Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] American Airlines, Inc. [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangement, Individual Contract, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangement, Individual Contract, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain] Deferred Profit Sharing [Member] Deferred Profit Sharing [Member] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] Pre-tax income excluding special items for employee profit sharing, percentage Profit Share Percentage Profit Share Percentage Employee profit sharing program, amount Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Equity [Abstract] Stock repurchase programs, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount 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 Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Mainline [Member] Mainline [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Merger integration expenses Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Fleet restructuring expenses Restructuring Charges Employee 2017 Tax Act bonus expense Employee Tax Reform Bonus Expense Employee Tax Reform Bonus Expense Labor contract expenses Labor Contract Expenses Labor Contract Expenses Mark-to-market adjustments for bankruptcy obligations Mark To Market Adjustments for Bankruptcy Obligations and Other Mark-to Market Adjustments for Bankruptcy Obligations and Other Other operating charges (credits), net Other Operating Special Charges, Net Other Operating Special Charges, Net Special items, net Restructuring And Other, Mainline Restructuring And Other, Mainline Regional operating special items, net Restructuring And Other, Regional Restructuring And Other, Regional Operating special items, net Restructuring And Other, Net Restructuring And Other, Net Debt refinancing and extinguishment charges Debt Refinancing and Debt Extinguishment Expense Debt Refinancing And Debt Extinguishment Expense Venezuela foreign currency losses Amount Recognized In Income Due To Inflationary Accounting, Net Amount Recognized In Income Due To Inflationary Accounting, Net Other nonoperating charges (credits), 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. Impact of the 2017 Tax Act on deferred tax assets and liabilities Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Release of deferred tax valuation allowance Reversal Of Valuation Allowance Reversal Of Valuation Allowance Other tax charges Other Tax Charges Other Tax Charges Income tax special items, net Income Taxes Special Items Net Income taxes special items net. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] 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 Depreciable Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 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] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates (EETC) [Member] Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Credit Facilities Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [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] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Purchase and retirement of common stock, shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Including Shares Pursuant to Bankruptcy Distribution, Shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Including Shares Pursuant to Bankruptcy Distribution, Shares Purchase and retirement of common stock, shares Dividends declared on common stock per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to employee stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Expenses [Table] Regional Carrier [Member] Regional Carrier [Member] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Regional Expenses [Line Items] Aircraft fuel and related taxes Fuel Costs Salaries, wages and benefits Labor and Related Expense Capacity purchases from third-party regional carriers Capacity Purchases Capacity Purchases 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 Significant and non-routine operating expenses (credits) such as asset impairments and restructuring charges that may not be an indicator of future cash flows. Other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total regional expenses Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements Capacity purchase expenses related to aircraft deemed to be leased Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements Leased Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements Leased Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] 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 Gain/(Loss) on Investments [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI attributable to parent, before tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Before Tax, Attributable To Parent [Roll Forward] AOCI Before Tax, Attributable To 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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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax 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] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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 Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] 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] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2023-2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter 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 Revenues by Geographic Region Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Senior Notes 6.125% Due in 2018 [Member] Senior Notes 6.125% Due in 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.125%, Due in 2018 [Member] Senior Notes 5.50% Due in 2019 [Member] Senior Notes 5.50% Due in 2019 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50%, Due in 2019 [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due in 2020 [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due in 2020 [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due in 2020 [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] Special Facility Revenue Bonds [Member] Credit Facilities And Certain EETC Financings [Member] Credit Facilities And Certain EETC Financings [Member] Credit Facilities And Certain EETC Financings [Member] Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 [Abstract] Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Current year change Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Investments and derivative financial instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities and Derivative Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities and Derivative Adjustment, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations Exceeding Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care 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] Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Related Party Transactions [Abstract] 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 Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Current Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments 2016-3 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 EETC Series B [Member] 2016-3 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series AA Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series A Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 EETC Series B [Member] 2017-2 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Series B Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] Debt instrument principal amount Debt instrument, unused borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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 [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] 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] Long-term debt, including current maturities Long-term Debt, Fair Value Retiree medical plan, plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Amortization period of gains losses related to plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization Period of Gains (Losses) Related to Plan Amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization Period of Gains (Losses) Related to Plan Amendment Unamortized actuarial gain Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses) Related to Plan Amendment, Before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses) Related to Plan Amendment, Before Tax The estimated actuarial gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost) that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Estimated future employer contributions for 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined benefit plans estimated supplemental future employer contributions in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans Estimated Supplemental Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans Estimated Supplemental Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] Equipment Loans and Other Notes Payable [Member] 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 Long-term debt average interest rate Long Term Debt Average Interest Rate Long term debt average interest rate. 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] Operating revenues Revenue, Net Operating expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) 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 (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 Tax reform bonus, amount per employee Employee Tax Reform Bonus, Amount Employee Tax Reform Bonus, Amount Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Retained Earnings [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 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] 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] Common stock dividends per share declared (in dollars per share) Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Schedule of Stock-Settled RSU Award Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] 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 Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Basic EPS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding 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 (in thousands): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Dilutive effect of stock awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Restricted stock unit awards excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because inclusion would be antidilutive Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Private Equity Partnerships [Member] Private Equity Funds [Member] Insurance Group Annuity Contracts [Member] Insurance Group Annuity Contracts [Member] Insurance Group Annuity Contracts [Member] Change in fair value measurements of level 3 investments Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual loss on plan assets 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 Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold 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 Transfers out Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred into (out of) Level 3 Fair value of plan assets at end of period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Domain] Collateral [Domain] Restricted Cash [Member] Restricted Cash [Member] Restricted Cash [Member] 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] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Number of aircraft owned through financing under EETC Number Of Aircraft Owned Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate Number of Aircraft Owned, Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate Number of aircraft operating leased under trusts Number Of Operating Aircraft Leased From Trusts In Which Company Holds Significant Variable Interest Number Of Operating Aircraft Leased From Trusts In Which Company Holds Significant Variable Interest EETC Carrying Value Long-term Debt Operating leases future minimum payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Letters of credit outstanding and surety bonds, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding and Surety Bonds, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding and Surety Bonds, Amount Shares reserved for future issuance Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Number of putative class action lawsuits Number Of Putative Class Action Lawsuits Number of putative class action lawsuits. 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 Commitments and Contingencies [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] Summary of Net Receivables (Payables) to Related Parties Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Substantially All Deferred Tax Assets, Including Net Operating Losses [Member] Substantially All Deferred Tax Assets, Including Net Operating Losses [Member] Substantially All Deferred Tax Assets, Including Net Operating Losses [Member] 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] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation allowance, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, deferred tax asset, increase Valuation Allowance, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation Allowance, Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Gross NOL carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Federal NOL carryforwards, maximum allowable utilization Operating Loss Carryforwards without Annual Limitations on Use Operating Loss Carryforwards without Annual Limitations on Use Federal NOL carryforwards, remaining amount Operating Loss Carryforwards Outstanding without Annual Limitations on Use Operating Loss Carryforwards Outstanding without Annual Limitations on Use Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Income tax provision (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense, effective rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Impact of tax reform on deferred tax assets and liabilities Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Fair Value Measurements and Other Investments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Organization Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Principal Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amortizable Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Components of Regional Expenses Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Regional Operating Expenses Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five 2023 and thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Total Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net 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 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) Defined contribution plan cost Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Total cost (income) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Aircraft and Engine Purchase Commitments [Member] Purchase And Lease Commitments [Member] Purchase And Lease Commitments [Member] 2018 Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2019 Purchase Obligation, Due in Second Year 2020 Purchase Obligation, Due in Third Year 2021 Purchase Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Purchase Obligation, Due in Fifth Year 2023 and Thereafter Purchase Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Purchase Obligation Equipment purchase deposits Deposits on Flight Equipment Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Airline Capacity Purchase Arrangements [Member] Airline Capacity Purchase Arrangements [Member] Obligations Related To Aircraft To Be Leased [Member] Obligations Related To Aircraft To Be Leased [Member] Obligations Related To Aircraft To Be Leased [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Capacity purchase agreement, percentage of reimbursement for certain variable costs Reimbursement Receivable Percentage Under Agreement Reimbursement receivable percentage under agreement. Long-term Purchase Commitments Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Minimum Fixed Obligations under Capacity Purchase Agreements with Third-Party Regional Carriers Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] 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 Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Changes in pension, retiree medical and other postretirement benefits liability Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Net changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Non-cash tax benefit Cash tax withholding on shares issued Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Purchase and retirement of common stock Dividends declared on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Settlement of single-dip unsecured claims held in distributed 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 Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Intercompany equity transfer Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09 related to share-based compensation (See Note 14) New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Change in unrealized loss on investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Ending Balance 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] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Equity investment Transfer from Investments Settlement of bankruptcy obligations Other Significant Noncash Transaction Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Bankruptcy Settlement Obligation Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Supplemental information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] International Markets [Member] International Markets [Member] International Markets [Member] Large-Cap Companies [Member] Large Cap Companies [Member] Large Cap Companies [Member] Mid-Cap Companies [Member] Mid Cap Companies [Member] Mid Cap Companies [Member] Small-Cap Companies [Member] Small Cap Companies [Member] Small Cap Companies [Member] Mutual Funds [Member] Mutual Fund [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Bonds [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Government Securities [Member] US Government Debt Securities [Member] U.S. Municipal Securities [Member] Municipal Bonds [Member] Alternative Investments [Member] Alternative Investment [Member] Alternative Investment [Member] Private Equity Partnerships Measured At Net Asset Value [Member] Private Equity Partnerships Measured At Net Asset Value [Member] Private Equity Partnerships Measured At Net Asset Value [Member] Common Collective Trusts [Member] Common Collective Trusts [Member] Common Collective Trusts [Member] Common Collective Trusts and 103-12 Investment Trust Measured at Net Asset Value [Member] Common/Collective Trust and 103-2 Investment Trusts [Member] Common/Collective Trust and 103-2 Investment Trusts [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] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair value of plan assets Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 2016-3 EETC [Member] 2016-3 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2016-3 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 EETC [Member] 2017-1 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-1 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 EETC [Member] 2017-2 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] 2017-2 Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates [Member] Proceeds from debt issuance Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Number of aircraft financed by debt issuance Number of Aircraft Financed by Debt Issuance Number of aircraft financed by debt issuance. Number of pass through trusts issued Number Of Pass Through Trusts Issued Number Of Pass Through Trusts Issued Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Components of Special Items, Net Included in Consolidated Statements of Operations Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Obsolescence of Spare Parts [Member] Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Changes charged to statement of operations accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Write-offs (net of recoveries) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Sales, retirements and transfers Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Adjustments Balance at end of year Common/Collective Trust and 103-2 Investment Trusts [Member] Equity Securities by Investment Objective [Axis] Equity Securities by Investment Objective [Axis] Equity Securities, Investment Objective [Domain] Equity Securities, Investment Objective [Domain] U.S. Companies [Member] U S Companies [Member] U.S. Companies [Member] US Treasuries and Corporate Bonds [Member] US Government Debt Securities and Corporate Debt Securities [Member] US Government Debt Securities and Corporate Debt Securities [Member] International Companies [Member] International Companies [Member] International Companies [Member] Corporate Debt with A Standard and Poor's (S&P) Rating Lower than A [Member] Corporate Debt With Standard And Poors Rating Lower Than A [Member] Corporate Debt With Standard And Poor's Rating Lower Than A [Member] Corporate Debt with Standard and Poor's (S&P) Rating A or Higher [Member] Corporate Debt With Standard And Poors Rating A Or Higher [Member] Corporate Debt With Standard And Poor's Rating A Or Higher [Member] Emerging Market Companies [Member] Emerging Market Companies [Member] Emerging Market Companies [Member] Domestic Government Securities [Member] Domestic Government Securities [Member] Domestic Government Securities [Member] Emerging Market Government Securities [Member] Emerging Market Government Securities [Member] Emerging Market Government Securities [Member] Other International Government Securities [Member] Other International Government Securities [Member] Other International Government Securities [Member] U.S. Buyout Opportunities [Member] US Buyout Opportunities [Member] US Buyout Opportunities [Member] European Buyout Opportunities [Member] European Buyout Opportunities [Member] European Buyout Opportunities [Member] Collective Interest Trust [Member] Collective Interest Trust [Member] Collective Interest Trust [Member] Emerging Market 103-12 Investment Trust [Member] Emerging Market 103-12 Investment Trust [Member] Emerging Market 103-12 Investment Trust [Member] Canadian Segregated Balanced Value [Member] Canadian Segregated Balanced Value [Member] Canadian Segregated Balanced Value [Member] Common/Collective Trust [Member] Common Or Collective Trust [Member] Common Or Collective Trust [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United Kingdom [Member] UNITED KINGDOM Japan [Member] JAPAN France [Member] FRANCE Switzerland [Member] SWITZERLAND Netherlands [Member] NETHERLANDS Emerging Markets [Member] Emerging Markets [Member] Emerging Markets [Member] No Concentration Greater than 5% In Any One Country [Member] No Concentration Greater Than Five Percent In Any One Country [Member] No Concentration Greater Than Five Percent In Any One Country [Member] Actual plan asset allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Estimated year of liquidation of underlying assets Estimated Life Of Liquidation Of Underlying Assets Estimated Life Of Liquidation Of Underlying Assets Defined benefit plan master trust future funding commitments Defined Benefit Plan Master Trust Future Funding Commitments Defined Benefit Plan Master Trust Future Funding Commitments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Debt discount and lease amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) and Leased Assets Amortization of debt discount (premium) and leased assets. Special items, non-cash Special Charges Non Cash Special Charges Non Cash Pension and postretirement Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Noncash Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation 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 in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability Increase in receivables from related parties, net Increase (Decrease) in Due from Related Parties Increase (decrease) in loyalty program liability Increase (Decrease) in Frequent Flyer 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 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 in restricted cash and short-term investments Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments Purchase of equity investment Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Proceeds from sale of an investment Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments 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 capital leases Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 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 decrease in cash Cash, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash at beginning of year Cash Cash at end of year Investment [Table] Investment [Table] 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] China Southern Airlines Company Limited [Member] China Southern Airlines Company Limited [Member] China Southern Airlines [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Regional expenses Cost method investments, ownership percentage Cost Method Investments, Ownership Percentage Cost Method Investments, Ownership Percentage Cost method investments Cost Method Investments Cost method investments, required holding period Cost Method Investments, Required Holding Period Cost Method Investments, Required Holding Period 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] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2013 [Member] Credit Facility 2014 [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 Equity [Member] Equity [Member] U.S. Large [Member] United States Large [Member] United States Large [Member] U.S. Small/Mid [Member] United States Small/Mid [Member] United States Small/Mid [Member] International [Member] International Values [Member] International Values [Member] Fixed Income [Member] Fixed Income [Member] Fixed Income [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 Fixed Income [Member] Private Fixed Income [Member] Private Fixed Income [Member] Other [Member] Other Plan Asset Category [Member] Other Plan Asset Category [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash Equivalents [Member] Strategic target asset allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Domestic Airport Slots [Member] Airport Take Off And Landing Slots [Member] Airport Take Off And Landing Slots [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Marketing Agreements [Member] Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Tradenames [Member] Trade Names [Member] Airport Gate Leasehold Rights [Member] Airport Gate Leasehold Rights [Member] Airport Gate Leasehold Rights [Member] Amortizable intangible assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Special Items, Net Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Increase (decrease) on 2017 service and interest cost, 1% Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Increase (decrease) on benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017, 1% Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Increase (decrease) on 2017 service and interest cost, 1% Decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Increase(decrease) on benefits obligation as of December 31, 2017, 1% Decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] December 2016 Credit Facilities [Member] Credit Facility December 2016 [Member] Credit Facility December 2016 [Member] 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 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] Gate Leasehold Rights [Member] Gate Lease Rights [Member] Gate Lease Rights [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Venezuelan [Member] Venezuelan bolívar fuerte AAdvantage Program [Member] AAdvantage Program [Member] AAdvantage Program [Member] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Mileage Credits Sale [Member] Mileage Credits Sale [Member] Mileage Credits Sale [Member] Marketing Component of Mileage Sales [Member] Marketing Component Of Mileage Sales [Member] Marketing Component Of Mileage Sales [Member] Consolidated reporting unit Number of Reporting Units Goodwill Goodwill Amortized years of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Indefinite lived intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived (excluding goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Current loyalty program liability Frequent Flier Liability, Current Other revenues recognized for marketing component of mileage sales at the time of sale Recognition of Deferred Revenue Air traffic liability Air Traffic Liability, Current Advertising and promotional expenses Marketing and Advertising Expense Foreign currency gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Venezuela foreign currency losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Write Off Due To Lack Of Repatriations And Deteriorated Economic Condition Of Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Write Off Due To Lack Of Repatriations And Deteriorated Economic Condition Of Foreign Currency 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 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 Other Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Assets Transferred to (from) Plan 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. Components Of Income Taxes [Table] Components Of Income Taxes [Table] Components of income taxes. 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] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State and Local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current income tax provision (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax provision (benefit): 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 (benefit) Income tax provision (benefit) Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Long-term debt outstanding 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 Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Operating revenues: Revenue, Net [Abstract] Mainline passenger Passenger Revenue, Mainline Regional passenger Passenger Revenue, Regional Cargo Cargo and Freight Revenue Other Other Revenue, Net Total operating revenues Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] 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, 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 (in thousands): Cash dividends declared per common share ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash Short-term investments Short-term Investments Restricted cash and short-term investments Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts receivable, net Receivables, Net, Current Receivables from related parties, net 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 $622 and $578, 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 Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued salaries and wages Employee-related Liabilities, Current Loyalty program liability Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt and capital leases, net of current maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Pension and postretirement benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity 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’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Number of jet aircraft committed to capital leases Number Of Aircraft Operating Under Capital Lease Number of aircraft operating under capital lease. Collateral coverage tests, number of financing transactions Debt Instrument Collateral Coverage Test Number Of Financing Transactions Debt instrument, collateral coverage test, number of financing transactions. Operating Segments and Related Disclosures Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] 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 Available-for-sale Securities 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 Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Operating and nonoperating special charges, net Operating And Nonoperating Special Charges, Net Operating And Nonoperating Special Charges, Net Employee tax reform bonus expense Merger integration expenses Fleet restructuring expenses Net charge resulting from fair value adjustments to bankruptcy obligations Increase Decrease In Fair Value Bankruptcy Settlement Obligations Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value, Bankruptcy Settlement Obligations Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Award exchange ratio in connection with the Merger Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Conversion of Awards, Exchange Ratio Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Conversion of Awards, Exchange Ratio Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Range of contractual expiration period for stock-based awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Non-Option equity instruments, exercised (in shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Exercised in period, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Aggregate intrinsic value, shares exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised Non-Option equity instruments, outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related party transaction, expense recognized Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Components of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block] Airline Destinations [Axis] Airline Destinations [Axis] Airline Destination [Domain] Airline Destination [Domain] DOT Domestic [Member] Domestic Destination [Member] DOT Latin America [Member] Latin America Destination [Member] DOT Atlantic [Member] Atlantic Destination [Member] DOT Pacific [Member] Pacific Destination [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of Shares, Beginning Balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of Shares, Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of Shares, Vested and released (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of Shares, Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Number of Shares, Ending balance (in shares) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested and released (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (in dollars per share) Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Total fair value of stock-settled during the year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Mutual Funds AAL Class [Member] Mutual Fund AAL Class [Member] Mutual Fund AAL Class [Member] Mutual Funds Institutional Class [Member] Mutual Funds Institutional Class [Member] Mutual Funds Institutional Class [Member] 2018 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2023 and thereafter Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Risk Management Risk Management [Text Block] Risk Management [Disclosure Text Block] Summarized Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Loyalty program liability Deferred Tax Assets, Frequent Flier Liability Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax Postretirement benefits other than pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Rent expense Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Gains from lease transactions Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Gain on Sale Leaseback Transaction Reorganization items Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accelerated depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities Accelerated Depreciation And Amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities Accelerated Depreciation And Amortization Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax asset Transactions with Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Jet Fuel, Facility Construction Projects and Information Technology Support [Member] Jet Fuel, Facility Construction Projects and Information Technology Support [Member] Jet Fuel, Facility Construction Projects and Information Technology Support [Member] Purchase commitments, 2018 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase commitments, 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Purchase commitments, 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Purchase commitments, 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Air Transportation Equipment [Member] Air Transportation Equipment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Number of aircraft operating under operating leases Number Of Aircraft Operating Under Operating Lease Number Of Aircraft Operating Under Operating Lease Lessee leasing arrangements, operating leases, remaining term of contract Lessee Leasing Arrangements Operating Leases Remaining Term Of Contract Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Remaining Term Of Contract Future minimum lease payments, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Future minimum lease payments, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future minimum lease payments, 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Future minimum lease payments, 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Future minimum lease payments, 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future minimum lease payments, 2023 and Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Future minimum lease payments, Total Operating leases, rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Computation of Income Tax Provision (Benefit) 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] Current liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Noncurrent liability Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets Liability, Defined Benefit Plan Projected benefit obligation (PBO) Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets ABO less fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Other Secured Obligations [Member] Other Secured Obligations [Member] Other Secured Obligations [Member] Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Gross Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Gross Less: Total unamortized debt discount, premium and issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current maturities Interest rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Average interest rate 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] Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] AAG Incentive Award Plan 2013 [Member] AAG Incentive Award Plan 2013 [Member] AAG Incentive Award Plan 2013 [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Special Items, Net [Member] Special Items Net [Member] Special Items, Net [Member] Total shares available for grant under 2013 Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Total stock-based compensation costs Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Common stock shares withheld or sold related to tax obligations Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Payment of certain tax withholding obligations associated with employee equity awards Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation RSU, vesting period (in years) Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma and Restatement Adjustment [Member] Pro Forma and Restatement Adjustment [Member] Pro Forma and Restatement Adjustment [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Passenger Passenger Revenue Total nonoperating expense, net Income before income taxes Change in valuation allowance Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Noncurrent loyalty program liability Frequent Flier Liability, Noncurrent Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Share Repurchase Programs and Dividends Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Obligation beginning balance Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Plan amendments Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Payment for Settlement Benefit payments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Other Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Other Change Obligation end of period 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 (benefits) not deductible for tax purposes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount Bankruptcy administration expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Bankruptcy Administration Expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Bankruptcy Administration Expenses 2017 Tax Act Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Short-term Investments Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale 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] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Intangibles, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loyalty Program Frequent Flier Program, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Maintenance, Materials and Repairs Maintenance Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Selling Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Gains and Credits, Net Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Gains and Losses Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Operating Expenses Other Cost And Expense Operating [Policy Text Block] Other Cost And Expense Operating [Policy Text Block] Regional Expenses Regional Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Regional Expenses, Policy Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Weighted average health care cost trend rate assumed for 2024 and thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share) Cash paid Payments of Dividends