
2016		661,000,000
2017 and beyond		4,600,000,000
Issued guarantees covering secured bond, tax-exempt	1,600,000,000
Issued guarantees covering secured debt	4,200,000,000
Issued guarantees covering unsecured debt	842,000,000
Guarantees of American's leases of certain super ATR aircraft	10,500,000
Number of aircrafts delivered			35	21
Debt instrument interest rate						10.50%
Principal amount outstanding						$ 450,000,000
Debt instrument maturity year					2016	2012	2012

Indebtedness (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,238
Less current maturities	1,593	1,518
Long-term debt, less current maturities	6,575	6,702
Effective interest rate percentage		7.50%
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,212
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	2023
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	5.10%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.375%
Debt instrument maturity year	2021
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	186
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	6.00%	6.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	8.50%	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	2036
7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate percentage	7.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	2016
Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate percentage	8.30%	8.30%
Debt instrument discount, net	110	110
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	460
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity year	2014
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	214
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	9.00%	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.20%	10.20%
Debt instrument maturity year	2021
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	166
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	7.88%	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.55%	10.55%
Debt instrument maturity year	2039
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	8,168	8,220
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	2,958	2,952
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,891	1,942
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,437	1,436
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,000	1,000
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] \| Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 882	$ 890

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt And Operating Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2012	$ 1,457
2013	1,091
2014	1,400
2015	826
2016	1,872
Principal Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2012	1,273
2013	898
2014	761
2015	664
2016	1,645
Principal Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2012	184
2013	193
2014	639
2015	162
2016	$ 227

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	43%; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional collateral
LTV as of Last Measurement Date	44.10%
Number of aircrafts collateralized	143
Principal amount outstanding	$ 450
2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	32.8% applicable to the one Tranche only; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional cash collateral
LTV as of Last Measurement Date	31.80%
Number of aircrafts collateralized	87
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	1.5x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (67% LTV); failure to meet collateral test results in American paying 2% additional interest until the ratio is at least 1.5x; additional collateral can be posted to meet this requirement
Collateral Description	Generally, certainroute authorities,take-off andlanding slots, andrights to airportfacilities used byAmerican tooperate certainservices betweenthe U.S. andLondon Heathrow,Tokyo Narita/ Haneda, and China
LTV as of Last Measurement Date	65.50%
MD-80 [Member] \| 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	74
MD-80 [Member] \| 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	47
B757-200 [Member] \| 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	41
B757-200 [Member] \| 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	22
B767-200ER [Member] \| 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	3
B767-200ER [Member] \| 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	3
B767-300ER [Member] \| 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	25
B767-300ER [Member] \| 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	12
A300 [Member] \| 2005 Spare Engine EETC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircrafts collateralized	3

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Discussion of whether the debt instrument is secured or unsecured, and, if secured, a description of the collateral and guarantees required or provided.

+ References+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member], USD $) In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness [Member]
Debt instrument, fair value	$ 2.1

Fair Value Measurements (Long Term Debt Current Maturities) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 2,238
Effective interest rate percentage		7.50%
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,212
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	1.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	13.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	2023
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	5.10%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.375%
Debt instrument maturity year	2021
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	186
Effective interest rate percentage - minimum	6.00%	6.00%
Effective interest rate percentage - maximum	8.50%	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	2036
7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate percentage	7.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	2016
Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate percentage	8.30%	8.30%
Debt instrument discount, net	110	110
6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	460
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Debt instrument maturity year	2014
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	214
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	9.00%	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.20%	10.20%
Debt instrument maturity year	2021
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	166
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum	7.88%	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum	10.55%	10.55%
Debt instrument maturity year	2039
Not Classified [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	8,168	8,220
Fair Value	7,913	7,417
Not Classified [Member] \| Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,958	2,952
Fair Value	2,791	2,647
Not Classified [Member] \| Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,891	1,942
Fair Value	1,969	1,927
Not Classified [Member] \| 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,437	1,436
Fair Value	1,390	1,230
Not Classified [Member] \| 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,000	1,000
Fair Value	879	711
Not Classified [Member] \| Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	882	890
Fair Value	884	902
Classified [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,238	2,482
Fair Value	1,416	1,341
Classified [Member] \| Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,212	1,456
Fair Value	1,013	1,123
Classified [Member] \| 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	186	186
Fair Value	83	37
Classified [Member] \| 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	460	460
Fair Value	215	101
Classified [Member] \| 9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	214	214
Fair Value	83	46
Classified [Member] \| 7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	166	166
Fair Value	$ 22	$ 34

Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 13, 2012	Jan. 13, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Contribution estimates on defined benefit pension plans		$ 6,500,000
Employer contributions to defined benefit pension plans	86,000,000
Principal terms of new business plan, cost savings			2,000,000,000
Principal terms of a new business plan, revenue enhancement			$ 1,000,000,000
Principal terms of new business, headcount reduced			13,000

Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 104	$ 95
Interest cost	191	190
Expected return on assets	(166)	(163)
Amortization of Prior service cost	4	4
Amortization of Unrecognized net (gain) loss	61	37
Net periodic benefit cost	194	163
Retiree Medical And Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	15	15
Interest cost	38	44
Expected return on assets	(4)	(5)
Amortization of Prior service cost	(7)	(7)
Amortization of Unrecognized net (gain) loss	(2)	(2)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 40	$ 45

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph h

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (h)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 60

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 106

-Paragraph 518

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 87

-Paragraph 264

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 132R

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph a, h

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (h)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

+ Details

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Remaining accrual, beginning	$ 65
Non-cash charges	(11)
Adjustments	(29)
Payments	(2)
Remaining accrual, ending	23
Principal terms of new business, headcount reduced	13,000
Aircraft Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Remaining accrual, beginning	49
Non-cash charges	(11)
Adjustments	(29)
Payments	(1)
Remaining accrual, ending	8
Facility Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Remaining accrual, beginning	16
Payments	(1)
Remaining accrual, ending	$ 15

- Definition

Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of cash paid in the period to fully or partially settle a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount of consideration other than cash paid in the period to fully or partially settle a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost.

+ References+ Details

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Instruments And Risk Management [Abstract]
Number of barrels of jet fuel derivative contracts outstanding	18,000,000
Fuel derivative maturity in months	12
Recognized net gains (losses)	$ (29)	$ (101)
Derivative instruments hedging agreements fair value	104		80
Cash collateral received	$ 9.0

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Effect Of Cash Flow Hedges On Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fuel derivative contracts, Fair Value	$ 124	$ 97
Fuel Derivative Asset [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fuel derivative contracts, Fair Value	124	97
Fuel Derivative Liability [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fuel derivative liability, Fair Value		$ 2

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Effect Of Derivative Instruments On Statements Of Operations) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Financial Instruments And Risk Management [Abstract]

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative

$ 48

^[1]

$ 475

^[1]

Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income

^[1]

Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative

$ 3

^[2]

Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income

$26

^[1]

Location Of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative

^[2]

[1]	Effective portion of gain (loss)
[2]	Ineffective portion of gain (loss)

- Definition

The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period.

+ References+ Details

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Computations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss) - numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (1,660)	$ (436)
Interest on senior convertible notes
Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$ (1,660)	$ (436)
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares	335	333
Effect of dilutive securities, Senior convertible notes
Effect of dilutive securities, Employee options and shares
Effect of dilutive securities, Assumed treasury shares purchased
Dilutive potential common shares	335	333
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares	335	333
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ (4.95)	$ (1.31)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (4.95)	$ (1.31)
Excluded from calculation, Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive	46	57
Excluded from calculation, Employee stock options because the options' exercise price were greater than the average market price of the shares	24	10

Depreciation And Amortization	3 Months Ended
Depreciation And Amortization	Mar. 31, 2012
Depreciation And Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation And Amortization	4. Depreciation and Amortization Accumulated depreciation of owned equipment and property at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $10.3 billion and $10.1 billion, respectively. Accumulated amortization of equipment and property under capital leases at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $199 million and $448 million, respectively.