Atlas Air Worldwide (AAWW) 10-K 12 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 03, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document period end date	31-Dec-14
Amendment flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Current fiscal year end date	-19
Entity central index key	1135185
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity registrant name	ATLAS AIR WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC
Entity voluntary filers	No
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity public float			$793,381,495
Entity common stock shares outstanding		24,807,718

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$298,601	$321,816
Short-term investments	17,802	10,904
Restricted cash	14,281	6,491
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	162,092	132,159
Prepaid maintenance	20,806	31,620
Deferred taxes	40,923	54,001
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	51,599	36,962
Total current assets	606,104	593,953
Property and Equipment
Flight equipment	3,448,791	2,969,379
Ground equipment	51,418	46,951
Less: accumulated depreciation	-348,036	-256,685
Purchase deposits for flight equipment	20,054	69,320
Property and equipment, net	3,172,227	2,828,965
Other Assets
Long-term investments and accrued interest	120,478	130,267
Deposits and other assets	135,401	131,216
Intangible assets, net	67,410	33,858
Total Assets	4,101,620	3,718,259
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	42,864	65,367
Accrued liabilities	251,594	194,292
Current portion of long-term debt	190,340	157,486
Total current liabilities	484,798	417,145
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt	1,782,744	1,539,139
Deferred taxes	350,868	371,655
Other liabilities	65,415	68,195
Total other liabilities	2,199,027	1,978,989
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Equity
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	286	282
Additional paid-in-capital	573,133	561,481
Treasury stock, at cost	-145,322	-125,826
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-9,572	-10,677
Retained earnings	999,270	892,513
Total stockholders' equity	1,417,795	1,317,773
Noncontrolling interest	0	4,352
Total equity	1,417,795	1,322,125
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,101,620	$3,718,259

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$1,658	$1,402

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Sh

Consolidated Balance Sheets Shares (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Preferred stock par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock shares issued	0	0
Common stock par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock shares issued	28,561,160	28,200,213
Common stock shares outstanding	24,807,718	25,038,629
Treasury stock shares	3,753,442	3,161,584

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Revenue
ACMI	$778,091	$755,008	$682,189
Charter	906,676	852,452	938,340
Dry leasing	100,059	35,168	11,843
Other	14,372	14,272	13,660
Total Operating Revenue	1,799,198	1,656,900	1,646,032
Operating Expenses
Aircraft fuel	404,263	410,353	436,618
Salaries, wages and benefits	311,143	299,136	293,881
Maintenance, materials and repairs	203,567	162,972	165,069
Aircraft rent	140,390	160,415	154,968
Navigation fees, landing fees and other rent	131,138	90,733	71,698
Depreciation and amortization	120,793	86,389	62,475
Passenger and ground handling services	86,820	72,503	69,886
Travel	79,199	61,420	56,461
Loss (gain) on disposal of aircraft	14,679	351	-2,417
Special charge	15,114	18,642	0
Other	116,120	107,196	110,902
Total Operating Expenses	1,623,226	1,470,110	1,419,541
Operating Income	175,972	186,790	226,491
Non-operating Expenses (Income)
Interest income	-18,480	-19,813	-19,636
Interest expense	104,252	83,659	64,532
Capitalized interest	-453	-2,350	-18,727
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	5,518	576
Other expense (income), net	1,104	1,954	-5,529
Total Non-operating Expenses (Income)	86,423	68,968	21,216
Income before income taxes	89,549	117,822	205,275
Income tax expense (benefit)	-12,678	23,833	75,561
Net Income	102,227	93,989	129,714
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,530	152	-213
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$106,757	$93,837	$129,927
Earnings per share:
Basic	$4.26	$3.67	$4.92
Diluted	$4.25	$3.66	$4.89
Weighted average shares:
Basic	25,031	25,541	26,419
Diluted	25,127	25,627	26,549

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net Income	$102,227	$93,989	$129,714
Interest rate derivatives:
Net change in fair value	-251	1,386	-713
Reclassification to interest expense	2,724	3,064	2,652
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,022	-1,207	-704
Foreign currency translation:
Translation adjustment	-168	700	256
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	122
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,283	3,943	1,613
Comprehensive Income	103,510	97,932	131,327
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,352	509	-20
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$107,862	$97,423	$131,347

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Activities:
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$106,757	$93,837	$129,927
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,530	-152	213
Net Income	102,227	93,989	129,714
Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	138,324	101,671	72,194
Accretion of debt securities discount	-7,947	-8,889	-8,560
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	643	178	837
Special charge, net of cash payments	12,013	18,642	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	5,518	576
Loss (gain) on disposal of aircraft	14,679	351	-2,417
Deferred taxes	-12,714	22,856	75,365
Stock-based compensation expense	13,606	16,690	18,202
Changes in:
Accounts receivable	-21,070	-6,029	-25,217
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,079	-4,298	48,213
Deposits and other assets	-3,474	4,106	-26,027
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	9,779	57,308	-27,380
Net cash provided by operating activities	273,145	302,093	255,500
Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	-24,920	-29,531	-31,266
Purchase deposits and delivery payments for flight equipment	-519,399	-573,416	-520,770
Changes in restricted cash	-7,790	-6,491	0
Investment in debt securities	0	0	-6,658
Proceeds from short-term investments	3,728	5,569	4,342
Proceeds from insurance	0	9,109	3,300
Proceeds from disposal of aircraft	0	4,780	3,215
Net cash used for investing activities	-548,381	-589,980	-547,837
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance	572,552	709,484	1,211,560
Customer maintenance reserves received	17,555	2,907	2,997
Refund of accelerated share repurchase	0	21,886	0
Prepayment of accelerated share repurchase	0	-21,886	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises	69	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock	-19,496	-80,976	-3,351
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense	8	465	551
Payment of debt issuance costs	-17,117	-19,769	-34,141
Payments of debt	-301,550	-412,171	-662,627
Net cash provided by financing activities	252,021	199,940	514,989
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-23,215	-87,947	222,652
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period	321,816	409,763	187,111
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	298,601	321,816	409,763
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Acquisition of flight equipment and assumed debt	0	90,498	0
Acquisition of flight equipment included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	29,087	21,823	0
Disposition of aircraft included in accounts receivable	$5,072	$0	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,141,375	$275	($41,499)	$525,670	($15,683)	$668,749	$1,137,512	$3,863
Net Income (loss)	129,714	0	0	0	0	129,927	129,927	-213
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,613	0	0	0	1,420	0	1,420	193
Stock option and restricted stock compensation	18,202	0	0	18,202	0	0	18,202	0
Purchase of shares of treasury stock	-3,351	0	-3,351	0	0	0	-3,351	0
Exercise of employee stock options	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of shares of restricted stock	0	2	0	-2	0	0	0	0
Prepayment of accelerated share repurchase	0
Refund of accelerated share repurchase	0
Tax benefit (expense) on restricted stock and stock options	551	0	0	551	0	0	551	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,288,104	277	-44,850	544,421	-14,263	798,676	1,284,261	3,843
Net Income (loss)	93,989	0	0	0	0	93,837	93,837	152
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,943	0	0	0	3,586	0	3,586	357
Stock option and restricted stock compensation	16,690	0	0	16,690	0	0	16,690	0
Purchase of shares of treasury stock	-80,976	0	-80,976	0	0	0	-80,976	0
Issuance of shares of restricted stock	0	5	0	-5	0	0	0	0
Prepayment of accelerated share repurchase	-21,886	0	0	-21,886	0	0	-21,886	0
Refund of accelerated share repurchase	21,886	0	0	21,886	0	0	21,886	0
Reversal of prior year deferred tax	-90	0	0	-90	0	0	-90	0
Tax benefit (expense) on restricted stock and stock options	465	0	0	465	0	0	465	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,322,125	282	-125,826	561,481	-10,677	892,513	1,317,773	4,352
Net Income (loss)	102,227	0	0	0	0	106,757	106,757	-4,530
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,283	0	0	0	1,105	0	1,105	178
Stock option and restricted stock compensation	13,606	0	0	13,606	0	0	13,606	0
Purchase of shares of treasury stock	-19,496	0	-19,496	0	0	0	-19,496	0
Exercise of employee stock options	69	0	0	69	0	0	69	0
Issuance of shares of restricted stock	0	4	0	-4	0	0	0	0
Prepayment of accelerated share repurchase	0
Refund of accelerated share repurchase	0
Tax benefit (expense) on restricted stock and stock options	-2,019	0	0	-2,019	0	0	-2,019	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,417,795	$286	($145,322)	$573,133	($9,572)	$999,270	$1,417,795	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity
Purchase of shares of treasury stock	591,858	1,932,101	72,131
Exercise of employee stock options	2,500	0	0
Issuance of shares of restricted stock	358,447	527,289	210,808

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the holding company, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (“AAWW”) and its consolidated subsidiaries. AAWW is the parent company of its principal operating subsidiary, Atlas Air, Inc. (“Atlas”), and of Polar Air Cargo LLC (“Old Polar”). AAWW is also the parent company of several subsidiaries related to our dry leasing services (collectively referred to as “Titan”). In addition, we are the primary beneficiary of Global Supply Systems Limited (“GSS”), a consolidated subsidiary. AAWW has a 51% equity interest and 75% voting interest in Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (“Polar”). We record our share of Polar’s results under the equity method of accounting.
	Noncontrolling interest represents the interest not owned by us and is recorded for consolidated entities in which we own less than 100% of the interest. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. We account for investments in entities under the equity method of accounting when we hold between 20% and 50% ownership in the entity and exercise significant influence or when we are not the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” mean AAWW and all entities included in its consolidated financial statements.
	We provide outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services throughout the world, serving Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America through: (i) contractual service arrangements, including those through which we provide aircraft to customers and value-added services, including crew, maintenance and insurance (“ACMI”), as well as those through which we provide crew, maintenance and insurance, with the customer providing the aircraft (“CMI”); (ii) cargo and passenger charter services (“Charter”); and (iii) dry leasing aircraft and engines (“Dry Leasing” or “Dry Lease”).
	Except for per share data, all dollar amounts are in thousands unless otherwise noted.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ consolidated financial statement amounts and related note disclosures to conform to the current year’s presentation, including the presentation of segments (see Note 11 for further discussion).

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and the related disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, asset lives and residual values, cash flows for impairment analysis, maintenance accruals, valuation allowances (including, but not limited to, those related to receivables, expendable parts inventory and deferred taxes), income tax accounting, business combinations and intangible assets, stock-based compensation, self-insurance employee benefit accruals and contingent liabilities (including, but not limited to litigation accruals).
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from ACMI and CMI contracts is typically recognized as the block hours are operated on behalf of a customer during a given month, as defined contractually, based on flight departure. The time interval between when an aircraft departs the terminal until it arrives at the destination terminal is measured in hours and called “Block Hours”. If a customer flies below a minimum contracted Block Hour guarantee, the contracted minimum revenue amounts are recognized as revenue. We recognize revenue for Charter upon flight departure.
	We record Dry Lease rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the operating lease. In limited cases, leases provide for additional rentals based on usage, which is recorded as revenue as it is earned under the terms of the lease. Usage is calculated based on hourly usage or number of flights operated, depending on the lease agreement, and is typically reported monthly by the lessee. Rentals received but unearned under the lease agreements are recorded in deferred revenue and included in Accrued liabilities until earned.
	Customer maintenance reserves are amounts received under our Dry Leases that are subject to reimbursement to the lessee upon the completion of qualifying maintenance work on the specific Dry Leased aircraft and are included in Accrued liabilities. We defer revenue recognition until the end of the lease, when we are able to finalize the amount, if any, to be reimbursed to the customer.
	The Company recognizes revenue for management and administrative support services when the services are provided.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and other cash investments that are highly liquid in nature and have original maturities of three months or less at acquisition.
	Short-Term Investments
	Short-term investments are primarily comprised of certificates of deposit, current portions of debt securities and money market funds.
	Restricted Cash
	Cash that is restricted under secured aircraft debt agreements, whereby it can only be used to make principal and interest payments on the related debt secured by those aircraft, is classified as Restricted cash.
	Accounts Receivable
	We perform a monthly evaluation of our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our best estimate of probable credit losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine that it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered.
	Escrow Deposits and Letters of Credit
	We had $5.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2013, for certain deposits required in the normal course of business for various items including, but not limited to, surety and customs bonds, airfield privileges, judicial deposits, insurance and cash pledged under standby letters of credit related to collateral. These amounts are included in Deposits and other assets.
	Expendable Parts
	Expendable parts, materials and supplies for flight equipment are carried at average acquisition costs and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. When used in operations, they are charged to maintenance expense. Allowances for excess and obsolescence for expendable parts expected to be on hand at the date aircraft are retired from service are provided over the estimated useful lives of the related aircraft and engines. These allowances are based on management estimates, which are subject to change as conditions in the business evolve. The net book value of expendable parts inventory was $17.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and $19.2 million at December 31, 2013, net of allowances for expendable obsolescence of $16.6 million at December 31, 2014 and $11.7 million at December 31, 2013.
	Property and Equipment
	We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate these assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or average remaining fleet lives to their estimated residual values. We review these assumptions at least annually and adjust depreciation on a prospective basis. Expenditures for major additions, improvements and flight equipment modifications are generally capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the modified assets’ remaining life or remaining lease term if any modifications or improvements are made to operating lease equipment. Substantially all property and equipment is specifically pledged as collateral for our indebtedness. The estimated useful lives of our property and equipment are as follows:
			Range
		Flight equipment	6 to 40 years
		Computer software and equipment	3 to 5 years
		Ground handling equipment and other	3 to 5 years
	Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $114.0 million in 2014, $83.9 million in 2013 and $60.2 million in 2012.
	The net book value of flight equipment on Dry Lease to customers was $890.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and $507.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The accumulated depreciation for flight equipment on Dry Lease to customers was $38.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and $18.7 million as of December 31, 2013.
	Rotable parts are recorded in Property and equipment, net, and are depreciated over their average remaining fleet lives and written off when they are determined to be beyond economic repair. The net book value of rotable parts inventory was $108.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and $97.5 million as of December 31, 2013.
	Capitalized Interest on Pre-delivery Deposits
	Interest on funds used to finance the acquisition of flight equipment up to the date the asset is ready for its intended use is capitalized and included in the cost of the asset if the asset is actively under construction. Included in capitalized interest is the interest paid on the pre-delivery deposit borrowings directly associated with the acquisition of flight equipment. The remainder of capitalized interest recorded on the acquisition of flight equipment is determined by taking the weighted average cost of funds associated with our other debt and applying it against the amounts paid as pre-delivery deposits.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We record impairment charges on long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired, the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amount and the net book value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value.
	For flight equipment used in our ACMI and Charter segments, assets are grouped at the operating fleet level for impairment testing. For flight equipment used in our Dry Leasing segment, assets are tested on an individual basis for impairment.
	In developing these estimates for flight equipment, we use external appraisals and other industry data for the equipment types and our anticipated utilization of the assets.
	Long-term Investments
	Long-term investments consist of debt securities, including accrued interest, for which management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity. These investments are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Interest on debt securities and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method are included in Interest income.
	Variable Interest Entities and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
	We hold a 49% interest in GSS, a private company. GSS is a variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary of GSS for financial reporting purposes. Atlas previously Dry Leased three 747-8F owned aircraft to GSS. The leases provided for payment of rent and a provision for maintenance costs associated with the aircraft. GSS provided ACMI services to British Airways Plc (“British Airways”) using these three aircraft. British Airways returned the three 747-8F aircraft in April and May 2014. GSS continues to provide Dry Leasing support services to Titan.
	Our investment in GSS was zero as of December 31, 2014 and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and our maximum exposure to losses from the entity is limited to our investment in GSS and any operating losses of GSS. GSS does not have any third-party debt obligations.
	We hold a 50% interest in Global Aviation Technical Solutions Co, Ltd. (“GATS”), a joint venture with an unrelated third party. The purpose of the joint venture is to purchase rotable parts and provide repair services for those parts, primarily for our 747-8F aircraft. The joint venture is a variable interest entity and we have not consolidated GATS because we are not the primary beneficiary as we do not exercise financial control. Our investment in GATS was $16.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and $13.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and our maximum exposure to losses from the entity is limited to our investment, which is composed primarily of rotable inventory parts. GATS does not have any third-party debt obligations. We had Accounts payable to GATS of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2014.
	A portion of our operating aircraft are owned or effectively owned and leased through trusts established specifically to purchase, finance and lease aircraft to us. We have not consolidated any aircraft in the related trusts because we are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure under these operating leases is the remaining lease payments, which amounts are reflected in the future lease commitments more fully described in Note 8.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of reporting items in our income tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are calculated by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. If necessary, deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to an amount that is determined to be more likely than not recoverable. We must make significant estimates and assumptions about future taxable income and future tax consequences when determining the amount, if any, of the valuation allowance.
	In addition, we establish tax reserves when we believe that certain tax positions are subject to challenge and may not be sustained on audit. These reserves are based on subjective estimates and assumptions involving the relative filing positions and the potential exposure from audits and litigation.
	Heavy Maintenance
	We account for heavy maintenance costs for airframes and engines used in our ACMI and Charter segments using the direct expense method. Under this method, heavy maintenance costs are charged to expense upon induction, based on our best estimate of the costs.
	We account for heavy maintenance costs for airframes and engines used in our Dry Leasing segment using the deferral method. Under this method, we capitalize the cost of heavy maintenance events, which are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next maintenance event is required.
	Prepaid Maintenance Deposits
	Certain of our aircraft financing agreements require security deposits to our finance providers to ensure that we perform major maintenance as required. These are substantially refundable to us and are, therefore, accounted for as deposits and included in Prepaid maintenance and in Deposits and other assets. Such amounts were $54.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and $48.8 million at December 31, 2013.
	Foreign Currency
	While most of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, our results of operations may be exposed to the effect of fluctuations in the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses. Our largest exposures come from the Brazilian real, the British pound and the Euro. We do not currently have a foreign currency hedging program related to our foreign currency-denominated transactions. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Non-operating expenses (income).
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We have various stock-based compensation plans for certain employees and outside directors, which are described more fully in Note 13. We recognize compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each award based on the fair value on grant date. We estimate grant date fair value for all option grants using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. We estimate option and restricted stock unit forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. As a result, we record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
	Legal and Regulatory Matters
	We are party to legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. We evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of these proceedings each quarter. Our judgments are subjective and are based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of our defenses and consultation with legal counsel. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the legal and regulatory proceedings in the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate, our judgments may be different from the actual outcomes.
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Cash interest paid to lenders is calculated on the face amount of our various debt instruments based on the contractual interest rates in effect during each payment period.
	The amortization of debt discount shown as a reconciling item in cash flows from operating activities is the difference between interest expense and cash interest owed to lenders. This amount arises from the amortization of the difference between the fair value of our debt recorded on the balance sheet and the face amount of debt payable to lenders.
	The following table summarizes interest and income taxes paid:
			2014		2013		2012
		Interest paid	$	84,265	$	68,026	$	54,790
		Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	1,181	$	238	$	-27,371
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board amended its accounting guidance for revenue recognition. The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the services provided. It also requires additional disclosures necessary for the financial statement users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amended guidance is effective as of the beginning of 2017 and we are currently assessing the impact it will have on our financial statements. Early adoption is not permitted.

DHL_Investment_and_Polar

DHL Investment and Polar	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DHL Investment And Polar [Abstract]
Related Parties	3. DHL Investment and Polar
	DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc. (“DHL”), a subsidiary of Deutsche Post AG (“DP”), holds a 49% equity interest and a 25% voting interest in Polar. Polar is a variable interest entity and we do not consolidate Polar because we are not the primary beneficiary as the risks associated with the direct costs of operation are with DHL. Under a 20-year blocked space agreement (the “BSA”), Polar provides air cargo capacity to DHL. In addition to the BSA, Atlas and Polar have a flight services agreement, whereby Atlas is compensated by Polar on a per Block Hour basis, subject to a monthly minimum Block Hour guarantee, at a predetermined rate that escalates annually. Under the flight services agreement, Atlas provides Polar with crew, maintenance and insurance for the aircraft. Under other separate agreements, Atlas and Polar supply administrative, sales and ground support services to one another. DP has guaranteed DHL’s (and Polar’s) obligations under the various transaction agreements described above. AAWW has agreed to indemnify DHL for and against various obligations of Polar and its affiliates. Collectively, these agreements are referred to herein as the “DHL Agreements”. The DHL Agreements provide us with a guaranteed revenue stream from six 747 aircraft that have been dedicated to Polar for outsourced airport-to-airport wide-body cargo aircraft solutions for the benefit of DHL and other customers’ freight due to monthly minimum Block Hour guarantees over the life of the agreements.
	In accordance with the DHL Agreements, Polar flies for DHL’s trans-Pacific express network and DHL provides financial support and also assumed the risks and rewards of the operations of Polar. In addition to its trans-Pacific routes, Polar is also flying between the Asia Pacific regions, Middle East and Europe on behalf of DHL and other customers.
	The BSA established DHL’s capacity purchase commitments on Polar flights. DHL has the right to terminate the 20-year BSA at the tenth and fifteenth anniversaries of commencement, which was on October 27, 2008. Either party may terminate for cause (as defined) at any time. With respect to DHL, “cause” includes Polar’s inability to meet certain departure and arrival criteria for an extended period of time and upon certain change-of-control events, in which case DHL may be entitled to liquidated damages from Polar.
	In addition to six 747-400 freighter aircraft, there are four 747-8F aircraft operated by Polar, and one additional 747-400 and one additional 747-8F aircraft that are operated by Atlas to support the Polar network and DHL through an alliance agreement whereby Atlas provides ACMI services to Polar as of December 31, 2014. We also provide charter capacity to Polar on an as-needed basis. Except for any liquidated damages that we could incur as described above, we do not have any continuing financial exposure to fund debt obligations or operating losses of Polar. The following table summarizes our transactions with Polar:
		Revenue and Expenses:		2014		2013		2012
			ACMI segment revenue from Polar	$	313,682	$	283,021	$	259,757
			Other revenue from Polar	$	11,371	$	11,380	$	11,349
			Ground handling and airport fees paid to Polar	$	1,909	$	1,174	$	1,654
		Accounts receivable/payable as of December 31:		2014		2013
			Receivables from Polar	$	5,702	$	4,249
			Payables to Polar	$	2,611	$	3,464
		Aggregate Carrying Value of Polar Investment as of December 31:		2014		2013
				$	4,870	$	4,870

Special_Charge

Special Charge	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Special Charge [Abstract]
Special Charge	4. Special Charge
	In December 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell a 737-800 aircraft used in our Dry Lease business. As of December 31, 2014, we classified the aircraft as held for sale, recognized a loss of $6.2 million and ceased depreciation on the aircraft. The aggregate carrying value of the aircraft held for sale at December 31, 2014 was $25.0 million, which was included within Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The sale is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2015.
	In December 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.8 million related to a customer relationship intangible asset due to British Airways’ notification to us that they would be returning three 747-8F aircraft in 2014. Given the impact of this to GSS, we recognized $3.8 million of employee termination benefits and professional fees during 2014 after management determined that such costs were probable and estimable. Substantially all cash payments related to employee termination benefits and professional fees are expected to be paid by the end of 2015. In addition, we recognized a reserve of $4.7 million during 2014 related to a loan from GSS to its 51% U.K. shareholder.
	In December 2013, we parked two 747-400BCF aircraft that we had leased following 747-8F aircraft delivery delays. With the completed deliveries of our 747-8F aircraft and the relatively stagnant airfreight environment at that time, these two aircraft were deemed to be no longer needed. As a result, in 2013, we recorded a special charge of $17.8 million related to the early termination of the operating leases. Substantially all remaining cash payments related to this charge are expected to be paid by 2016.
		Lease Termination Costs		GSS Employee Termination Benefits		Other		Total
	Liability as of December 31, 2013	$	12,773	$	-	$	-	$	12,773
	Special charge items, net		10		3,772		429		4,211
	Cash payments		-10,346		-2,758		-329		-13,433
	Liability as of December 31, 2014	$	2,437	$	1,014	$	100	$	3,551

Intangible_Assets_net

Intangible Assets, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, net	5. Intangible Assets, net
	The following table presents our Intangible assets, net as of December 31:
				2014		2013
		Fair value adjustments on operating leases	$	45,531	$	45,531
		Lease intangibles		57,203		14,230
		Less: accumulated amortization		-35,324		-25,903
			$	67,410	$	33,858
	Fair value adjustments on operating leases represent the capitalized discount recorded in prior years to adjust the lease commitments for our 747-400 aircraft to fair market value and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the leases. Lease intangibles resulted from the acquisition of various aircraft that are Dry Leased to customers on a long-term basis and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the leases.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we recognized lease intangibles of $42.7 million related to the purchase of three 777-200LRF aircraft.
	Amortization expense related to intangible assets amounted to $9.4 million in 2014, $4.9 million in 2013 and $4.7 million in 2012.
	The estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		2015	$	8,925
		2016		8,214
		2017		7,922
		2018		7,647
		2019		6,948
		Thereafter		27,754
		Total	$	67,410

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities Tables [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	6. Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31:
			2014		2013
		Customer maintenance reserves	$	64,756	$	17,274
		Maintenance		50,702		26,539
		Salaries, wages and benefits		48,548		36,450
		Aircraft fuel		15,078		14,905
		Deferred revenue		10,705		26,279
		Other		61,805		72,845
		Accrued liabilities	$	251,594	$	194,292

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	7. Debt
	Our debt obligations, as of December 31:
			2014			2013
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	$	803,561		$	739,741
		Term loans		957,784			702,668
		EETCs		211,739			254,216
		Total debt		1,973,084			1,696,625
		Less current portion of debt		-190,340			-157,486
		Long-term debt	$	1,782,744		$	1,539,139
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $35.9 million and $41.4 million, respectively, of unamortized discount related to the fair market value adjustments recorded against debt in prior years.
	Many of our financing instruments have cross default provisions and contain limitations on our ability to, among other things, pay certain dividends or make certain other restricted payments, consummate certain asset sales, merge or consolidate with any other person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets.
	Description of our Debt Obligations
	Ex-Im Bank Guaranteed Notes
	Since 2012, we have issued six separate notes guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“Ex-Im Bank”), each secured by a mortgage on a 747-8F aircraft (the “Ex-Im Guaranteed Notes”). In connection with the issuance of Ex-Im Guaranteed Notes, we paid usual and customary commitment and other fees associated with this type of financing. In addition, there are customary covenants, events of default and certain operating conditions that we must meet for the Ex-Im Guaranteed Notes. These notes accrue interest at a fixed rate with principal and interest payable quarterly.
	In 2013, we issued a fixed-rate note guaranteed by the Ex-Im Bank secured by a mortgage on a 777-200LRF aircraft that accrues interest at a fixed rate with principal and interest payable quarterly. This note contains customary covenants and event of default provisions.
	The following table summarizes the terms and balances for each note guaranteed by Ex-Im Bank as of December 31 (in millions):
							Collateral				Fixed
			Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Interest
			Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Rate	2014			2013
	First 2014 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2014	$	140.6		N854GT		134 months		2.67%	$	129.8		$	-
	First 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2013		143		N855GT		12 years		1.83%		126.8			137.6
	Second 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2013		88		MSN 35606		90 months		1.84%		74.2			85.3
	First 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142		N850GT		12 years		2.02%		115.2			126.1
	Second 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142.7		N851GT		12 years		1.73%		118.4			129.3
	Third 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142.8		N852GT		12 years		1.56%		118.1			129.2
	Fourth 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		143.2		N853GT		12 years		1.48%		121.1			132.2
												$	803.6		$	739.7
	Term Loans
	We have entered into various term loans to finance the acquisition of aircraft. Each term loan requires payment of principal and interest paid quarterly in arrears. Funds available under each term loan agreement are subject to certain up-front and commitment fees, and funds drawn under the loan agreements bear interest at LIBOR, plus a margin. Each facility is guaranteed by us and subject to customary covenants and events of default.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we purchased three 777-200LRF aircraft that are leased to a customer on a long-term basis and entered into six separate term loans in the aggregate amount of $432.0 million each secured by a mortgage on the aircraft and the attached leases. In connection with entry into these term loans, we paid usual and customary fees. The term loans accrue interest with principal and interest payable quarterly and contain customary covenants and event of default provisions.
	The following table summarizes the terms and balances for each term loan outstanding as of December 31 (in millions):
						Collateral				Interest		Interest
		Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Rate		Rate at
		Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Type		2014		2013	2014		2013
	First 2014 Term Loan	2014	$	115		MSN 38969		114 months		Fixed		4.48%		0.00%	$	108.9	$	-
	Second 2014 Term Loan	2014		30.8		MSN 38969		114 months		Fixed		7.30%		0.00%		28.1		-
	Third 2014 Term Loan	2014		115		MSN 37138		118 months		Fixed		4.57%		0.00%		108.3		-
	Fourth 2014 Term Loan	2014		29		MSN 37138		118 months		Fixed		7.29%		0.00%		26.8		-
	Fifth 2014 Term Loan	2014		115		MSN 39286		116 months		Fixed		4.51%		0.00%		109.9		-
	Sixth 2014 Term Loan	2014		27.2		MSN 39286		116 months		Fixed		7.35%		0.00%		25.7		-
	First 2013 Term Loan	2013		119.5		MSN 36201		89 months		Variable		3.06%		3.08%		104.6		112.9
	First 2013 Bridge Loan	2013		105.4		N854GT		1 year		Variable		0.00%		4.66%		-		103.6
	Third 2013 Term Loan	2013		110		MSN 36200		88 months		Fixed		4.18%		4.18%		100.6		107.9
	First 2012 Term Loan	2012		35.7		N464MC, N465MC, N640GT,N641GT		5 years		Fixed		6.91%		6.91%		15.5		23
	Second 2012 Term Loan	2012		8.5		N642GT		5 years		Fixed		6.89%		6.89%		3.9		5.8
	Third 2012 Term Loan	2012		26		MSN 29681		7 years		Fixed		4.27%		4.27%		18.6		22.3
	First 2011 Term Loan	2011		120.3		G-GSSD		12 years		Fixed		6.16%		6.16%		101.9		108
	Second 2011 Term Loan	2011		120		G-GSSE		12 years		Fixed		6.37%		6.37%		102.5		108.6
	Third 2011 Term Loan	2011		120		G-GSSF		12 years		Fixed		6.37%		6.37%		102.5		108.6
	2010 Term Loan	2010		8.1		B-2808		50 months		Fixed		4.33%		4.33%		-		2
															$	957.8	$	702.7
	Leveraged Lease Structure
	In three separate transactions in 1998, 1999 and 2000, we issued enhanced equipment trust certificates (“EETCs”) to finance the acquisition of twelve 747-400F aircraft, five of which are financed as leveraged leases. In a leveraged lease, the owner trustee is the owner of record for the aircraft. Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) serves as the owner trustee with respect to the leveraged leases in each of our EETC transactions. As the owner trustee of the aircraft, Wells Fargo serves as the lessor of the aircraft under the EETC lease between us and the owner trustee. Wells Fargo also serves as trustee for the beneficial owner of the aircraft, the owner participant. The original owner participant for each aircraft invested (on an equity basis) approximately 20% of the original cost of the aircraft. The remaining approximately 80% of the aircraft cost was financed with debt issued by the owner trustee on a non-recourse basis in the form of equipment notes.
	The equipment notes were generally issued in three series, for each aircraft, designated as Series A, B and C equipment notes. The loans evidenced by the equipment notes were funded by the public offering of EETCs. Like the equipment notes, the EETCs were issued in three series, for each EETC transaction designated as Series A, B and C EETCs. Each series of EETCs was issued by the trustee for separate Atlas pass through trusts with the same designation as the series of EETCs issued. Each of these pass through trustees is also the holder and beneficial owner of the equipment notes bearing the same series designation.
	We could be subject to additional monthly lease rentals (“AMLR”), which could require payment of up to an additional $0.1 million per month in rent on each of the five leased EETC aircraft, subject to an $11.0 million per aircraft limit over the remaining term. The AMLR payments would be applied to the underlying notes in the leveraged leases, and would only arise if we exceed certain financial targets and if it is determined that the then fair market monthly rental for the aircraft exceeds a certain level. We have not made any AMLR payments and do not anticipate making any AMLR payments in 2015. We perform this test annually in the third quarter.
	In connection with each of these secured debt financings, we executed equipment notes with original interest rates ranging from 6.88% to 9.70% and according to the terms of the equipment notes, principal payments vary and are payable monthly through each maturity.
	With respect to the seven EETC-financed aircraft that are currently owned by us, there is no leveraged lease structure or EETC lease. We are the beneficial owner of the aircraft and the issuer of the equipment notes with respect thereto. The equipment notes issued with respect to owned aircraft are with full recourse to us.
	The following table summarizes the terms and balances for each EETC outstanding as of December 31 (in millions):
						Collateral				Fixed		Effective
		Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Equipment		Interest
		Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Note Rates		Rate		2014		2013
	2000 EETC	2000	$	108.5		N409MC		20 years		8.71% to 9.70%		11.31%	$	42.5	$	47.2
	1999 EETC	1999		108.3		N476GT		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		13.94%		27.4		31.7
		1999		108.4		N496MC		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		13.94%		35.6		41.2
	1999		109.9		N499MC		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		7.52%		35.4		42.3
1998 EETC	1998		105.6		N475GT		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		13.89%		34.1		39.6
	1998		103.1		N493MC		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		13.72%		33.2		39.5
	1998		107.9		N477GT		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		7.54%		3.5		12.7
												$	211.7	$	254.2
Future Cash Payments for Debt
The following table summarizes the cash required to be paid by year and the carrying value of our debt reflecting the terms that were in effect as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	195,963
	2016		201,670
	2017		204,263
	2018		211,054
	2019		200,604
	Thereafter		995,439
	Total debt cash payments		2,008,993
	Less: unamortized debt discount		-35,909
	Debt	$	1,973,084

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases And Aircraft Purchase Commitments [Abstract]
Leases and Aircraft Purchase Commitments	8. Commitments
	Leases
	The following table summarizes rental expenses in:
				2014			2013			2012
		Aircraft and engines	$	140,390		$	160,415		$	154,968
		Purchased capacity, office, vehicles and other	$	68,855		$	34,062		$	21,335
	As of December 31, 2014, 13 of our 46 operating aircraft were leased, all of which were operating leases with initial lease term expiration dates ranging from 2020 to 2025, with an average remaining lease term of 8.1 years. Certain of our operating leases contain renewal options and escalations. In addition, we lease engines under short-term lease agreements on an as-needed basis. We record rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
	The following table summarizes our minimum annual rental commitments as of the periods indicated under non-cancelable aircraft, engine, real estate and other operating leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year, reflecting the terms that were in effect as of December 31, 2014:
					Aircraft and Engine			Other
					Operating			Operating
					Leases			Leases			Total
		2015		$	131,241		$	4,342		$	135,583
		2016			129,632			3,902			133,534
		2017			129,480			142			129,622
		2018			130,955			145			131,100
		2019			140,193			149			140,342
		Thereafter			459,054			484			459,538
		Total payments		$	1,120,555		$	9,164		$	1,129,719
	Polar subleases aircraft from Old Polar that are leased from a third party and are included in the table above under aircraft operating leases. The following table summarizes the contractual amount of minimum income under these non-cancelable aircraft subleases, reflecting the terms that were in effect as of December 31, 2014:
				Sublease
				Income
		2015	$	63,360
		2016		63,360
		2017		63,360
		2018		52,800
		2019		-
			$	242,880
	Guarantees and Indemnifications
	In the ordinary course of business, we enter into numerous leasing and financing arrangements for real estate, equipment, aircraft and engines that have various guarantees included in the contracts. These guarantees are primarily in the form of indemnities. In both leasing and financing transactions, we typically indemnify the lessors and any financing parties against tort liabilities that arise out of the use, occupancy, manufacture, design, operation or maintenance of the leased premises or financed aircraft, regardless of whether these liabilities relate to the negligence of the indemnified parties. Currently, we believe that any future payments required under many of these guarantees or indemnities would be immaterial, as most tort liabilities and related indemnities are covered by insurance (subject to deductibles). However, payments under certain tax indemnities related to certain of our financing arrangements, if applicable, could be material, and would not be covered by insurance, although we believe that these payments are not probable. Certain leased premises, such as maintenance and storage facilities, typically include indemnities of such parties for any environmental liability that may arise out of or relate to the use of the leased premises. We also provide standard indemnification agreements to officers and directors in the ordinary course of business.
	Financings and Guarantees
	Our financing arrangements typically contain a withholding tax provision that requires us to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law.
	These increased costs and withholding tax provisions continue for the entire term of the applicable transaction and there is no limitation on the maximum additional amount we could be required to pay under such provisions. Any failure to pay amounts due under such provisions generally would trigger an event of default and, in a secured financing transaction, would entitle the lender to foreclose upon the collateral to realize the amount due.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	9. Income Taxes
	The significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
			2014		2013		2012
		Current:
		Federal	$	607	$	-	$	-
		State and local		65		116		173
		Foreign		-636		861		23
		Total current expense (benefit)		36		977		196
		Deferred:
		Federal		-13,332		26,354		69,352
		State and local		2,271		-2,111		4,867
		Foreign		-1,653		-1,387		1,146
		Total deferred expense		-12,714		22,856		75,365
		Total income tax expense	$	-12,678	$	23,833	$	75,561
	The domestic and foreign earnings before income taxes are as follows:
			2014		2013		2012
		Domestic	$	73,386	$	108,709	$	204,034
		Foreign		16,163		9,113		1,241
		Income before income taxes	$	89,549	$	117,822	$	205,275
	A reconciliation of differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rates is as follows:
				2014		2013		2012
		U.S. federal statutory income tax rate		35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
		State and local taxes based on income, net of federal benefit		2.20%		1.10%		1.60%
		Change in deferred foreign and state tax rates		-4.20%		-1.90%		0.00%
		Extraterritorial income tax benefit		-38.80%		-12.30%		0.00%
		Expenses not deductible for tax purposes		2.20%		1.50%		0.70%
		Tax incentives and additional deductions		-3.80%		0.00%		0.00%
		Favorable resolution of income tax issues		0.00%		-1.80%		-1.20%
		Tax effect of foreign operations		-5.70%		-1.50%		0.80%
		Other		-1.10%		0.10%		-0.10%
		Effective income tax rate		-14.20%		20.20%		36.80%
	The effective income tax rate is lower than in prior years primarily due to an income tax benefit of $34.8 million, net of reserves, from extraterritorial income (“ETI”) for 2014 compared to a benefit of $14.2 million, net of reserves, for 2013. The effective income tax rate for 2014 also reflects an income tax benefit resulting from changes in our mix of income in foreign tax jurisdictions, the favorable change in our deferred foreign tax rates and the restructuring of GSS. The ETI tax benefit recorded in 2014 relates to income earned in prior years and was recognized in 2014 as a result of developments in our business and decisions we made during the year. We continue to evaluate our eligibility to claim ETI tax benefits and may recognize additional benefits in future periods. We are currently unable to reasonably estimate these benefits, which may be significant.
	As a result of current and expected future growth in our Dry Leasing business, we determined to indefinitely reinvest the net earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries engaged in this business outside of the U.S. Our effective income tax rate for 2013 and 2014 was favorably impacted by this determination. At December 31, 2014, our undistributed net earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred taxes have not been provided were $39.2 million, and the unrecognized deferred tax liability associated with these earnings was $13.7 million.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The net deferred tax asset (liability) was comprised of the following as of December 31:
			Assets (Liabilities)
			2014				2013
			Current		Noncurrent		Current		Noncurrent
		Fixed assets	$	-	$	-673,934	$	-	$	-643,197
		Net operating loss carryforwards and credits		26,202		356,064		47,161		300,110
		Aircraft leases		-		13,491		-		12,704
		Interest rate derivatives		-		6,101		-		7,124
		Stock-based compensation		-		5,616		-		7,190
		Accrued compensation		12,140		-		9,219		-
		Maintenance expense		-204		305		-1,120		509
		Equity investments in affiliates		-		585		-		585
		Revaluation of debt		-		-607		-		-466
		Accrued expenses		-1,320		-1,169		-1,156		-2,024
		Acquisition of EETC debt		-		-12,809		-		-12,407
		Reserves for receivables		1,673		-		268		-
		Other		651		2,153		146		1,742
		Valuation allowance		-4,613		-46,151		-4,643		-43,133
		Obsolescence reserve		6,470		-		4,381		-
			$	40,999	$	-350,355	$	54,256	$	-371,263
			Assets (Liabilities)
		Deferred taxes are included within the following	2014				2013
		balance sheet line items:	Current		Noncurrent		Current		Noncurrent
		Deferred taxes	$	40,923	$	-	$	54,001	$	-
		Deposits and other assets		76		513		268		392
		Deferred taxes		-		-350,868		-		-371,655
		Accrued liabilities		-		-		-13		-
			$	40,999	$	-350,355	$	54,256	$	-371,263
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had U.S. federal tax net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $823.7 million and $761.0 million, respectively, net of unrecognized tax benefits and valuation allowances, which will expire through 2033, if not utilized. The increase in NOLs during 2014 resulted primarily from the ETI benefit. We had U.S. federal tax credits of $5.1 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with no expiration date. Additionally, we had foreign NOLs for Hong Kong and Singapore of approximately $335.0 million and $185.9 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with no expiration date.
	Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) imposes an annual limitation on the amount of a corporation’s U.S. federal taxable income that can be offset by NOLs if it experiences an “ownership change”, as defined. We experienced ownership changes, as defined, in 2004 and 2009. Accordingly, the use of our NOLs generated prior to these ownership changes is subject to an annual limitation. If certain changes in our ownership occur prospectively, there could be an additional annual limitation on the amount of utilizable carryforwards.
	On each reporting date, management assesses whether we are more likely than not to realize some or all of our deferred tax assets. After our assessment, we maintained a valuation allowance of $50.8 million, $47.8 million and $47.7 million against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We recorded increases to the valuation allowance of $3.0 million, $0.1 million and $0.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The valuation allowance is attributable to a limitation on NOL utilization resulting from the ownership change under Section 382. Due to this limitation, we expect a portion of our NOLs generated in 2004 and prior years to eventually expire unused.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	76,679	$	73,518	$	75,951
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1,614		-		310
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years		32,933		5,822		307
	Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		-1,233		-2,661		-3,050
	Ending balance	$	109,993	$	76,679	$	73,518
If recognized, all of the unrecognized income tax benefits of $110.0 million, as of December 31, 2014, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. We will maintain a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits until these uncertain positions are resolved or until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, if earlier.
Our policy is to record tax-related interest expense and penalties, if applicable, as a component of income tax expense. We recorded a tax-related interest benefit of $2.0 million and $1.8 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the cumulative liability for tax-related interest was $0.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively. We have not recorded any liability for income tax-related penalties, and the tax authorities historically have not assessed any.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the 2010 through 2014 income tax years remain subject to examination. The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining the 2010 and 2011 federal income tax returns. We also file income tax returns in multiple states as well as in Hong Kong and Singapore. Generally, the 2011 through 2014 income tax years remain subject to examination in the states where we file. In addition, the 2013 and 2014 Hong Kong income tax years and the 2011 through 2014 Singapore income tax years are subject to examination. No significant state or foreign income tax examinations are in process.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	10. Financial Instruments
	Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Inputs used to measure fair value are classified in the following hierarchy:
	Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2 Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in
	active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or inactive quoted prices for identical
	assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
	Level 3 Unobservable inputs reflecting assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the
	asset or liability.
	We endeavor to utilize the best available information to measure fair value.
	The carrying value of Cash and cash equivalents, Short-term investments and Restricted cash is based on cost, which approximates fair value.
	Long-term investments consist of debt securities for which we have both the ability and the intent to hold until maturity. These investments are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at amortized cost. The fair value of our Long-term investments is based on a discounted cash flow analysis using the contractual cash flows of the investments and a discount rate derived from unadjusted quoted interest rates for debt securities of comparable risk. Such debt securities represent investments in Pass-Through Trust Certificates related to EETCs issued by Atlas in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Interest on debt securities and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method are included in Interest income.
	The fair value of our term loans, Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes and EETCs are based on a discounted cash flow analysis using current borrowing rates for instruments with similar terms.
	The fair value of our interest rate derivatives (see Note 17) is based on expected cash flow models utilizing inputs including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities. The incorporated market inputs include the implied forward LIBOR yield curve for the same period as the future interest rate swap settlements. These derivatives were designated as hedging instruments.
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount, estimated fair value and classification of our financial instruments as of:
			31-Dec-14
				Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	298,601	$	298,601	$	298,601	$	-	$	-
		Short-term investments		17,802		17,802		-		-		17,802
		Restricted cash		14,281		14,281		14,281		-		-
		Long-term investments and accrued interest		120,478		154,743		-		-		154,743
			$	451,162	$	485,427	$	312,882	$	-	$	172,545
	Liabilities
		Interest rate derivatives	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
		Term loans		957,784		982,036		-		-		982,036
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes		803,561		789,834		-		-		789,834
		EETCs		211,739		270,333		-		-		270,333
			$	1,973,084	$	2,042,203	$	-	$	-	$	2,042,203
			31-Dec-13
				Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	321,816	$	321,816	$	321,816	$	-	$	-
		Short-term investments		10,904		10,904		-		-		10,904
		Restricted cash		6,491		6,491		6,491		-		-
		Interest rate derivatives		9,182		9,182		-		9,182		-
		Long-term investments and accrued interest		130,267		174,795		-		-		174,795
			$	478,660		523,188		328,307		9,182		185,699
	Liabilities
		Interest rate derivatives	$	7,796	$	7,796	$	-	$	7,796	$	-
		Term loans		702,668		701,421		-		-		701,421
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes		739,741		718,703		-		-		718,703
		EETCs		254,216		329,973		-		-		329,973
			$	1,704,421	$	1,757,893	$	-	$	7,796	$	1,750,097
	The following table presents the carrying value, gross unrealized gain (loss) and fair value of our long-term investments and accrued interest by contractual maturity as of:
			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
				Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)		Fair Value
	Debt securities
	Due after one but within five years		$	40,040	$	9,700	$	49,740	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Due after five but within ten years			80,438		24,565		105,003		130,267		44,528		174,795
		Total	$	120,478	$	34,265	$	154,743	$	130,267	$	44,528	$	174,795

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	11. Segment Reporting
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, we changed our operating and reportable segments, reflecting changes in our military business. We currently have the following three reportable segments: ACMI, Charter and Dry Leasing. Previously our reportable segments were ACMI, AMC Charter, Commercial Charter and Dry Leasing. As the amount of business with the U.S. Military Air Mobility Command (the “AMC”) has declined and the interchangeability of aircraft between the AMC and commercial customers has increased, our chief operating decision maker began assessing operating results and making resource allocation decisions for the Charter segment.
	We use an economic performance metric (“Direct Contribution”) that shows the profitability of each segment after allocation of operating and ownership costs. Direct Contribution represents Income before income taxes excluding the following: Special charges, pre-operating expenses, nonrecurring items, Loss (gain) on the disposal of aircraft, Loss on early extinguishment of debt, unallocated revenue and unallocated fixed costs. Direct operating and ownership costs include crew costs, maintenance, fuel, ground operations, sales costs, aircraft rent, interest expense related to aircraft debt, interest income on debt securities and aircraft depreciation. Unallocated income and expenses include corporate overhead, non-aircraft depreciation, interest income, capitalized interest, foreign exchange gains and losses, other revenue and other non-operating costs, including pre-operating expenses. Management uses Direct Contribution to measure segment profitability. Each segment has different operating and economic characteristics that are separately reviewed by our chief operating decision maker.
	Management allocates the costs attributable to aircraft operation and ownership among the various segments based on the aircraft type and activity levels in each segment. Depreciation and amortization expense, aircraft rent, maintenance expense, and other aircraft related expenses are allocated to segments based upon aircraft utilization because certain individual aircraft are utilized across segments interchangeably. In addition, certain ownership costs are directly apportioned to the ACMI segment. Other allocation methods are standard activity-based methods that are commonly used in the industry.
	The ACMI segment provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance services to customers. Also included in the ACMI segment is CMI, which provides crew, maintenance and insurance services, with the customer providing the aircraft. Under ACMI and CMI contracts, customers guarantee a monthly level of operation at a predetermined rate for a defined period of time. The customer bears the commercial revenue risk and the obligation for other direct operating costs, including fuel.
	The Charter segment provides full planeload air cargo and passenger aircraft charters to customers, including the AMC, brokers, freight forwarders, direct shippers, airlines, sports teams and fans, and private charter customers. Charter customers generally pay a fixed charter fee and we bear the direct operating costs.
	The Dry Leasing segment provides for the leasing of aircraft and engines to customers.
	Other represents revenue for services that are not allocated to any segment, including administrative and management support services and flight simulator training.
	The following table sets forth Operating Revenue and Direct Contribution for our reportable business segments reconciled to Operating Income and Income before Income Taxes:
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Operating Revenue:
	ACMI	$	778,091	$	755,008		$	682,189
	Charter		906,676		852,452			938,340
	Dry Leasing		100,059		35,168			11,843
	Other		14,372		14,272			13,660
	Total Operating Revenue	$	1,799,198	$	1,656,900		$	1,646,032
	Direct Contribution:
	ACMI	$	197,750	$	227,829		$	191,497
	Charter		54,099		52,546			131,670
	Dry Leasing		33,224		14,017			4,598
	Total Direct Contribution for Reportable Segments		285,073		294,392			327,765
	Add back (subtract):
	Unallocated income and expenses, net		-165,731		-152,059			-124,331
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		-		-5,518			-576
	Special charge		-15,114		-18,642			-
	Loss (gain) on disposal of aircraft		-14,679		-351			2,417
	Income before Income Taxes		89,549		117,822			205,275
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Add back (subtract):
	Interest income		-18,480		-19,813			-19,636
	Interest expense		104,252		83,659			64,532
	Capitalized interest		-453		-2,350			-18,727
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		-		5,518			576
	Other expense (income), net		1,104		1,954			-5,529
	Operating Income	$	175,972	$	186,790		$	226,491
	We are exposed to a concentration of revenue to the AMC and Polar (see Note 3 for further discussion regarding Polar). No other customer accounted for 10.0% of our Total Operating Revenue. Revenue from the AMC was $336.6 million in 2014, $356.3 million in 2013 and $488.1 million in 2012. Accounts receivable from the AMC were $15.3 million and $6.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. We have not experienced any credit issues with either of these customers.
		2014			2013				2012
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	ACMI	$	56,289		$	45,737			$	34,965
	Charter		25,286			21,262				18,135
	Dry Leasing		31,592			11,669				4,873
	Unallocated		7,626			7,721				4,502
	Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	120,793		$	86,389			$	62,475

Labor_and_Legal_Proceedings

Labor and Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Labor And Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings	12. Labor and Legal Proceedings
	Labor
	Pilots and flight dispatchers of Atlas and Polar are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). These employees represented approximately 55.9% of our workforce as of December 31, 2014. We are subject to risks of work interruption or stoppage as permitted by the Railway Labor Act of 1926 (the “Railway Labor Act”) and may incur additional administrative expenses associated with union representation of our employees.
	We have a five-year collective bargaining agreement with our pilots, which will not become amendable until September 2016. The terms of the agreement provide for a single pilot workforce that serves both Atlas and Polar.
	We have a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Atlas and Polar dispatchers, which will not become amendable until November 2017.
	Legal Proceedings
	Matters Related to Pricing Practices
	In 2010, Old Polar entered into an agreement with the United States Department of Justice (the "DOJ") to resolve issues relating to the previously disclosed DOJ investigation concerning alleged manipulation by cargo carriers of fuel surcharges and other rate components for air cargo services (the “DOJ Investigation”).
	As a result of the DOJ Investigation, the Company and Old Polar have been named defendants, along with a number of other cargo carriers, in several class actions in the United States arising from allegations about the pricing practices of a number of air cargo carriers that have now been consolidated for pretrial purposes in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The consolidated complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants, including the Company and Old Polar, manipulated the market price for air cargo services sold domestically and abroad through the use of surcharges, in violation of United States, state, and European Union antitrust laws. The suit seeks treble damages and injunctive relief.
	In 2007, the Company and Old Polar commenced an adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court against each of the plaintiffs in this class action litigation seeking to enjoin the plaintiffs from prosecuting claims against the Company and Old Polar that arose prior to 2004, the date on which the Company and Old Polar emerged from bankruptcy. In 2007, the plaintiffs consented to the injunctive relief requested and the bankruptcy court entered an order enjoining plaintiffs from prosecuting Company claims arising prior to 2004.
	The court in the antitrust class actions has heard and decided a number of procedural motions. Among those was the plaintiffs’ motion to join Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. as an additional defendant, which the court granted on April 13, 2011. There was substantial pretrial written discovery and document production, and a number of depositions were taken. A court hearing on whether or not to certify the case as a class action was held in October 2013 and oral arguments were held in November 2013. On October 15, 2014, the court magistrate issued a decision recommending that the court enter an order certifying the class for adjudicating the claims. We filed our opposition to that recommendation on December 1, 2014 and also intend to vigorously pursue a number of defenses. We are unable to reasonably predict the court’s ruling on our opposition to class certification and our defenses, or the ultimate outcome of the litigation.
	The Company, Old Polar and a number of other cargo carriers also were named as defendants in civil class action suits in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, Canada that are substantially similar to the class action suits in the United States. On August 1, 2014, the Canadian plaintiffs and Old Polar executed a settlement agreement in which Old Polar agreed, without admitting violations of law, to pay an immaterial amount in return for the release of all claims. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval and currently is under review.
	In the United Kingdom, several groups of named claimants have brought suit against British Airways in connection with the same alleged antitrust practices at issue in the proceedings described above and are seeking damages allegedly arising from that conduct. British Airways has filed claims in the lawsuit against Old Polar and other carriers for contribution should British Airways be found liable to claimants. Old Polar’s formal statement of defense is due February 28, 2015. Old Polar intends to mount a vigorous defense.
	If the Company or Old Polar were to incur an unfavorable outcome in connection with one or more of the matters described above, such outcome is not expected to materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Brazilian Customs Claim
	Old Polar was cited for two alleged customs violations in Sao Paulo, Brazil, relating to shipments of goods dating back to 1999 and 2000. Each claim asserts that goods listed on the flight manifest of two separate Old Polar scheduled service flights were not on board the aircraft upon arrival and therefore were improperly brought into Brazil. The two claims, which also seek unpaid customs duties, taxes and penalties from the date of the alleged infraction, are approximately $7.4 million in aggregate based on December 31, 2014 exchange rates.
	In both cases, we believe that the amounts claimed are substantially overstated due to a calculation error when considering the type and amount of goods allegedly missing, among other things. Furthermore, we may seek appropriate indemnity from the shipper in each claim as may be feasible. In the pending claim for one of the cases, we have received an administrative decision dismissing the claim in its entirety, which remains subject to a mandatory appeal by the Brazil customs authorities. As required to defend such claims, we have made deposits pending resolution of these matters. The balances were $5.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2013, and are included in Deposits and other assets.
	We are currently defending these and other Brazilian customs claims and the ultimate disposition of these claims, either individually or in the aggregate, is not expected to materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Other
	We have certain other contingencies incident to the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the ultimate disposition of such other contingencies is not expected to materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	13. Stock-Based and Long-term Incentive Compensation Plans
	In 2004, we implemented a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2004 LTIP”). The 2004 LTIP provided for stock awards of up to approximately 2.8 million shares of AAWW’s common stock to employees in various forms, cash awards and performance cash awards. Stock awards included non-qualified options, incentive stock options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares and performance units, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. In 2007, the stockholders approved a revised Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), which replaced the 2004 LTIP. An aggregate of 0.6 million shares of common stock was reserved for issuance to participants under the 2007 Plan. No new awards have been made under the 2004 LTIP since the adoption of the 2007 Plan in May 2007. Awards outstanding under the 2004 LTIP will continue to be governed by the terms of that plan and agreements under which they were granted. The 2007 Plan limits the terms of awards to ten years and prohibits the granting of awards more than ten years after the effective date of the 2007 Plan. The stockholders approved an additional 1.3 million shares in 2013, 0.8 million shares in 2011 and 0.5 million shares in 2010 of our common stock to be reserved under the 2007 Plan.
	As of December 31, 2014, the 2007 Plan had a total of 1.4 million shares of common stock available for future award grants to management and members of the board of directors. Our compensation expense for both plans was $12.5 million in 2014, $15.4 million in 2013 and $16.8 million in 2012. Income tax benefits recognized for share-based compensation arrangements were $4.0 million in 2014, $3.1 million in 2013 and $6.7 million in 2012. The excess cash tax effect classified as a financing cash inflow was a nominal benefit in 2014, a benefit of $0.5 million in 2013 and a benefit of $0.6 million in 2012.
	Non-qualified Stock Options
	The portion of the 2007 Plan and the 2004 LTIP applicable to employees is administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors, which also establishes the terms of the awards.
	Non-qualified stock options granted, vest over a three or four year period and expire seven to ten years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2014, options to acquire a total of 1.3 million shares of common stock have been granted to management under both plans. No options have been granted since 2007. While non-qualified stock options may be granted at any price, they have never been granted with an exercise price less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant.
	A summary of our options as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
			Number of Options		Weighted-Average Exercise Price	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
		Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	69,473	$	50.89
		Granted	-		-
		Exercised	-2,500		27.5
		Forfeited, net of adjustments	-2,600		49.17
		Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	64,373	$	51.87	1.5	$	163
		Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	64,373	$	51.87	1.5	$	163
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2014 was nominal and the cash received was $0.1 million. No options were exercised in 2013 and 2012.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted and all options have vested.
	Restricted Share Awards
	Restricted shares granted, vest and are expensed over three, four or five year periods. Restricted share awards have been granted in both shares and units. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 2.8 million restricted shares have been granted under both plans. All shares were valued at their fair market value on the date of issuance. Unrecognized compensation cost as of December 31, 2014 is $20.0 million and will be recognized over the remaining weighted average life of 2.2 years.
	A summary of our restricted shares as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended are presented below:
				Weighted-Average
		Restricted Share Awards	Number of Shares	Grant-Date Fair Value
		Unvested as of December 31, 2013	608,974	$	48.57
		Granted	441,845		33.21
		Vested	-235,191		48.14
		Forfeited	-32,758		41.37
		Unvested as of December 31, 2014	782,870	$	40.33
	The total fair value of shares vested on various vesting dates was $11.3 million in 2014, $12.4 million in 2013 and $9.8 million in 2012. Weighted average grant date fair value was $49.85 in 2013 and $49.12 in 2012.
	Performance Share and Performance Cash Awards
	Performance share and performance cash awards granted are expensed over three years, which generally is the requisite service period. Awards granted prior to 2014 generally become vested if (1) we achieve certain specified performance levels compared with a peer group of companies during a three-year period starting in the grant year and ending on December 31 three years later (the “Performance Period”), and (2) the employee remains employed by us through the determination date which can be no later than four months following the end of the Performance Period. Awards granted in 2014 generally become vested if (1) we achieve certain specified performance levels compared with predetermined performance thresholds during a three-year period starting in the grant year and ending on December 31 three years later, and (2) the employee remains employed by us through the determination date which can be no later than four months following the end of the Performance Period. Partial vesting may occur for certain employee terminations. Performance share awards have been granted to employees in shares and units. All performance share and cash performance awards are valued at their fair market value on the date of grant. The estimated compensation expense recognized for performance share and performance cash awards are net of estimated forfeitures. We assess the performance levels in the first quarter of each year for the prior year after each of the peer companies has filed its financial statements. We review the results, adjust the estimated performance level and record any change to compensation cost. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 1.1 million performance shares have been granted. Unrecognized compensation cost as of December 31, 2014 is $4.0 million and will be recognized over the remaining weighted average life of 1.8 years. For the performance cash awards, we had accruals of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and $1.2 million as of December 31, 2013 in Other liabilities. We recognized compensation expense associated with the performance cash awards totaling $1.3 million in 2014 and $1.2 million in 2013. We had no performance cash awards in 2012.
	A summary of our performance shares as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended are presented below:
				Weighted-Average
		Performance Share Awards	Number of Shares	Grant-Date Fair Value
		Unvested as of December 31, 2013	392,202	$	34.81
		Granted	132,375		32.2
		Vested	-123,256		56.9
		Forfeited	-8,607		26.97
		Unvested as of December 31, 2014	392,714	$	27.17
	The total fair value of shares vested on various vesting dates in 2014 was $7.0 million, $10.2 million in 2013 and zero in 2012. Weighted average grant date fair value was $43.46 in 2013 and $49.89 in 2012.

Profit_Sharing_Incentive_and_R

Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans	14. Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans
	Profit Sharing and Incentive Plans
	We have an annual incentive compensation program for management employees. The program provides for payments to eligible employees based upon our financial performance, service performance and attainment of individual performance goals, among other things. In addition, our profit sharing plan allows IBT-represented crewmembers to receive payments from the plan based upon Atlas’ financial performance. The profit sharing plan is subject to a minimum financial performance threshold. For both plans, we had accruals of $22.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2013 in Accrued liabilities. We recognized compensation expense associated with both plans totaling $21.7 million in 2014, $17.0 million in 2013 and $20.5 million in 2012.
	401(k) and 401(m) Plans
	Participants in our retirement plan may contribute a portion of their annual compensation to a 401(k) plan on a pre-tax basis, subject to aggregate limits under the Code. In addition to 401(k) contributions, participants may contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to a 401(m) plan on an after-tax basis. On behalf of participants in the plan who make elective compensation deferrals, we provide a matching contribution subject to certain limitations. Employee contributions in the plan are vested at all times and our matching contributions are subject to a three-year cliff vesting provision, except for employees who are represented by a collective bargaining agreement and are subject to a three-year graded vesting provision. We recognized compensation expense associated with the plan matching contributions totaling $8.5 million in 2014, $7.7 million in 2013 and $7.5 million in 2012.

Stock_Repurchase

Stock Repurchase	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Treasury Stock [Abstract]
Treasury Stock Disclosure	15. Stock Repurchases
	We record the repurchase of our shares of common stock at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares are classified as treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders’ equity. Treasury shares are included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares.
	In 2008, we established a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of our common stock. In November 2013, we announced an increase of $51.0 million to our stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2014, we had repurchased a total of 2,882,757 shares of our common stock for approximately $106.0 million, at an average cost of $36.78 per share under this program, resulting in $45.0 million of available authorization remaining. Purchases may be made at our discretion in the form of open market repurchase programs, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs or a combination of these methods. The actual timing and amount of our repurchases will depend on Company and market conditions.
	During 2014, we repurchased 458,937 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $15.0 million under an open market repurchase program at an average cost of $32.68 per share.
	During 2013, we repurchased 1,723,577 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $72.1 million under accelerated share repurchase programs at an average cost of $41.84 per share.
	In addition, we repurchased 132,921 and 208,524 shares of common stock from management, in connection with the vesting of equity awards to pay the statutory tax withholdings of employees, at an average price of $33.82 per share in 2014 and $42.50 per share in 2013, and held the shares as treasury shares.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	16. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) represent net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the measurement period. Diluted EPS represent net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the measurement period while also giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Anti-dilutive options that were out of the money for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were de minimis and excluded.
	The calculations of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:
			2014		2013		2012
		Numerator:
		Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$	106,757	$	93,837	$	129,927
		Denominator:
		Basic EPS weighted average shares outstanding		25,031		25,541		26,419
		Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		96		86		130
		Diluted EPS weighted average shares outstanding		25,127		25,627		26,549
		EPS:
		Basic	$	4.26	$	3.67	$	4.92
		Diluted	$	4.25	$	3.66	$	4.89
	Diluted shares reflect the potential dilution that could occur from stock options and restricted shares using the treasury stock method. The calculation does not include restricted shares and units in which performance or market conditions were not satisfied of 0.4 million in 2014, 0.5 million in 2013 and 0.4 million in 2012.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table summarizes the components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
			Interest Rate		Foreign Currency
			Derivatives		Translation		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	-14,618	$	355	$	-14,263
		Net change in fair value		1,386		-		1,386
		Reclassification to interest expense		3,064		-		3,064
		Translation adjustment		-		343		343
		Tax effect		-1,207		-		-1,207
	Balance as of December 31, 2013			-11,375		698		-10,677
		Net change in fair value		-251		-		-251
		Reclassification to interest expense		2,724		-		2,724
		Translation adjustment		-		-346		-346
		Tax effect		-1,022		-		-1,022
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	-9,924	$	352	$	-9,572
	Interest Rate Derivatives
	In December 2013, we entered into six forward-starting interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $432.5 million to hedge the risk of changes in quarterly interest payments due to fluctuations in the forward 90-day LIBOR swap rate for debt issuances. The debt issuances were related to the financing of three Boeing 777-200LRF aircraft that we purchased in the first quarter of 2014 (see Note 7).
	In the first quarter of 2014, we terminated all six of the forward-starting interest rate swaps in connection with the debt issuances, which converted a previously unrealized gain of $1.1 million into a realized gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). There was no ineffectiveness associated with these hedges upon their termination.
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $16.0 million of net unamortized realized loss before taxes remaining in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to terminated forward-starting interest rate swaps, which had been designated as cash flow hedges to effectively fix the interest rates on two 747-8F financings in 2011 and the three 777-200LRF financings in 2014. The net loss is amortized and reclassified into Interest expense over the remaining life of the related debt. Net realized losses reclassified into earnings were $2.7 million in 2014 and $3.1 million in 2013. Net realized losses expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months are $2.6 million as of December 31, 2014.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	18. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
	The following tables summarize the 2014 and 2013 quarterly results:
			First	Second	Third	Fourth
	2014*		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	Total Operating Revenue		$403,363	$441,169	$465,801	$488,865
	Operating Income		28,130	26,657	60,989	60,196
	Net Income Attributable
		to Common Stockholders	$7,944	$29,593	$27,576	$41,644
	EPS:
	Basic		$0.32	$1.17	$1.10	$1.68
	Diluted		$0.32	$1.17	$1.10	$1.66
			First	Second	Third	Fourth
	2013**		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	Total Operating Revenue		$377,336	$403,573	$405,390	$470,601
	Operating Income		22,597	48,461	57,706	58,027
	Net Income Attributable
		to Common Stockholders	$20,078	$20,060	$23,741	$29,958
	EPS:
	Basic		$0.76	$0.78	$0.94	$1.20
	Diluted		$0.76	$0.78	$0.94	$1.19
	* Included in the first quarter of 2014 is a pre-tax special charge of $8.0 million. Included in the second quarter was a pre-tax loss on disposal of equipment of $14.7 million and a special charge of $1.4 million. Included in the fourth quarter was a pre-tax special charge of $5.5 million.
	** Included in the fourth quarter of 2013 is a pre-tax special charge of $18.6 million.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates Policy	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and the related disclosures. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, asset lives and residual values, cash flows for impairment analysis, maintenance accruals, valuation allowances (including, but not limited to, those related to receivables, expendable parts inventory and deferred taxes), income tax accounting, business combinations and intangible assets, stock-based compensation, self-insurance employee benefit accruals and contingent liabilities (including, but not limited to litigation accruals).
Revenue Recognition Policy	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue from ACMI and CMI contracts is typically recognized as the block hours are operated on behalf of a customer during a given month, as defined contractually, based on flight departure. The time interval between when an aircraft departs the terminal until it arrives at the destination terminal is measured in hours and called “Block Hours”. If a customer flies below a minimum contracted Block Hour guarantee, the contracted minimum revenue amounts are recognized as revenue. We recognize revenue for Charter upon flight departure.
	We record Dry Lease rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the operating lease. In limited cases, leases provide for additional rentals based on usage, which is recorded as revenue as it is earned under the terms of the lease. Usage is calculated based on hourly usage or number of flights operated, depending on the lease agreement, and is typically reported monthly by the lessee. Rentals received but unearned under the lease agreements are recorded in deferred revenue and included in Accrued liabilities until earned.
	Customer maintenance reserves are amounts received under our Dry Leases that are subject to reimbursement to the lessee upon the completion of qualifying maintenance work on the specific Dry Leased aircraft and are included in Accrued liabilities. We defer revenue recognition until the end of the lease, when we are able to finalize the amount, if any, to be reimbursed to the customer.
	The Company recognizes revenue for management and administrative support services when the services are provided.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits and other cash investments that are highly liquid in nature and have original maturities of three months or less at acquisition.
Short-Term Investments Policy	Short-Term Investments
	Short-term investments are primarily comprised of certificates of deposit, current portions of debt securities and money market funds.
Restricted Cash Policy	Restricted Cash
	Cash that is restricted under secured aircraft debt agreements, whereby it can only be used to make principal and interest payments on the related debt secured by those aircraft, is classified as Restricted cash.
Accounts Receivable Policy	Accounts Receivable
	We perform a monthly evaluation of our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our best estimate of probable credit losses resulting from the inability or unwillingness of our customers to make required payments. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we determine that it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered.
Escrow Deposits and Letters of Credit Policy	Escrow Deposits and Letters of Credit
	We had $5.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and $5.7 million as of December 31, 2013, for certain deposits required in the normal course of business for various items including, but not limited to, surety and customs bonds, airfield privileges, judicial deposits, insurance and cash pledged under standby letters of credit related to collateral. These amounts are included in Deposits and other assets.
Expendable Parts Policy	Expendable Parts
	Expendable parts, materials and supplies for flight equipment are carried at average acquisition costs and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. When used in operations, they are charged to maintenance expense. Allowances for excess and obsolescence for expendable parts expected to be on hand at the date aircraft are retired from service are provided over the estimated useful lives of the related aircraft and engines. These allowances are based on management estimates, which are subject to change as conditions in the business evolve. The net book value of expendable parts inventory was $17.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and $19.2 million at December 31, 2013, net of allowances for expendable obsolescence of $16.6 million at December 31, 2014 and $11.7 million at December 31, 2013.
Property and Equipment Policy	Property and Equipment
	We record property and equipment at cost and depreciate these assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or average remaining fleet lives to their estimated residual values. We review these assumptions at least annually and adjust depreciation on a prospective basis. Expenditures for major additions, improvements and flight equipment modifications are generally capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the modified assets’ remaining life or remaining lease term if any modifications or improvements are made to operating lease equipment. Substantially all property and equipment is specifically pledged as collateral for our indebtedness. The estimated useful lives of our property and equipment are as follows:
			Range
		Flight equipment	6 to 40 years
		Computer software and equipment	3 to 5 years
		Ground handling equipment and other	3 to 5 years
	Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $114.0 million in 2014, $83.9 million in 2013 and $60.2 million in 2012.
	The net book value of flight equipment on Dry Lease to customers was $890.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and $507.1 million as of December 31, 2013. The accumulated depreciation for flight equipment on Dry Lease to customers was $38.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and $18.7 million as of December 31, 2013.
	Rotable parts are recorded in Property and equipment, net, and are depreciated over their average remaining fleet lives and written off when they are determined to be beyond economic repair. The net book value of rotable parts inventory was $108.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and $97.5 million as of December 31, 2013.
Capitalized Interest on Pre-delivery Deposits Policy	Capitalized Interest on Pre-delivery Deposits
	Interest on funds used to finance the acquisition of flight equipment up to the date the asset is ready for its intended use is capitalized and included in the cost of the asset if the asset is actively under construction. Included in capitalized interest is the interest paid on the pre-delivery deposit borrowings directly associated with the acquisition of flight equipment. The remainder of capitalized interest recorded on the acquisition of flight equipment is determined by taking the weighted average cost of funds associated with our other debt and applying it against the amounts paid as pre-delivery deposits.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Policy	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We record impairment charges on long-lived assets when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired, the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amount and the net book value of the assets exceeds their estimated fair value.
	For flight equipment used in our ACMI and Charter segments, assets are grouped at the operating fleet level for impairment testing. For flight equipment used in our Dry Leasing segment, assets are tested on an individual basis for impairment.
	In developing these estimates for flight equipment, we use external appraisals and other industry data for the equipment types and our anticipated utilization of the assets.
Long Term Investments Policy	Long-term Investments
	Long-term investments consist of debt securities, including accrued interest, for which management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity. These investments are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Interest on debt securities and accretion of discounts using the effective interest method are included in Interest income.
Variable Interest Entities and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements Policy	Variable Interest Entities and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
	We hold a 49% interest in GSS, a private company. GSS is a variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary of GSS for financial reporting purposes. Atlas previously Dry Leased three 747-8F owned aircraft to GSS. The leases provided for payment of rent and a provision for maintenance costs associated with the aircraft. GSS provided ACMI services to British Airways Plc (“British Airways”) using these three aircraft. British Airways returned the three 747-8F aircraft in April and May 2014. GSS continues to provide Dry Leasing support services to Titan.
	Our investment in GSS was zero as of December 31, 2014 and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and our maximum exposure to losses from the entity is limited to our investment in GSS and any operating losses of GSS. GSS does not have any third-party debt obligations.
	We hold a 50% interest in Global Aviation Technical Solutions Co, Ltd. (“GATS”), a joint venture with an unrelated third party. The purpose of the joint venture is to purchase rotable parts and provide repair services for those parts, primarily for our 747-8F aircraft. The joint venture is a variable interest entity and we have not consolidated GATS because we are not the primary beneficiary as we do not exercise financial control. Our investment in GATS was $16.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and $13.2 million as of December 31, 2013 and our maximum exposure to losses from the entity is limited to our investment, which is composed primarily of rotable inventory parts. GATS does not have any third-party debt obligations. We had Accounts payable to GATS of $1.5 million as of December 31, 2014.
	A portion of our operating aircraft are owned or effectively owned and leased through trusts established specifically to purchase, finance and lease aircraft to us. We have not consolidated any aircraft in the related trusts because we are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure under these operating leases is the remaining lease payments, which amounts are reflected in the future lease commitments more fully described in Note 8.
Income Taxes Policy	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of reporting items in our income tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are calculated by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. If necessary, deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to an amount that is determined to be more likely than not recoverable. We must make significant estimates and assumptions about future taxable income and future tax consequences when determining the amount, if any, of the valuation allowance.
	In addition, we establish tax reserves when we believe that certain tax positions are subject to challenge and may not be sustained on audit. These reserves are based on subjective estimates and assumptions involving the relative filing positions and the potential exposure from audits and litigation.
Heavy Maintenance Policy	Heavy Maintenance
	We account for heavy maintenance costs for airframes and engines used in our ACMI and Charter segments using the direct expense method. Under this method, heavy maintenance costs are charged to expense upon induction, based on our best estimate of the costs.
	We account for heavy maintenance costs for airframes and engines used in our Dry Leasing segment using the deferral method. Under this method, we capitalize the cost of heavy maintenance events, which are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next maintenance event is required.
Prepaid Maintenance Deposits Policy	Prepaid Maintenance Deposits
	Certain of our aircraft financing agreements require security deposits to our finance providers to ensure that we perform major maintenance as required. These are substantially refundable to us and are, therefore, accounted for as deposits and included in Prepaid maintenance and in Deposits and other assets. Such amounts were $54.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and $48.8 million at December 31, 2013.
Foreign Currency Policy	Foreign Currency
	While most of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, our results of operations may be exposed to the effect of fluctuations in the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses. Our largest exposures come from the Brazilian real, the British pound and the Euro. We do not currently have a foreign currency hedging program related to our foreign currency-denominated transactions. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Non-operating expenses (income).
Stock-Based Compensation Policy	Stock-Based Compensation
	We have various stock-based compensation plans for certain employees and outside directors, which are described more fully in Note 13. We recognize compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each award based on the fair value on grant date. We estimate grant date fair value for all option grants using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. We estimate option and restricted stock unit forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. As a result, we record stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
Litigation Accruals Policy	Legal and Regulatory Matters
	We are party to legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. We evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of these proceedings each quarter. Our judgments are subjective and are based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of our defenses and consultation with legal counsel. Due to the inherent uncertainties of the legal and regulatory proceedings in the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate, our judgments may be different from the actual outcomes.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Cash interest paid to lenders is calculated on the face amount of our various debt instruments based on the contractual interest rates in effect during each payment period.
	The amortization of debt discount shown as a reconciling item in cash flows from operating activities is the difference between interest expense and cash interest owed to lenders. This amount arises from the amortization of the difference between the fair value of our debt recorded on the balance sheet and the face amount of debt payable to lenders.
	The following table summarizes interest and income taxes paid:
			2014		2013		2012
		Interest paid	$	84,265	$	68,026	$	54,790
		Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	1,181	$	238	$	-27,371
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Policy	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board amended its accounting guidance for revenue recognition. The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the services provided. It also requires additional disclosures necessary for the financial statement users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amended guidance is effective as of the beginning of 2017 and we are currently assessing the impact it will have on our financial statements. Early adoption is not permitted.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Tables [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment			Range
		Flight equipment	6 to 40 years
		Computer software and equipment	3 to 5 years
		Ground handling equipment and other	3 to 5 years
Supplemental Cash Flow Information			2014		2013		2012
		Interest paid	$	84,265	$	68,026	$	54,790
		Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	1,181	$	238	$	-27,371

DHL_Investment_and_Polar_Table

DHL Investment and Polar (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DHL Investment And Polar Tables [Abstract]
Summary of Our Transactions with Polar		Revenue and Expenses:		2014		2013		2012
			ACMI segment revenue from Polar	$	313,682	$	283,021	$	259,757
			Other revenue from Polar	$	11,371	$	11,380	$	11,349
			Ground handling and airport fees paid to Polar	$	1,909	$	1,174	$	1,654
		Accounts receivable/payable as of December 31:		2014		2013
			Receivables from Polar	$	5,702	$	4,249
			Payables to Polar	$	2,611	$	3,464
		Aggregate Carrying Value of Polar Investment as of December 31:		2014		2013
				$	4,870	$	4,870

Special_Charge_Table

Special Charge (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Special charge tables [Abstract]
Special charge		Lease Termination Costs		GSS Employee Termination Benefits		Other		Total
	Liability as of December 31, 2013	$	12,773	$	-	$	-	$	12,773
	Special charge items, net		10		3,772		429		4,211
	Cash payments		-10,346		-2,758		-329		-13,433
	Liability as of December 31, 2014	$	2,437	$	1,014	$	100	$	3,551

Intangible_Assets_net_Tables

Intangible Assets, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets Net Tables [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, net				2014		2013
		Fair value adjustments on operating leases	$	45,531	$	45,531
		Lease intangibles		57,203		14,230
		Less: accumulated amortization		-35,324		-25,903
			$	67,410	$	33,858
Estimated Future Amortization Expense of Intangible Assets		2015	$	8,925
		2016		8,214
		2017		7,922
		2018		7,647
		2019		6,948
		Thereafter		27,754
		Total	$	67,410

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities Tables [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities			2014		2013
		Customer maintenance reserves	$	64,756	$	17,274
		Maintenance		50,702		26,539
		Salaries, wages and benefits		48,548		36,450
		Aircraft fuel		15,078		14,905
		Deferred revenue		10,705		26,279
		Other		61,805		72,845
		Accrued liabilities	$	251,594	$	194,292

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Tables [Abstract]
Debt Obligations			2014			2013
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	$	803,561		$	739,741
		Term loans		957,784			702,668
		EETCs		211,739			254,216
		Total debt		1,973,084			1,696,625
		Less current portion of debt		-190,340			-157,486
		Long-term debt	$	1,782,744		$	1,539,139
Terms And Balances For Each Note Issued Under The Ex-Im Bank Facility							Collateral				Fixed
			Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Interest
			Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Rate	2014			2013
	First 2014 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2014	$	140.6		N854GT		134 months		2.67%	$	129.8		$	-
	First 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2013		143		N855GT		12 years		1.83%		126.8			137.6
	Second 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2013		88		MSN 35606		90 months		1.84%		74.2			85.3
	First 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142		N850GT		12 years		2.02%		115.2			126.1
	Second 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142.7		N851GT		12 years		1.73%		118.4			129.3
	Third 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		142.8		N852GT		12 years		1.56%		118.1			129.2
	Fourth 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note		2012		143.2		N853GT		12 years		1.48%		121.1			132.2
												$	803.6		$	739.7
Terms And Balances For Each Term Loan Outstanding						Collateral				Interest		Interest
		Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Rate		Rate at
		Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Type		2014		2013	2014		2013
	First 2014 Term Loan	2014	$	115		MSN 38969		114 months		Fixed		4.48%		0.00%	$	108.9	$	-
	Second 2014 Term Loan	2014		30.8		MSN 38969		114 months		Fixed		7.30%		0.00%		28.1		-
	Third 2014 Term Loan	2014		115		MSN 37138		118 months		Fixed		4.57%		0.00%		108.3		-
	Fourth 2014 Term Loan	2014		29		MSN 37138		118 months		Fixed		7.29%		0.00%		26.8		-
	Fifth 2014 Term Loan	2014		115		MSN 39286		116 months		Fixed		4.51%		0.00%		109.9		-
	Sixth 2014 Term Loan	2014		27.2		MSN 39286		116 months		Fixed		7.35%		0.00%		25.7		-
	First 2013 Term Loan	2013		119.5		MSN 36201		89 months		Variable		3.06%		3.08%		104.6		112.9
	First 2013 Bridge Loan	2013		105.4		N854GT		1 year		Variable		0.00%		4.66%		-		103.6
	Third 2013 Term Loan	2013		110		MSN 36200		88 months		Fixed		4.18%		4.18%		100.6		107.9
	First 2012 Term Loan	2012		35.7		N464MC, N465MC, N640GT,N641GT		5 years		Fixed		6.91%		6.91%		15.5		23
	Second 2012 Term Loan	2012		8.5		N642GT		5 years		Fixed		6.89%		6.89%		3.9		5.8
	Third 2012 Term Loan	2012		26		MSN 29681		7 years		Fixed		4.27%		4.27%		18.6		22.3
	First 2011 Term Loan	2011		120.3		G-GSSD		12 years		Fixed		6.16%		6.16%		101.9		108
	Second 2011 Term Loan	2011		120		G-GSSE		12 years		Fixed		6.37%		6.37%		102.5		108.6
	Third 2011 Term Loan	2011		120		G-GSSF		12 years		Fixed		6.37%		6.37%		102.5		108.6
	2010 Term Loan	2010		8.1		B-2808		50 months		Fixed		4.33%		4.33%		-		2
															$	957.8	$	702.7
Terms And Balances For Each EETC Outstanding						Collateral				Fixed		Effective
		Issue		Face		Aircraft		Original		Equipment		Interest
		Date		Value		Tail Number		Term		Note Rates		Rate		2014		2013
	2000 EETC	2000	$	108.5		N409MC		20 years		8.71% to 9.70%		11.31%	$	42.5	$	47.2
	1999 EETC	1999		108.3		N476GT		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		13.94%		27.4		31.7
		1999		108.4		N496MC		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		13.94%		35.6		41.2
		1999		109.9		N499MC		20 years		6.88% to 8.77%		7.52%		35.4		42.3
	1998 EETC	1998		105.6		N475GT		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		13.89%		34.1		39.6
		1998		103.1		N493MC		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		13.72%		33.2		39.5
		1998		107.9		N477GT		20 years		7.38% to 8.01%		7.54%		3.5		12.7
													$	211.7	$	254.2
Future Cash Payments For Debt		2015	$	195,963
		2016		201,670
		2017		204,263
		2018		211,054
		2019		200,604
		Thereafter		995,439
		Total debt cash payments		2,008,993
		Less: unamortized debt discount		-35,909
		Debt	$	1,973,084

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases And Aircraft Purchase Commitments Tables [Abstract]
Rental Expenses				2014			2013			2012
		Aircraft and engines	$	140,390		$	160,415		$	154,968
		Purchased capacity, office, vehicles and other	$	68,855		$	34,062		$	21,335
Minimum Annual Rental Commitments					Aircraft and Engine			Other
					Operating			Operating
					Leases			Leases			Total
		2015		$	131,241		$	4,342		$	135,583
		2016			129,632			3,902			133,534
		2017			129,480			142			129,622
		2018			130,955			145			131,100
		2019			140,193			149			140,342
		Thereafter			459,054			484			459,538
		Total payments		$	1,120,555		$	9,164		$	1,129,719
Contractual Amount of Minimum Dry Lease Income				Sublease
				Income
		2015	$	63,360
		2016		63,360
		2017		63,360
		2018		52,800
		2019		-
			$	242,880

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes Tables [Abstract]
Components of the Provision for Income Taxes			2014		2013		2012
		Current:
		Federal	$	607	$	-	$	-
		State and local		65		116		173
		Foreign		-636		861		23
		Total current expense (benefit)		36		977		196
		Deferred:
		Federal		-13,332		26,354		69,352
		State and local		2,271		-2,111		4,867
		Foreign		-1,653		-1,387		1,146
		Total deferred expense		-12,714		22,856		75,365
		Total income tax expense	$	-12,678	$	23,833	$	75,561
Domestic and Foreign Earnings before Income Taxes			2014		2013		2012
		Domestic	$	73,386	$	108,709	$	204,034
		Foreign		16,163		9,113		1,241
		Income before income taxes	$	89,549	$	117,822	$	205,275
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation				2014		2013		2012
		U.S. federal statutory income tax rate		35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
		State and local taxes based on income, net of federal benefit		2.20%		1.10%		1.60%
		Change in deferred foreign and state tax rates		-4.20%		-1.90%		0.00%
		Extraterritorial income tax benefit		-38.80%		-12.30%		0.00%
		Expenses not deductible for tax purposes		2.20%		1.50%		0.70%
		Tax incentives and additional deductions		-3.80%		0.00%		0.00%
		Favorable resolution of income tax issues		0.00%		-1.80%		-1.20%
		Tax effect of foreign operations		-5.70%		-1.50%		0.80%
		Other		-1.10%		0.10%		-0.10%
		Effective income tax rate		-14.20%		20.20%		36.80%
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)			Assets (Liabilities)
			2014				2013
			Current		Noncurrent		Current		Noncurrent
		Fixed assets	$	-	$	-673,934	$	-	$	-643,197
		Net operating loss carryforwards and credits		26,202		356,064		47,161		300,110
		Aircraft leases		-		13,491		-		12,704
		Interest rate derivatives		-		6,101		-		7,124
		Stock-based compensation		-		5,616		-		7,190
		Accrued compensation		12,140		-		9,219		-
		Maintenance expense		-204		305		-1,120		509
		Equity investments in affiliates		-		585		-		585
		Revaluation of debt		-		-607		-		-466
		Accrued expenses		-1,320		-1,169		-1,156		-2,024
		Acquisition of EETC debt		-		-12,809		-		-12,407
		Reserves for receivables		1,673		-		268		-
		Other		651		2,153		146		1,742
		Valuation allowance		-4,613		-46,151		-4,643		-43,133
		Obsolescence reserve		6,470		-		4,381		-
			$	40,999	$	-350,355	$	54,256	$	-371,263
			Assets (Liabilities)
		Deferred taxes are included within the following	2014				2013
		balance sheet line items:	Current		Noncurrent		Current		Noncurrent
		Deferred taxes	$	40,923	$	-	$	54,001	$	-
		Deposits and other assets		76		513		268		392
		Deferred taxes		-		-350,868		-		-371,655
		Accrued liabilities		-		-		-13		-
			$	40,999	$	-350,355	$	54,256	$	-371,263
Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits			2014		2013		2012
		Beginning balance	$	76,679	$	73,518	$	75,951
		Additions for tax positions related to the current year		1,614		-		310
		Additions for tax positions related to prior years		32,933		5,822		307
		Reductions for tax positions related to prior years		-1,233		-2,661		-3,050
		Ending balance	$	109,993	$	76,679	$	73,518

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments Tables [Abstract]
Carrying Amount, Estimated Fair Value and Classification of Our Financial Instruments			31-Dec-14
				Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	298,601	$	298,601	$	298,601	$	-	$	-
		Short-term investments		17,802		17,802		-		-		17,802
		Restricted cash		14,281		14,281		14,281		-		-
		Long-term investments and accrued interest		120,478		154,743		-		-		154,743
			$	451,162	$	485,427	$	312,882	$	-	$	172,545
	Liabilities
		Interest rate derivatives	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
		Term loans		957,784		982,036		-		-		982,036
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes		803,561		789,834		-		-		789,834
		EETCs		211,739		270,333		-		-		270,333
			$	1,973,084	$	2,042,203	$	-	$	-	$	2,042,203
			31-Dec-13
				Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	321,816	$	321,816	$	321,816	$	-	$	-
		Short-term investments		10,904		10,904		-		-		10,904
		Restricted cash		6,491		6,491		6,491		-		-
		Interest rate derivatives		9,182		9,182		-		9,182		-
		Long-term investments and accrued interest		130,267		174,795		-		-		174,795
			$	478,660		523,188		328,307		9,182		185,699
	Liabilities
		Interest rate derivatives	$	7,796	$	7,796	$	-	$	7,796	$	-
		Term loans		702,668		701,421		-		-		701,421
		Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes		739,741		718,703		-		-		718,703
		EETCs		254,216		329,973		-		-		329,973
			$	1,704,421	$	1,757,893	$	-	$	7,796	$	1,750,097
Carrying Value, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) and Fair Value of Our Long-term Investments by Contractual Maturity			31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
				Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)		Fair Value
	Debt securities
	Due after one but within five years		$	40,040	$	9,700	$	49,740	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Due after five but within ten years			80,438		24,565		105,003		130,267		44,528		174,795
		Total	$	120,478	$	34,265	$	154,743	$	130,267	$	44,528	$	174,795

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Tables [Abstract]
Operating Revenue and Direct Contribution For Our Reportable Business Segments		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Operating Revenue:
	ACMI	$	778,091	$	755,008		$	682,189
	Charter		906,676		852,452			938,340
	Dry Leasing		100,059		35,168			11,843
	Other		14,372		14,272			13,660
	Total Operating Revenue	$	1,799,198	$	1,656,900		$	1,646,032
	Direct Contribution:
	ACMI	$	197,750	$	227,829		$	191,497
	Charter		54,099		52,546			131,670
	Dry Leasing		33,224		14,017			4,598
	Total Direct Contribution for Reportable Segments		285,073		294,392			327,765
	Add back (subtract):
	Unallocated income and expenses, net		-165,731		-152,059			-124,331
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		-		-5,518			-576
	Special charge		-15,114		-18,642			-
	Loss (gain) on disposal of aircraft		-14,679		-351			2,417
	Income before Income Taxes		89,549		117,822			205,275
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Add back (subtract):
	Interest income		-18,480		-19,813			-19,636
	Interest expense		104,252		83,659			64,532
	Capitalized interest		-453		-2,350			-18,727
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt		-		5,518			576
	Other expense (income), net		1,104		1,954			-5,529
	Operating Income	$	175,972	$	186,790		$	226,491
Depreciation and Amortization by Reportable Business Segments		2014			2013				2012
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	ACMI	$	56,289		$	45,737			$	34,965
	Charter		25,286			21,262				18,135
	Dry Leasing		31,592			11,669				4,873
	Unallocated		7,626			7,721				4,502
	Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	120,793		$	86,389			$	62,475

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Based Compensation Plans Tables [Abstract]
Summary of Our Options			Number of Options		Weighted-Average Exercise Price	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
		Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	69,473	$	50.89
		Granted	-		-
		Exercised	-2,500		27.5
		Forfeited, net of adjustments	-2,600		49.17
		Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	64,373	$	51.87	1.5	$	163
		Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	64,373	$	51.87	1.5	$	163
Summary of Our Restricted Shares				Weighted-Average
		Restricted Share Awards	Number of Shares	Grant-Date Fair Value
		Unvested as of December 31, 2013	608,974	$	48.57
		Granted	441,845		33.21
		Vested	-235,191		48.14
		Forfeited	-32,758		41.37
		Unvested as of December 31, 2014	782,870	$	40.33
Summary of Our Performance Shares				Weighted-Average
		Performance Share Awards	Number of Shares	Grant-Date Fair Value
		Unvested as of December 31, 2013	392,202	$	34.81
		Granted	132,375		32.2
		Vested	-123,256		56.9
		Forfeited	-8,607		26.97
		Unvested as of December 31, 2014	392,714	$	27.17

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Tables [Abstract]
Calculations of Basic and Diluted EPS			2014		2013		2012
		Numerator:
		Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$	106,757	$	93,837	$	129,927
		Denominator:
		Basic EPS weighted average shares outstanding		25,031		25,541		26,419
		Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock		96		86		130
		Diluted EPS weighted average shares outstanding		25,127		25,627		26,549
		EPS:
		Basic	$	4.26	$	3.67	$	4.92
		Diluted	$	4.25	$	3.66	$	4.89

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tables [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
			Interest Rate		Foreign Currency
			Derivatives		Translation		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	-14,618	$	355	$	-14,263
		Net change in fair value		1,386		-		1,386
		Reclassification to interest expense		3,064		-		3,064
		Translation adjustment		-		343		343
		Tax effect		-1,207		-		-1,207
	Balance as of December 31, 2013			-11,375		698		-10,677
		Net change in fair value		-251		-		-251
		Reclassification to interest expense		2,724		-		2,724
		Translation adjustment		-		-346		-346
		Tax effect		-1,022		-		-1,022
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	-9,924	$	352	$	-9,572

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I1

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Information Tables [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)			First	Second	Third	Fourth
	2014*		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	Total Operating Revenue		$403,363	$441,169	$465,801	$488,865
	Operating Income		28,130	26,657	60,989	60,196
	Net Income Attributable
		to Common Stockholders	$7,944	$29,593	$27,576	$41,644
	EPS:
	Basic		$0.32	$1.17	$1.10	$1.68
	Diluted		$0.32	$1.17	$1.10	$1.66
			First	Second	Third	Fourth
	2013**		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	Total Operating Revenue		$377,336	$403,573	$405,390	$470,601
	Operating Income		22,597	48,461	57,706	58,027
	Net Income Attributable
		to Common Stockholders	$20,078	$20,060	$23,741	$29,958
	EPS:
	Basic		$0.76	$0.78	$0.94	$1.20
	Diluted		$0.76	$0.78	$0.94	$1.19

Basis_of_Presentation_Detail

Basis of Presentation (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis Of Presentation Details [Abstract]
Equity interest in PACW	51.00%
Voting interest in PACW	75.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Account Policies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Escrow Deposits And Letters Of Credit Details [Abstract]
Escrow deposits and letters of credit	$5.30	$5.70
Expendable Parts Inventory Details [Abstract]
Expendable parts net book value	17.5	19.2
Allowance for expendable obsolescence	16.6	11.7
Prepaid Maintenance Deposits Details [Abstract]
Prepaid maintenance deposits	54.5	48.8
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	114	83.9	60.2
Net book value on flight equipment dry leased to customers	890.1	507.1
Accumulated depreciation on flight equipment on dry lease	38.8	18.7
Rotable parts inventory, net book value	108.2	97.5
Variable Interest Entities And Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Details [Abstract]
Ownership interest in GSS	49.00%
Investment in GSS	0	2.8
Ownership interest in GATS	50.00%
Investment in GATS	16.4	13.2
Payable to GATS	$1.50

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Account Policies - Property and Equipment Depreciable Lives (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Flight equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	6 years
Flight equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	40 years
Computer software and equipment | Minimum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	3 years
Computer software and equipment | Maximum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	5 years
Ground handling equipment and other | Minimum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	3 years
Ground handling equipment and other | Maximum [Member]
Property And Equipment Useful Life Minimum [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, depreciable life	5 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Account Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income taxes paid [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$1,181	$238	($27,371)
Interest paid [Abstract]
Interest paid	$84,265	$68,026	$54,790

DHL_Investment_and_Polar_Perce

DHL Investment and Polar Percentages (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Dhl Investment And Polar Percentages [Abstract]
DHL equity interest in Polar	49.00%
DHL voting interest in Polar	25.00%

DHL_Investment_and_Polar_Detai

DHL Investment and Polar (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Dhl Investment And Polar Details [Abstract]
Number of aircraft Polar currently operates that are subleased from Atlas	6
Number of aircraft operated by Atlas to support the Polar network and DHL through an alliance agreement whereby Atlas provides ACMI services to Polar	12

DHL_Investment_and_Polar_Table1

DHL Investment and Polar Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
DHL Investment and Polar Table Details [Line Items]
ACMI revenue from Polar	$313,682	$283,021	$259,757
Other revenue from Polar	11,371	11,380	11,349
Ground handling and airport fees paid to Polar	1,909	1,174	1,654
Receivables from Polar	5,702	4,249
Payables to Polar	2,611	3,464
Aggregate carrying value of Polar investment	$4,870	$4,870

Special_Charge_Detail

Special Charge (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Special Charge Details [Abstract]
737-800 aircraft held for sale loss		$6.20
Carrying value of asset held for sale		25
Customer Relationship Impairment		0.8
Early Termination of Operating Leases		17.8
Disposal of equipment	14.7
Impairment charges related to employee termination benefits for the 747-200 fleet		3.8
GSS loan reserve		$4.70

Special_Charge_Table_Detail

Special Charge Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Special Charge [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$12,773
Special charge items, net	4,211
Cash payments	-13,433
Ending balance	3,551
Lease termination costs [Member]
Special Charge [Line Items]
Beginning balance	12,773
Special charge items, net	10
Cash payments	-10,346
Ending balance	2,437
GSS employee termination benefits [Member]
Special Charge [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Special charge items, net	3,772
Cash payments	-2,758
Ending balance	1,014
Other [Member]
Special Charge [Line Items]
Beginning balance	0
Special charge items, net	429
Cash payments	-329
Ending balance	$100

Intangible_Assets_net_Tables_D

Intangible Assets, net Tables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Table Details [Abstract]
Fair value adjustment on operating leases	$45,531	$45,531
Lease intangibles	57,203	14,230
Less: accumulated amortization	-35,324	-25,903
Intangible assets, net	$67,410	$33,858

Intangible_Assets_net_Narrativ

Intangible Assets, net Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Details [Abstract]
Lease intangible	$42.70
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$9.40	$4.90	$4.70

Intangible_Assets_net_Future_A

Intangible Assets, net Future Amortization Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense Table Details [Abstract]
2015	$8,925
2016	8,214
2017	7,922
2018	7,647
2019	6,948
Thereafter	27,754
Total	$67,410

Accrued_Liabilities_Detail

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Details [Abstract]
Customer maintenance reserves	$64,756	$17,274
Maintenance	50,702	26,539
Salaries, wages and benefits	48,548	36,450
Aircraft fuel	15,078	14,905
Deferred revenue	10,705	26,279
Other	61,805	72,845
Accrued liabilities	$251,594	$194,292

Debt_Obligations_Table_Detail

Debt Obligations Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt [Abstract]
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	$803,561	$739,741
Term Loans	957,784	702,668
EETCs	211,739	254,216
Total debt	1,973,084	1,696,625
Less current portion of debt	190,340	157,486
Long-term debt	$1,782,744	$1,539,139

Debt_Monetary_Detail

Debt Monetary (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt [Abstract]
Unamortized discount related to the fair market value adjustments recorded against debt	$35.90	$41.40
Potential additional AMLR per month	0.1
AMLR limit per aircraft	$11

Debt_Guaranteed_Notes_Detail

Debt Guaranteed Notes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
First 2014 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	$140.60
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N854GT
Original Term	134 months
Fixed Interest Rate	2.67%
Carrying Value	129.8	0
First 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2013
Face Value	143
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N855GT
Original Term	12 years
Fixed Interest Rate	1.83%
Carrying Value	126.8	137.6
Second 2013 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2013
Face Value	88
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 35606
Original Term	90 months
Fixed Interest Rate	1.84%
Carrying Value	74.2	85.3
First 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	142
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N850GT
Original Term	12 years
Fixed Interest Rate	2.02%
Carrying Value	115.2	126.1
Second 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	142.7
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N851GT
Original Term	12 years
Fixed Interest Rate	1.73%
Carrying Value	118.4	129.3
Third 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	142.8
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N852GT
Original Term	12 years
Fixed Interest Rate	1.56%
Carrying Value	118.1	129.2
Fourth 2012 Ex-Im Guaranteed Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	143.2
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N853GT
Original Term	12 years
Fixed Interest Rate	1.48%
Carrying Value	$121.10	$132.20

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (Aggregate 2014 Term Loans, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate 2014 Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face Value	$432

Debt_Term_Loan_Detail

Debt Term Loan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
First 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	$115
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 38969
Original Term	114 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.48%	0.00%
Carrying Value	108.9	0
Second 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	30.8
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 38969
Original Term	114 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	7.30%	0.00%
Carrying Value	28.1	0
Third 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	115
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 37138
Original Term	118 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.57%	0.00%
Carrying Value	108.3	0
Fourth 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	29
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 37138
Original Term	118 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	7.29%	0.00%
Carrying Value	26.8	0
Fifth 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	115
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 39286
Original Term	116 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.51%	0.00%
Carrying Value	109.9	0
Sixth 2014 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2014
Face Value	27.2
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 39286
Original Term	116 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	7.35%	0.00%
Carrying Value	25.7	0
First 2013 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2013
Face Value	119.5
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 36201
Original Term	89 months
Interest Rate Type	Variable
Variable Interest Rate	3.06%	3.08%
Carrying Value	104.6	112.9
First 2013 Bridge Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2013
Face Value	105.4
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N854GT
Original Term	1 year
Interest Rate Type	Variable
Variable Interest Rate	0.00%	4.66%
Carrying Value	0	103.6
Third 2013 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2013
Face Value	110
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 36200
Original Term	88 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.18%	4.18%
Carrying Value	100.6	107.9
First 2012 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	35.7
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N464MC, N465MC, N640GT,N641GT
Original Term	5 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	6.91%	6.91%
Carrying Value	15.5	23
Second 2012 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	8.5
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N642GT
Original Term	5 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	6.89%	6.89%
Carrying Value	3.9	5.8
Third 2012 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2012
Face Value	26
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	MSN 29681
Original Term	7 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.27%	4.27%
Carrying Value	18.6	22.3
First 2011 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2011
Face Value	120.3
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	G-GSSD
Original Term	12 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	6.16%	6.16%
Carrying Value	101.9	108
Second 2011 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2011
Face Value	120
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	G-GSSE
Original Term	12 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	6.37%	6.37%
Carrying Value	102.5	108.6
Third 2011 Term Loan
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2011
Face Value	120
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	G-GSSF
Original Term	12 years
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	6.37%	6.37%
Carrying Value	102.5	108.6
Term Loan 2010
Term Loans [Line Items]
Issue Date	2010
Face Value	8.1
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	B-2808
Original Term	50 months
Interest Rate Type	Fixed
Fixed Interest Rate	4.33%	4.33%
Carrying Value	$0	$2

Debt_Detail

Debt (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Maximum number of separate term loans under the Ex-Im Bank Facility	6
Number of aircraft financed under EETCs	12
Number of aircraft financed under EETCs as leveraged leases	5
Number of series issued for equipment notes for each aircraft financed by EETCs	3

Debt_Percentage_Detail

Debt Percentage (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt [Abstract]
Percentage of original cost of aircraft invested by original owner participant for each aircraft for EETC	20.00%
Percentage of original cost of aircraft financed with debt for EETC	80.00%
Minimum original interest rate on EETCs	6.88%
Maximum original interest rate on EETCs	9.70%

Debt_Leveraged_Lease_Structure

Debt Leveraged Lease Structure (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
EETC 2000
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	2000
Face Value	$108.50
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N409MC
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	8.71% to 9.70%
Fixed Interest Rate	11.31%
Carrying Value	42.5	47.2
First 1999 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1999
Face Value	108.3
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N476GT
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	6.88% to 8.77%
Fixed Interest Rate	13.94%
Carrying Value	27.4	31.7
Second 1999 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1999
Face Value	108.4
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N496MC
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	6.88% to 8.77%
Fixed Interest Rate	13.94%
Carrying Value	35.6	41.2
Third 1999 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1999
Face Value	109.9
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N499MC
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	6.88% to 8.77%
Fixed Interest Rate	7.52%
Carrying Value	35.4	42.3
First 1998 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1998
Face Value	105.6
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N475GT
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	7.38% to 8.01%
Fixed Interest Rate	13.89%
Carrying Value	34.1	39.6
Second 1998 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1998
Face Value	103.1
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N493MC
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	7.38% to 8.01%
Fixed Interest Rate	13.72%
Carrying Value	33.2	39.5
Third 1998 EETC
LeveragedLease [Line Items]
Issue Date	1998
Face Value	107.9
Collateral Aircraft Tail Number	N477GT
Original Term	20 years
Fixed Interst Rate Range	7.38% to 8.01%
Fixed Interest Rate	7.54%
Carrying Value	$3.50	$12.70

Future_Cash_Payments_for_Debt_

Future Cash Payments for Debt Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Cash Payments for Debt [Abstract]
2015	$195,963
2016	201,670
2017	204,263
2018	211,054
2019	200,604
Thereafter	995,439
Total debt cash payments	2,008,993
Less: unamortized debt discount	-35,909
Total debt	$1,973,084	$1,696,625

Leases_and_Aircraft_Purchase_C

Leases and Aircraft Purchase Commitments Narrative (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases And Aircraft Purchase Commitments Details [Abstract]
Number of operating aircraft leased	13
Total number of operating aircraft	46
Average remaining lease term of leased aircraft	8 years 1 month
Lease Term Range	2020 to 2025

Leases_and_Aircraft_Purchase_C1

Leases and Aircraft Purchase Commitments Tables (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Rental Expenses [Abstract]
Aircraft and engines	$140,390	$160,415	$154,968
Purchase capacity, offices, vehicles and other	68,855	34,062	21,335
Sublease income [Abstract]
2015	63,360
2016	63,360
2017	63,360
2018	52,800
2019	0
Total minimum Dry Lease income	$242,880

Lease_and_Minimum_Purchase_Com

Lease and Minimum Purchase Commitments Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Aircraft Operating Leases [Member]
Minimum Annual Commitments [Line Items]
2015	$131,241
2016	129,632
2017	129,480
2018	130,955
2019	140,193
Thereafter	459,054
Total payments	1,120,555
Other Operating Leases [Member]
Minimum Annual Commitments [Line Items]
2015	4,342
2016	3,902
2017	142
2018	145
2019	149
Thereafter	484
Total payments	9,164
Total [Member]
Minimum Annual Commitments [Line Items]
2015	135,583
2016	133,534
2017	129,622
2018	131,100
2019	140,342
Thereafter	459,538
Total payments	$1,129,719

Income_Taxes_Tables_Detail

Income Taxes Tables (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$607	$0	$0
State and local	65	116	173
Foreign	-636	861	23
Total current expense (benefit)	36	977	196
Deferred
Federal	-13,332	26,354	69,352
State and local	2,271	-2,111	4,867
Foreign	-1,653	-1,387	1,146
Total deferred expense	-12,714	22,856	75,365
Total income tax expense	-12,678	23,833	75,561
Domestic and foreign earnings before income taxes
Domestic	73,386	108,709	204,034
Foreign	16,163	9,113	1,241
Income before income taxes	89,549	117,822	205,275
Reconciliation of differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rates
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local taxes based on income, net of federal benefit	2.20%	1.10%	1.60%
Change in deferred foreign and state tax rates	-4.20%	-1.90%	0.00%
Extraterritorial income tax benefit	-38.80%	-12.30%	0.00%
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	2.20%	1.50%	0.70%
Tax incentives and additional deductions	-3.80%	0.00%	0.00%
Favorable resolution of income tax issues	0.00%	-1.80%	-1.20%
Tax effect of foreign operations	-5.70%	-1.50%	0.80%
Other	-1.10%	0.10%	-0.10%
Effective income tax rate	-14.20%	20.20%	36.80%
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	76,679	73,518	75,951
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	1,614	0	310
Additions for tax positions related to prior year	32,933	5,822	307
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	-1,233	-2,661	-3,050
Ending Balance	$109,993	$76,679	$73,518

Income_Taxes_Monetary_Detail

Income Taxes Monetary (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure Narrative Details [Abstract]
ETI Benefit	$34.80	$14.20
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	39.2
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability	13.7
U.S. Federal tax net operating losses	823.7	761
NOL Expirations	Through 2033
U.S. federal tax credits	5.1	4.5
Foreign NOLs for HK and Singapore	335	185.9
Valuation allowance	50.8	47.8	47.7
Adjustment to the valuation allowance	3	0.1	0.7
Unrecognized income tax benefits that would impact the effective income tax rate	110
Tax-related interest benefit	2	1.8
Cumulative liability for tax-related interest	$0.10	$2.10

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_

Income Taxes Net Deferred Tax Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability [Member]
Components Of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability [Abstract]
Fixed assets	$0	$0
Net operating loss carryforwards and credits	26,202	47,161
Aircraft leases	0	0
Interest rate derivatives	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Accrued compensation	12,140	9,219
Maintenance expense	-204	-1,120
Equity investments in affiliates	0	0
Revaluation of debt	0	0
Accrued expenses	-1,320	-1,156
Acquisition of EETC debt	0	0
Reserves for receivables	1,673	268
Other	651	146
Valuation allowance	-4,613	-4,643
Obsolescence Reserve	6,470	4,381
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	40,999	54,256
Deferred Taxes Included Within [Abstract]
Deferred taxes	40,923	54,001
Deposits and other assets	76	268
Deferred taxes	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	-13
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	40,999	54,256
Noncurrent Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability [Member]
Components Of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability [Abstract]
Fixed assets	-673,934	-643,197
Net operating loss carryforwards and credits	356,064	300,110
Aircraft leases	13,491	12,704
Interest rate derivatives	6,101	7,124
Stock-based compensation	5,616	7,190
Accrued compensation	0	0
Maintenance expense	305	509
Equity investments in affiliates	585	585
Revaluation of debt	-607	-466
Accrued expenses	-1,169	-2,024
Acquisition of EETC debt	-12,809	-12,407
Reserves for receivables	0	0
Other	2,153	1,742
Valuation allowance	-46,151	-43,133
Obsolescence Reserve	0	0
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	-350,355	-371,263
Deferred Taxes Included Within [Abstract]
Deferred taxes	0	0
Deposits and other assets	513	392
Deferred taxes	-350,868	-371,655
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Total net deferred tax asset (liability)	($350,355)	($371,263)

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments Fair Value Table (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$298,601	$321,816	$409,763	$187,111
Short-term investments	17,802	10,904
Restricted cash	14,281	6,491
Long-term investments and accrued interest	120,478	130,267
Liabilities
Term loans	957,784	702,668
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	803,561	739,741
EETCs	211,739	254,216
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	298,601	321,816
Short-term investments	17,802	10,904
Restricted cash	14,281	6,491
Interest rate derivatives	0	9,182
Long-term investments and accrued interest	120,478	130,267
Financial instruments assets	451,162	478,660
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	0	7,796
Term loans	957,784	702,668
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	803,561	739,741
EETCs	211,739	254,216
Financial instruments liabilities	1,973,084	1,704,421
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	298,601	321,816
Short-term investments	17,802	10,904
Restricted cash	14,281	6,491
Interest rate derivatives	0	9,182
Long-term investments and accrued interest	154,743	174,795
Financial instruments assets	485,427	523,188
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	0	7,796
Term loans	982,036	701,421
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	789,834	718,703
EETCs	270,333	329,973
Financial instruments liabilities	2,042,203	1,757,893
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	298,601	321,816
Short-term investments	0	0
Restricted cash	14,281	6,491
Interest rate derivatives	0	0
Long-term investments and accrued interest	0	0
Financial instruments assets	312,882	328,307
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	0	0
Term loans	0	0
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	0	0
EETCs	0	0
Financial instruments liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Interest rate derivatives	0	9,182
Long-term investments and accrued interest	0	0
Financial instruments assets	0	9,182
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	0	7,796
Term loans	0	0
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	0	0
EETCs	0	0
Financial instruments liabilities	0	7,796
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	17,802	10,904
Restricted cash	0	0
Interest rate derivatives	0	0
Long-term investments and accrued interest	154,743	174,795
Financial instruments assets	172,545	185,699
Liabilities
Interest rate derivatives	0	0
Term loans	982,036	701,421
Ex-Im Bank guaranteed notes	789,834	718,703
EETCs	270,333	329,973
Financial instruments liabilities	$2,042,203	$1,750,097

Financial_Instruments_Contract

Financial Instruments Contractual Maturity Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt securities
Due after one but within five years, carrying value	$40,040	$0
Due after five but within ten years, carrying value	80,438	130,267
Total, carrying value	120,478	130,267
Due after one but within five years, gross unrealized gain (loss)	9,700	0
Due after five but within ten years, gross unrealized gain (loss)	24,565	44,528
Total, gross unrealized gain (loss)	34,265	44,528
Due after one but within five years, fair value	49,740	0
Due after five but within ten years, fair value	105,003	174,795
Total, fair value	$154,743	$174,795

Segment_Reporting_Detail

Segment Reporting (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Revenue
ACMI	$778,091	$755,008	$682,189
Charter	906,676	852,452	938,340
Dry Leasing	100,059	35,168	11,843
Other	14,372	14,272	13,660
Total Operating Revenue	1,799,198	1,656,900	1,646,032
Direct Contribution
ACMI	197,750	227,829	191,497
Charter	54,099	52,546	131,670
Dry Leasing	33,224	14,017	4,598
Total Direct Contribution for Reportable Segments	285,073	294,392	327,765
Unallocated income and expenses, net	-165,731	-152,059	-124,331
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	-5,518	-576
Special charge	-15,114	-18,642	0
Loss (gain) on disposal of aircraft	-14,679	-351	2,417
Income before income taxes	89,549	117,822	205,275
Interest income	-18,480	-19,813	-19,636
Interest expense	104,252	83,659	64,532
Capitalized interest	-453	-2,350	-18,727
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	5,518	576
Other expense (income), net	1,104	1,954	-5,529
Operating Income	$175,972	$186,790	$226,491

Segment_Reporting_Narrative_De

Segment Reporting Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Narrative Details [Abstract]
AMC revenue	$336.60	$356.30	$488.10
Accounts receivable from the AMC	$15.30	$6.60

Segment_Reporting_Depreciation

Segment Reporting Depreciation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SegmentReportingDepreciationAndAmortization[Abstract]
ACMI	$56,289	$45,737	$34,965
Charter	25,286	21,262	18,135
Dry Leasing	31,592	11,669	4,873
Unallocated	7,626	7,721	4,502
Total depreciation and amortization	$120,793	$86,389	$62,475

Legal_Proceedings_Detail

Legal Proceedings (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Labor And Legal Proceedings [Abstract]
Union work force percentage	55.90%
Brazilian claims in the aggregate	$7.40
Amounts on deposit for Brazilian claims included in Deposits and other assets	$5.30	$5.70

StockBased_Compensaton_Plans_N

Stock-Based Compensaton Plans Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 23, 2010
Stock Based Compensation Plans Text Details [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under the 2004 LTIP	2.8
Shares reserved for issuance under the 2007 LTIP	0.6
Awards under 2004 LTIP since the adoption of the 2007 LTIP	0
2007 LTIP terms	The 2007 Plan limits the terms of awards to ten years and prohibits the granting of awards more than ten years after the effective date of the 2007 Plan.
Additional shares approved by stockholders to be reserved under the 2007 LTIP		1.3		0.8	0.5
2007 LTIP number of shares available for future award grants	1.4
LTIP compensation expense	$12.50	$15.40	$16.80
Tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements	4	3.1	6.7
Excess cash tax benefit	0	0.5	0.6
Non-qualified stock options terms	Non-qualified stock options granted under both the 2007 Plan and the 2004 LTIP vest over a three or four year period and expire seven to ten years from the date of grant.
Options to acquire shares of common stock granted to management	1.3
Options granted since 2007	0
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	0	0	0
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options	0
Cash received for options exercised	0.1
Restricted shares vesting period	Restricted shares granted, vest and are being expensed over three, four or five year periods.
Total restricted shares granted under both plans	2.8
Restricted shares unrecognized compensation cost	20
Restricted shares remaining weighted average life (in years)	2 years 2 months
Total fair value, on vesting date, of restricted shares vested	11.3	12.4	9.8
Performance shares vesting period	Performance share and performance cash awards granted are expensed over three years, which generally si the requisite service period. Awards granted prior 2014 generally become vested if (1) we achieve certain specified performance levels compared to a peer group of companies during a three-year period starting in the grant year and ending on December 31 three years later (the bPerformance Periodb), and (2) the employee remains employed by us through the determination date which can be no later than four months following the end of the Performance Period. Awards granted in 2014 generally become vested if (1) we achieve certain specified performance levels compared with predetermined performance thresholds during a three-year period starting in the grant year and ending on December 31 three years later, and (2) the employee remains employed by us through the determination date which can be no later than four months following the end of the Performance Period. Partial vesting may occur for certain employee terminations.
Total performance shares granted	1.1
Performance shares unrecognized compensation cost	4
Performance shares remaining weighted average life (in years)	1 year 9 months
Accrued performance cash awards	2.5	1.2
Performance cash awards expense	1.3	1.2
Total fair value, on vesting date, of performance shares vested	$7	$10.20	$0

StockBased_Compensaton_Plans_T

Stock-Based Compensaton Plans Tables-Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary Of Options [Abstract]
Options outstanding	64,373	69,473
Options granted	0
Options exercised	-2,500
Options forfeited, net of adjustments	-2,600
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of options outstanding (in years)	1 year 6 months
Options exercisable	64,373
Weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable (in years)	1 year 6 months
Summary Of Performance Shares [Abstract]
Unvested performance share awards	392,714	392,202
Granted performance share awards	132,375
Vested performance share awards	-123,256
Forfeited performance share awards	-8,607
Summary Of Restricted Shares [Abstract]
Unvested restricted share awards	782,870	608,974
Granted restricted share awards	441,845
Vested restricted share awards	-235,191
Forfeited restricted share awards	-32,758

StockBased_Compensaton_Plans_T1

Stock-Based Compensaton Plans Tables-Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary Of Options [Abstract]
Weighted-average exercise price of options outstanding	$51.87	$50.89
Weighted-average exercise price of options granted	$0
Weighted-average exercise price of options exercised	$27.50
Weighted-average exercise price of grants of options forfeited, net of adjustments	$49.17
Weighted-average exercise price of options exercisable	$51.87
Summary Of Performance Shares [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance shares unvested	$27.17	$34.81
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance shares granted	$32.20	$43.46	$49.89
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance shares vested	$56.90
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of performance shares forfeited	$26.97
Summary Of Restricted Shares [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares unvested	$40.33	$48.57
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted	$33.21	$49.85	$49.12
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares vested	$48.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares forfeited	$41.37

StockBased_Compensaton_Plans_T2

Stock-Based Compensaton Plans Tables-Aggregate (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary Of Options [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$163
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$163

Profit_Sharing_Incentive_and_R1

Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Profit Sharing And Incentive Plans Details [Abstract]
Accrual for profit sharing and incentive plans liabilities	$22.40	$17
Profit sharing and incentive plans expense recognized	21.7	17	20.5
Retirement Plans Details [Abstract]
401(k) compensation expense	$8.50	$7.70	$7.50

Profit_Sharing_Incentive_and_R2

Profit Sharing, Incentive and Retirement Plans Terms (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans Terms Details [Abstract]
Matching contributions vesting period	Employee contributions in the plan are vested at all times and our matching contributions are subject to a three-year cliff vesting provision.
CBA employees matching contributions vesting period	Employees who are represented by the collective bargaining agreement are subject to a three-year graded vesting provision.

Stock_Repurchase_Detail

Stock Repurchase (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Treasury Stock Details [Abstract]
Amount authorized for the repurchase of common stock	$100
Treasury Stock Repurchase Incremental Authorization	51
Shares of treasury stock acquired under the repurchase program	2,882,757
Cumulative Cost of Treasury Shares Repurchased	106
Treasury Stock Repurchase Average Price	$36.78
Treasury Stock Repurchase Remaining Authorization	45
Treasury Stock Repurchase Aggregate Shares	458,937	1,723,577
Treasury Stock Repurchase Aggregate Purchase Price	$15	$72.10
Treasury Stock Repurchase Average Price	$32.68	$41.84
TreasuryStockSharesAcquiredFromMgmtVests	132,921	208,524
Average cost per share of treasury stock acquired from management	$33.82	$42.50

Earnings_Per_Share_Table_Detai

Earnings Per Share Table (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$106,757	$93,837	$129,927
Denominator:
Basic EPS weighted average shares outstanding	25,031	25,541	26,419
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock	96	86	130
Diluted EPS weighted average shares outstanding	25,127	25,627	26,549
EPS:
Basic	$4.26	$3.67	$4.92
Diluted	$4.25	$3.66	$4.89

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share Narrative (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Details [Abstract]
Antidilutive options	0	0	0
Restricted shares and units in which performance or market conditions were not satisfied	0.4	0.5	0.4

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance	($10,677)
Net change in fair value	-251	1,386	-713
Reclassification to interest expense	-2,724	-3,064	-2,652
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,022	1,207	704
Balance	-9,572	-10,677
Interest Rate Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance	-11,375	-14,618
Net change in fair value	-251	1,386
Reclassification to interest expense	2,724	3,064
Translation adjustment	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,022	-1,207
Balance	-9,924	-11,375
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance	698	355
Net change in fair value	0	0
Reclassification to interest expense	0	0
Translation adjustment	-346	343
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Balance	352	698
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance	-10,677	-14,263
Net change in fair value	-251	1,386
Reclassification to interest expense	2,724	3,064
Translation adjustment	-346	343
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,022	-1,207
Balance	($9,572)	($10,677)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Narrative Details [Abstract]
Notional value of forward starting interest rate swaps	$432.50
Realized gain on cash flow hedge	1.1
Unamortized realized loss in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to forward-starting interest rate swaps	16
Realized loss on interest rate derivatives in earnings as a component of Interest expense	2.7	3.1
Realized losses related to forward-starting interest rate swaps expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months	$2.60

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I2

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information Detail [Abstract]
Total Operating Revenue	$488,865	$465,801	$441,169	$403,363	$470,601	$405,390	$403,573	$377,336
Operating Income	60,196	60,989	26,657	28,130	58,027	57,706	48,461	22,597
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders	$41,644	$27,576	$29,593	$7,944	$29,958	$23,741	$20,060	$20,078
EPS:
Basic	$1.68	$1.10	$1.17	$0.32	$1.20	$0.94	$0.78	$0.76
Diluted	$1.66	$1.10	$1.17	$0.32	$1.19	$0.94	$0.78	$0.76

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_I3

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information Narrative Detail [Abstract]
Special Charge	$5.50	$1.40	$8	$18.60
Disposal of equipment		$14.70