Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] American Airlines, Inc. [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Air traffic liability [Member] Air Traffic [Member] Air Traffic [Member] Loyalty program liability [Member] Loyalty Program [Member] Loyalty Program [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Cash Short-term investments Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Restricted cash and short-term investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Receivables from related parties, net Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Current Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, net Airline Related Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Operating property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Flight equipment Flight Equipment, Gross Ground property and equipment Ground Property and Equipment, Gross The gross amount of long-lived, depreciable ground property and equipment. Equipment purchase deposits Deposits on Flight Equipment Total property and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $683 and $663, respectively Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax asset Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries and wages Employee-related Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue, current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Pension and postretirement benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Loyalty program liability Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Special Items, Net Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated amortization of intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Components of Special Items, Net Included in Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Summary of Net Receivables (Payables) to Related Parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Share Repurchase Programs and Dividends Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Airline Expenses [Abstract] Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Regional Expenses Regional Operating Expenses [Text Block] Regional Operating Expenses [Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program April 2018 [Member] Share Repurchase Program April 2018 [Member] Share Repurchase Program April 2018 [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stock repurchase programs, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Number of share repurchase programs authorized Number of Share Repurchase Programs Authorized Number of Share Repurchase Programs Authorized Stock repurchase programs, remaining authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Aggregate stock repurchase price Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Average cost per share (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Income Statement [Abstract] Passenger [Member] Passenger [Member] Cargo [Member] Cargo and Freight [Member] Other [Member] Product and Service, Other [Member] Operating revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Operating revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Aircraft fuel and related taxes Fuel Costs Salaries, wages and benefits Labor and Related Expense Regional expenses Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements Maintenance, materials and repairs Aircraft Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs Other rent and landing fees Landing Fees and Other Rentals Aircraft rent Aircraft Rental Selling expenses Selling and Marketing Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Special items, net Restructuring And Other, Mainline Restructuring And Other, Mainline Other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Interest Expense Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total nonoperating expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Payments of dividends Payments of Dividends Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Passenger travel [Member] Passenger Travel [Member] Passenger Travel [Member] Loyalty revenue - travel [Member] Loyalty Program, Travel Redemptions [Member] Loyalty Program, Travel Redemptions [Member] Loyalty revenue - marketing services [Member] Loyalty Program, Marketing Services [Member] Loyalty Program, Marketing Services [Member] Other revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2013 Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] 2014 Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility 2014 [Member] Credit Facility 2014 [Member] April 2016 Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility April 2016 [Member] Credit Facility April 2016 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Shares distributed from Disputed Claims Reserve (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Distributed From Disputed Claims Reserve Common Stock, Capital Shares Distributed From Disputed Claims Reserve Shares reserved for future issuance (in shares) Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved For Issuance In Disputed Claims Reserve Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved For Issuance In Disputed Claims Reserve Number of putative class action lawsuits Number Of Putative Class Action Lawsuits Number of putative class action lawsuits. Preliminary settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Movement In Contract With Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Movement In Contract With Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Movement In Contract With Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Contract with Customer, Liability Deferral of revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase from Deferral Of Revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase from Deferral Of Revenue Recognition of revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Ending balance Inactive period before expiration of mileage credits Inactive Period Before Expiration Of Mileage Credits Inactive Period Before Expiration Of Mileage Credits Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Summary of Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Long-Term Debt, Including Current Maturities Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Long-term debt, including current maturities Long-term Debt, Fair Value Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Contract term Revenue, Performance Obligation, Description of Timing Recognition of revenue Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Purchase and retirement of common stock (in shares) Dividends declared on common stock (in dollars per share) Issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to employee stock plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Pension, Retiree Medical and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Loss on Investments [Member] AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] AOCI attributable to parent, before tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Before Tax, Attributable To Parent [Roll Forward] AOCI Before Tax, Attributable To Parent [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, before tax AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, before tax OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Amounts reclassified from AOCI, before tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Ending balance, before tax AOCI tax, attributable to parent [Roll Forward] AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward] AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, tax AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Ending balance, tax AOCI attributable to parent, net of tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, net of tax Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Ending balance, net of tax Basic EPS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Diluted EPS: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income for purposes of computing diluted EPS Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Share computation for diluted EPS: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Dilutive effect of stock awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Restricted stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because inclusion would be antidilutive (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Net income Other comprehensive loss, net Purchase and retirement of AAG common stock Dividends declared on AAG common stock Dividends, Common Stock Issuance of shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans net of shares withheld for cash taxes Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in Disputed Claims Reserve Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Disputed Claims Settlement Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Disputed Claims Settlement Share-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Impact of adoption of ASUs Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Intercompany equity transfer Intercompany Equity Transfer Intercompany Equity Transfer Ending Balance Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] 2019-1 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates 2019-1 [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates 2019-1 [Member] Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes 5.00% Due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes 5.00% Due 2022 [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt instrument principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Proceeds from notes payable Proceeds from Secured Notes Payable Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Legal Proceedings Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Corporate Obligations [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Bank Notes / Certificates of Deposit / Time Deposits [Member] Bank Time Deposits [Member] Repurchase Agreements [Member] Repurchase Agreements [Member] Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] Restricted cash and short-term investments Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term investments Equity Securities, FV-NI Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. [Member] Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. [Member] Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. [Member] Regional Carrier [Member] Regional Carrier [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Republic Airline Inc. [Member] Republic Airline Inc [Member] Republic Airline Inc [Member] Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers Capacity Purchases Capacity Purchases Total regional expenses Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Gross NOL Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] AAG [Member] Parent Company [Member] AAG's wholly-owned subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Net receivables (payables) to related parties Transactions with Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Fleet restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Merger integration expenses Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Mark-to-market adjustments on bankruptcy obligations, net Mark To Market Adjustments for Bankruptcy Obligations and Other Mark-to Market Adjustments for Bankruptcy Obligations and Other Intangible asset impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Litigation settlement Litigation Settlement, Expense Labor contract expenses Labor Contract Expenses Labor Contract Expenses Other operating charges, net Other Operating Special Charges, Net Other Operating Special Charges, Net Mainline operating special items, net Mark-to-market adjustments on equity investments, net Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Loss Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges Debt Refinancing and Debt Extinguishment Expense Debt Refinancing And Debt Extinguishment Expense Other nonoperating charges, net Other Non-Operating Special Charges (Credits), Net Other Non-Operating Special Items, Net Nonoperating special items, net Non-Operating Special Items, Net Nonoperating net expenses (credits) recognized in the period that are infrequent in occurrence or unusual in nature. Income tax special items, net Income Taxes Special Items Net Income taxes special items net. Other tax charges Other Tax Charges Other Tax Charges Change in deferred tax assets valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] December 2016 Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility December 2016 [Member] Credit Facility December 2016 [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] 5.50% Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes 5.50% Due in 2019 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50%, Due in 2019 [Member] 4.625% Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due in 2020 [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due in 2020 [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Less: Current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, net of current maturities Long-term Debt Variable interest rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Interest rate Components of Regional Expenses Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Medical and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization [Abstract] Prior service cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Unrecognized net loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic benefit cost (income) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures and aircraft purchase deposits Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment and Sale Leaseback Transactions Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment and Sale Leaseback Transactions Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Sales of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Decrease (increase) in restricted short-term investments Increase (Decrease) of Restricted Investments Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt and finance leases Repayments of Debt and Lease Obligation Deferred financing costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Treasury stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividend payments Payments of Ordinary Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and restricted cash at end of period Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: Noncash Investing And Financing Items, Lease Obligation Incurred [Abstract] Noncash Investing And Financing Items, Lease Obligation Incurred [Abstract] Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Finance leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Settlement of bankruptcy obligations Other Significant Noncash Transaction Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Schedule of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of Availability under Revolving Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Airline Destination [Table] Airline Destination [Table] Airline Destinations [Axis] Airline Destinations [Axis] Airline Destination [Domain] Airline Destination [Domain] Domestic [Member] Domestic Destination [Member] Latin America [Member] Latin America Destination [Member] Atlantic [Member] Atlantic Destination [Member] Pacific [Member] Pacific Destination [Member] Airline Destination Disclosure [Line Items] Airline Destination Disclosure [Line Items] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Prior service benefit [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Actuarial loss [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassifications out of AOCI Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Tax Act - reclassification of stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Contract balances, liability Restricted cash included in restricted cash and short-term investments Restricted Cash, Current Total cash and restricted cash