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Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract Balances Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Components of Regional Expenses Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses Components of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] 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[Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Settlement of bankruptcy obligations Other Significant Noncash Transaction Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Equity Investment Transfer from Investments Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Components of Lease Expense Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Table 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Income tax special items Other Tax Charges Other Tax Charges Income tax special items, net Income Taxes Special Items Net Income taxes special items net. Tax reform bonus, amount per employee Employee Tax Reform Bonus, Per Employee Employee Tax Reform Bonus, Per Employee Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Table] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Summarized Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Regional Carrier [Member] Regional Carrier [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] AAG's Wholly-owned Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary of Common Parent [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party 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Holdings [Member] Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. 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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 income (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 income (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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (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 Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Ending balance, net of tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accumulated amortization of intangibles 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 Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Defined benefit plans: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] 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 Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Amortization of: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization Amounts [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit, Amortization Amounts [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) Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Variable Rate Debt [Member] Variable Rate Debt [Member] Variable Rate Debt [Member] Principal amount of long-term variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Weighted average effective interest rate on variable rate debt Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Purchase and retirement of common stock (in shares) Issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to employee stock plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used for computation: Weighted Average 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Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets [Abstract] Relating to assets still held at the reporting date Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held Purchases Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Purchases Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Purchases Sales Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Sales Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Sales Fair value of plan assets at end of period Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] 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] Cargo [Member] Cargo and Freight [Member] Other [Member] Product and Service, Other [Member] Other revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Total operating revenues Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Short-term Investments Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments Restricted Cash And Short Term Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash And Short Term Investments, Policy Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts, and Supplies, Net Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy 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Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Future Service Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Changes in Fair Value Measurements of Level 3 Investments Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] EETC Leveraged Lease Financings [Member] EETC Leveraged Lease Financings [Member] EETC Leveraged Lease Financings [Member] Airport development, amount Airport Redevelopment, Amount Airport Redevelopment, Amount Airport redevelopment, number of security screening lanes Airport Redevelopment, Number Of Security Screen Lanes Airport Redevelopment, Number Of Security Screen Lanes Airport 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Amount Shares reserved for issuance in Disputed Claims Reserve (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. Settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Number of full-time equivalent employees Entity Number of Employees Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Employer's Participants Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage of Employer's Participants Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements that will become amendable within one year Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage Of Employer's Participants Under Agreements Amendable Within One Year Collective-Bargaining Arrangement, Percentage Of Employer's Participants Under Agreements Amendable Within One Year Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets ABO less fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Amount In Excess Of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Amount In Excess Of Plan Assets Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Proceeds from notes payable Proceeds from Secured Notes Payable Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Long-term debt average interest rate Long Term Debt Average Interest Rate Long term debt average interest rate. Components of Income Tax Provision Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Income Tax Provision Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] 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 Benefit obligations: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Weighted average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Net periodic benefit cost (income): Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Weighted average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Defined Benefit 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[Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Collateral Coverage Tests Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests [Table Text Block] Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2025 and thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Share-based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Other Short-term Revolving Facility [Member] Short Term Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Short Term Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Aggregate principal issued Principal outstanding or drawn Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Annual installment repayment, percent or original principal balance Debt Instrument Annual Repayment Percent Of Principal Balance Debt Instrument, Annual Repayment, Percent of Principal Balance Line of credit facility undrawn fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Minimum aggregate liquidity required under debt covenant Debt Instrument Restrictive Covenants Minimum Aggregate Liquidity Amount Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Aggregate Liquidity, Amount Cover page. Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Annual Report Document Annual 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers 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 Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates 2019-1 [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates 2019-1 [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates 2019-1 [Member] Number of aircraft financed by debt issuance Number of Aircraft Financed by Debt Issuance Number of aircraft financed by debt issuance. 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AAL Class [Member] Mutual Fund AAL Class [Member] Mutual Fund AAL Class [Member] Non-U.S. [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair value of plan assets Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Floor interest rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Floor Interest Rate Number of leased aircraft Number Of Aircraft Operating Under Operating And Finance Lease Number Of Aircraft Operating Under Operating And Finance Lease Lease terms Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Term Of Contract Lessee, Operating And Finance Lease, Term Of Contract Operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Payments, Due Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Payments, Due Operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced, number of aircraft Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Number Of Leased Aircraft Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Number Of Leased Aircraft Operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced, lease term Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract Components of Special Items, Net Included in Consolidated Statements of Operations Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Actual return (loss) on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Funded status at end of period Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Supplemental contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Supplemental Contributions By Employer Defined benefit plan, supplemental contributions by employer. Minimum required cash contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Minimum Contributions by Employer Defined benefit plan minimum contributions by employer. Operating and nonoperating special items, net Operating And Nonoperating Special Charges, Net Operating And Nonoperating Special Charges, Net Fleet restructuring expenses Merger integration expenses Severance costs Mark-to-market net unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments Net credit (charge) resulting from mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] 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. 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 Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $704 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 Operating lease liabilities 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 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 Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Cash Flow, Lessee [Abstract] Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Financing cash flows from finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Non-cash transactions: Noncash Lease Transactions [Abstract] Noncash Lease Transactions [Abstract] ROU assets acquired through operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Operating lease conversion to finance lease Operating Lease Liability Converted To Finance Lease Liability Operating Lease Liability Converted To Finance Lease Liability Property and equipment acquired through finance leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Gain on sale leaseback transactions, net Sale and Leaseback Transaction, Gain (Loss), Net Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCI) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications out of AOCI Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] China Southern Airlines [Member] China Southern Airlines Company Limited [Member] China Southern Airlines [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Money Market Funds [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] Short-term investments 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 Components Of Income Taxes [Table] Components Of Income Taxes [Table] Components of income taxes. Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Statutory income tax provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income tax provision, net of federal tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Foreign income taxes, net of federal tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount 2017 Tax Act Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Total income tax provision Schedule of Stock-Settled RSU Award Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Special Items, Net Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 2019-1 EETC - Series AA [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series AA [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series AA [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series A [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series A [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series A [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series B [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series B [Member] 2019-1 EETC - Series B [Member] Aggregate principal issued Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 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] Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax LTV Multiplier Debt Instrument Collateral Covenant Loan To Value Ratio Multiplier Debt Instrument, Collateral Covenant, Loan-to-Value Ratio Multiplier Maximum LTV Debt Instrument Collateral Covenant Maximum Loan To Value Ratio Debt Instrument, Collateral Covenant, Maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio LTV as of Last Measurement Date Ltv As Of Measurement Date LTV As Of measurement Date Share Repurchase Programs and Dividends Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Transactions with Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Income Statement [Abstract] Operating revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Regional expenses Special items, net Total operating expenses Operating income Nonoperating income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Interest Expense Other income, 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 Net income Earnings per common share: Weighted average shares outstanding: Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Equity [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member] U.S. Large [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US, Large Cap [Member] U.S. Small/Mid [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US, Mid Cap [Member] International [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Non-US [Member] Emerging Markets [Member] Emerging Markets [Member] Emerging Markets [Member] Alternative Investments [Member] Alternative Investment [Member] Alternative Investment [Member] Fixed Income [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Security [Member] U.S. Long Duration [Member] Fixed Income U S Long Duration [Member] Fixed Income U S Long Duration [Member] High Yield and Emerging Markets [Member] Fixed Income Emerging Markets [Member] Fixed Income Emerging Markets [Member] Private Income [Member] Private Fixed Income [Member] Private Fixed Income [Member] Other [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Other Investment [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Other Investment [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Strategic target asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating Segments and Related Disclosures Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Other comprehensive loss, net Issuance of shares of AAG common stock pursuant to employee stock plans net of shares withheld for cash taxes Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation Purchase and retirement of AAG common stock Dividends declared on AAG common stock Dividends, Common Stock Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in Disputed Claims Reserve Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Settlement Of Single Dip Unsecured Claims Adjustments to additional paid in capital settlement of single dip unsecured claims. Share-based compensation expense APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Intercompany equity transfer Intercompany Equity Transfer Intercompany Equity Transfer Adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02 related to comprehensive income Ending Balance Current liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Noncurrent liability Total liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Cash and cash equivalents [Member] International markets [Member] Large-cap companies [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Large Cap [Member] Mid-cap companies [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Mid Cap [Member] Small-cap companies [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, Small Cap [Member] Mutual Funds [Member] Government Securities [Member] U.S. municipal securities [Member] US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage backed securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Common/collective trusts [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Common Collective Trust [Member] Insurance Group Annuity Contracts [Member] Dividend and interest receivable [Member] Dividend And Interest Receivable [Member] Dividend And Interest Receivable [Member] Due to/from brokers for sale of securities - net [Member] Due To From Brokers For Sale Of Securities [Member] Due To From Brokers For Sale Of Securities [Member] Other liabilities - net [Member] Other Plan Asset Categories, Liabilities, Net [Member] Other Plan Asset Categories, Liabilities, Net [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Net actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior service cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), pre-tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] 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 comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Operating leases: Operating Lease, Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Operating Lease, Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Operating lease ROU assets Current operating lease liabilities Noncurrent operating lease liabilities Finance leases: Finance Lease, Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Finance Lease, Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Abstract] Property and equipment, at cost Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Accumulated amortization Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Property and equipment, net Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Current finance lease liabilities Noncurrent finance lease liabilities Weighted average remaining lease term: Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted average discount rate: Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Leases, Weighted Average Discount Rate [Abstract] Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Mainline And Express Depreciation And Amortization Mainline And Express Depreciation And Amortization Net gains from sale of property and equipment and sale-leaseback transactions Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Property Plant Equipment And Sale And Leaseback Transaction, Net Gain (Loss) On Disposition Of Property Plant Equipment And Sale And Leaseback Transaction, Net Special items, net non-cash Special Charges Non Cash Special Charges Non Cash Pension and postretirement Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Noncash Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Share-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase in receivables from related parties, net Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties Increase (decrease) in customer liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Contributions to pension plans Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Increase (decrease) in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net 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-leaseback transactions Proceeds From Sale-Leaseback Transactions Proceeds From Sale-Leaseback Transactions Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds, Investing Activities Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Sales of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Proceeds from vendor Proceeds From Vendor Proceeds From Vendor Decrease (increase) in restricted short-term investments Increase (Decrease) of Restricted Investments Proceeds from sale of investments Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Purchase of equity investment Payments to Acquire Equity Method 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 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 year Cash and restricted cash at end of year Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments AAG [Member] Parent Company [Member] Net receivables (payables) to related parties Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Aircraft, engines and related rotable parts [Member] Aircraft, Engines and Related Rotable Parts Member Aircraft, Engines and Related Rotable Parts Member Buildings and improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures and other equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Capitalized software [Member] Capitalized Software [Member] Capitalized Software [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Residual value percentage of equipment and properties Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage Estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items] Components Of Income Taxes [Line Items] Components of income taxes line items. Current income tax provision: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] State and Local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax provision: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and Local Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax provision Long-term Purchase Commitments Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Minimum Fixed Obligations under Capacity Purchase Agreements with Third-Party Regional Carriers Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Summary of Net Receivables (Payables) to Related Parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]