Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash at end of year Cash at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash Short-term Investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Receivables, Net, Current Receivables, Net, Current, Total Receivables, less allowance for uncollectible accounts (2010 - $57; 2009 - $57) Other Assets, Current Assets, Current Other Assets, Noncurrent Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred Air Traffic Revenue Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Capital Lease Obligations, Current Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Obligations Under Capital Leases, Less Current Obligations Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cargo Cargo and Freight Revenue Other Sales Revenue, Net Other revenues Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Aircraft fuel Fuel Costs Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Operating Income (Loss) Operating Loss Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest capitalized Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Miscellaneous - net Miscellaneous - net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest, Total Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss Net Earnings (Loss) Net earnings (loss) Assets Current Assets Short-term investments Short-term Investments, Total Restricted cash and short-term investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current, Total Other current assets Total current assets Assets, Current, Total Other assets Total Assets Current Liabilities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Air traffic liability Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Current obligations under capital leases Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current, Total Pension and postretirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures, including purchase deposits on flight equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Capital expenditures Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments, Total Net (increase)decrease in short-term investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Total Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash Net increase (decrease) in cash Interest capitalized Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Other Income (Expenses) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total operating revenues Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Abstract] Wages, salaries and benefits Labor and Related Expense, Total Labor and Related Expense Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Total Equipment and Property Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Equipment and Property Equipment and Property Under Capital Leases Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet [Abstract] Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net, Total Total Equipment and Property Under Capital Leases Cash Cash Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Special Charges and Restructuring Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Special Charges and Restructuring Activities Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Regional Payments To Sister Company Regional payments to AMR Eagle Regional payments to sister company. Due to Affiliate, Current Payable to affiliates Financial Instruments and Risk Management [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information. Funds Transferred To Affiliates Net Funds transferred from affiliates, net Funds transferred to affiliates, net. Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Public Float Aircraft rentals Expense incurred related to the lease of aircraft from outside third parties that are used in the Company's business operations. Aircraft rentals Food service Cost of food and beverage catering for passengers. Food service Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value Fuel derivative contracts Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value Fuel derivative liability Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other liabilities and deferred credits Other liabilities, deferred gains and deferred credits Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [TextBlock] Income Taxes Aircraft Maintenance Materials And Repairs Maintenance, materials and repairs Maintenance costs incurred and directly related to services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Includes the cost of inspections and repairs, materials and routine maintenance costs for all aircraft and engines. Selling Expense Commissions, booking fees and credit card expense Restructuring And Other Special charges Significant and non-routine operating expenses such as asset impairments and restructuring charges that may not be an indicator of future cash flows. Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Airline Related Inventories Inventories, less allowance for obsolescence (2010 - $479; 2009 - $457) Carrying amount (net of obsolescence) as of the balance sheet date of expendable merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies to be used primarily in air transport of passengers and freight. Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Other Repayments Of Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations The cash outflow for debt and for leases meeting the criteria for capitalization, initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock - $1 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding Airline International Slots And Routes International slots and route authorities Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date of international slots, route authorities, airport operating and gate lease rights and related intangibles. Airline Domestic Slots And Routes Domestic slots and airport operating and gate lease rights, less accumulated amortization (2010 - $417; 2009 - $393) Carrying amount (original costs adjusted for previously recognized amortization and impairment) as of the balance sheet date of domestic slots, route authorities, airport operating and gate lease rights and related intangibles. Property Plant And Equipment Other Net Other equipment and property, net This element represents capitalized assets classified as property, plant and equipment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Amounts are stated net of accumulated depreciation. Capital Leases Lessee Balance Sheet Assets By Major Class Other Property Plant And Equipment Net Other equipment and property The total gross amount for long-lived depreciable assets not included within other defined categories that are subject to a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization. Amounts are stated net of accumulated amortization. Passenger Revenue Regional - Regional Affiliates A transportation carrier's regional affiliates' fare revenue recognized in the period from carrying passengers between destinations. Landing Fees And Other Rentals Other rentals and landing fees Direct costs incurred at airports in which the Company conducts flight operations. The costs primarily consist of fees paid to the airport authority for takeoff and landing, gate space and facilities, allocations of common space such as security and other terminal costs, and fuel storage facilities. Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash And Short Term Investments Net decrease (increase) in restricted cash and short-term investments Net (increase)/decrease in restricted cash and short-term investments The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds and investments that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets, Total Proceeds from sale of equipment, property and investments/subsidiaries Proceeds From Issuance Of Financing Abstract Proceeds from: Abstract. Flight Equipment Owned Net Flight equipment, net Long-lived, depreciable flight assets used in the Company's principle business operations, including owned aircraft as well as capitalized improvements. Amounts are stated net of accumulated depreciation. Deposits On Flight Equipment Purchase deposits for flight equipment Purchase deposits for flight equipment Carrying amount at the balance sheet date of deposits made to the manufacturer for new flight equipment still under construction. Includes construction costs to date for assets being constructed that are not ready to be placed into service and may include capitalized interest. Passenger Revenue Main Line Passenger - American Airlines A transportation carrier's mainline fare revenue recognized in the period from carrying passengers between destinations. Related Party Interest Net Related party The interest expense that was paid to affiliates and was charged against earnings during the period, presented net of interest income from affiliates. Increase Decrease In Other Liabilities And Deferred Credits Increase (decrease) in other liabilities and deferred credits Increase (decrease) in other liabilities and deferred credits. Special charges Special charges Special charges. Redemption Payments Under Operating Leases For Special Facility Revenue Bonds Redemption payments under operating leases for special facility revenue bonds Redemption payments under operating leases for special facility revenue bonds Redemption payments under operating leases for special facility revenue bonds. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation Depreciation, Total Depreciation Amortization Amortization, Total Amortization Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Equity based stock compensation Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense, Total Pension and postretirement Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Decrease (increase) in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables, Total Decrease (increase) in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Decrease (increase) in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Decrease (increase) in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability Reimbursement From Construction Reserve Account Reimbursement from construction reserve account. Reimbursement from construction reserve account Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Issuance of long-term debt Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Accounting Policies Indebtedness [Abstract] Indebtedness. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Text Block Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Transactions with Related Parties Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Intangible Assets Disclosure [TextBlock] Intangible Assets Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Share Based Compensation Share Based Compensation [Abstract] Leases Of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Leases Leases [Abstract] Flight equipment Gross Flight equipment Flight equipment. Flight equipment, at cost Flight equipment, at cost. Flight equipment, at cost Other Liabilities And Credits Abstract Other Liabilities and Credits. Other Liabilities and Credits Deferred Gains Deferred gains. Deferred gains Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) [Abstract] Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Deficit Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Allowances For Obsolescence On Inventories Allowances for obsolescence on inventories Allowances for obsolescence on Inventories. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivables Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, outstanding Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves Transactions with Related Parties [Abstract] Transactions with related parties. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment reporting. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves. Accumulated Depreciation On Flight Equipment Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation on Flight equipment. Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Other equipment and property, at cost Accumulated Depreciationon On Property Plant And Equipment Other Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciationon on Property Plant and Equipment Other. Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Less accumulated amortization Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other Assets Other Non Current Assets Total Other Assets Other Non Current Assets. Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued salaries and wages Other Liabilities And Credits Total Other Liabilities and Credits Other Liabilities and credits. Capital Leased Assets, Gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross, Total Capital Leased Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Airline Domestic Slots And Routes Accumulated amortization of domestic slots and airport operating and gate lease rights Accumulated Amortization Airline Domestic Slots and Routes. Investments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Pension, retiree medical and other liability Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on investments Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Total Net changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Total comprehensive loss Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Reclassification and amortization of stock compensation plans Increase (Decrease) in Risk Management Assets and Liabilities Decrease (increase) in derivative collateral and unwound derivative contracts Decrease (increase) in derivative collateral and unwound Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Other, net Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments and Fair Value Measurements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Indebtedness Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments and Risk Management Proceeds From Sale Leaseback Transactions Sale leaseback transactions Proceeds from Sale Leaseback transactions. Other Comprehensive Income Non Cash Tax Provision Non-cash tax provision Other comprehensive income, non cash tax provision. Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Accounting Policies. Commitments And Contingencies And Debt And Lease Obligations [Text Block] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments and Contingencies and Debt and Lease Obligations. Commitments And Contingencies And Debt And Lease Obligations [Abstract] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies and Debt and Lease Obligations. Intangible Assets [Absrtact] Intangible Assets. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies