JetBlue Airways (JBLU) 10-Q 31 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Entity Registrant Name	'JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0001158463
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	'10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Amendment Flag	'false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	282,338,879
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$373	$182
Investment securities	581	549
Receivables, less allowance (2013-$6; 2012-$7)	120	106
Prepaid expenses and other	308	263
Total current assets	1,382	1,100
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Flight equipment	5,532	5,168
Predelivery deposits for flight equipment	219	338
Flight Equipment, gross plus deposits	5,751	5,506
Less accumulated depreciation	1,135	995
Flight Equipment, Net	4,616	4,511
Other property and equipment	661	585
Less accumulated depreciation	244	221
Property plant and equipment other net	417	364
Assets constructed for others	561	561
Less accumulated depreciation	110	93
Asset constructed for others net	451	468
Total property and equipment	5,484	5,343
OTHER ASSETS	'	'
Investment securities	86	136
Restricted cash	53	51
Other	439	440
Total other assets	578	627
TOTAL ASSETS	7,444	7,070
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts payable	176	153
Air traffic liability	851	693
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits	159	172
Other accrued liabilities	211	196
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	636	394
Total current liabilities	2,033	1,608
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS	2,206	2,457
CONSTRUCTION OBLIGATION	504	514
DEFERRED TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES	'	'
Deferred income taxes	559	481
Other	124	122
Total deferred taxes and other liabilities	683	603
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 900,000,000 shares authorized, 333,221,474 and 330,589,532 shares issued and 282,338,879 and 281,007,806 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	3	3
Treasury stock, at cost; 50,883,206 and 49,581,726 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-42	-35
Additional paid-in capital	1,508	1,495
Retained earnings	554	433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5	-8
Total stockholders’ equity	2,018	1,888
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$7,444	$7,070

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$6	$7
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	333,221,474	330,589,532
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	282,338,879	281,007,806
Treasury stock, shares	50,882,595	49,581,726

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Passenger	$1,321	$1,194	$3,729	$3,461
Other	121	114	347	327
Total operating revenues	1,442	1,308	4,076	3,788
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Aircraft fuel and related taxes	501	481	1,433	1,364
Salaries, wages and benefits	283	262	842	782
Landing fees and other rents	81	73	231	211
Depreciation and amortization	73	66	212	190
Aircraft rent	32	32	97	98
Sales and marketing	60	51	163	152
Maintenance materials and repairs	109	85	334	258
Other operating expenses	151	145	451	401
Total operating expenses	1,290	1,195	3,763	3,456
OPERATING INCOME	152	113	313	332
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-40	-44	-123	-133
Capitalized interest	4	2	11	6
Interest income and other	3	2	1	3
Total other income (expense)	-33	-40	-111	-124
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	119	73	202	208
Income tax expense	48	28	81	81
NET INCOME	$71	$45	$121	$127
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.25	$0.16	$0.43	$0.45
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.21	$0.14	$0.38	$0.39

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
NET INCOME	$71	$45	$121	$127
Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net of reclassifications into earnings	17	24	5	12
Tax effect	-6	-9	-2	-5
Total other comprehensive loss	11	15	3	7
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$82	$60	$124	$134

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$121	$127
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Deferred income taxes	78	79
Depreciation	188	170
Amortization	35	28
Stock-based compensation	10	10
Loss (Gain) on sale of assets, debt extinguishment, and customer contract termination	4	-20
Collateral returned for derivative instruments	6	4
Changes in certain operating assets and liabilities	108	128
Other, net	15	15
Net cash provided by operating activities	565	541
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Capital expenditures	-342	-356
Predelivery deposits for flight equipment	-13	-61
Proceeds from the sale of assets	8	46
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	-378	-412
Proceeds from the maturities of held-to-maturity investments	349	353
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	-142	-353
Sale of available-for-sale securities	182	323
Other, net	-4	12
Net cash used in investing activities	-340	-448
Proceeds from:	'	'
Issuance of common stock	4	6
Issuance of long-term debt	254	131
Short-term borrowings and lines of credit	190	175
Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-270	-311
Repayment of short-term borrowings and lines of credit	-190	-211
Other, net	-22	-14
Net cash used in financing activities	-34	-224
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	191	-131
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	182	673
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$373	$542

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of JetBlue Airways Corporation, or JetBlue, and our subsidiaries, collectively “we” or the “Company”, with all intercompany transactions and balances having been eliminated. These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with our 2012 audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, or our 2012 Form 10-K.
	These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by us following the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and, in our opinion, reflect all adjustments including normal recurring items which are necessary to present fairly the results for interim periods. Our revenues are recorded net of excise and other related taxes in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the first half of 2013 we recorded $4 million of  maintenance expense and $2 million in other operating expenses that should have been recorded in prior years. Operating results for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
	Investment securities
	Investment securities consist of available-for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity investment securities. When sold, we use a specific identification method to determine the cost of the securities.
	Held-to-maturity investment securities. The contractual maturities of the corporate bonds we held as of September 30, 2013 were no greater than 24 months. We did not record any significant gains or losses on these securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The estimated fair value of these investments approximated their carrying value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The carrying values of investment securities consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Available-for-sale securities
	Time deposits	$	70	$	65
	Treasury Bills	—		68
	Commercial paper	239		142
		309		275
	Held-to-maturity securities
	Corporate bonds	263		313
	Government bonds	40		40
	Time deposits	55		57
		358		410
	Total	$	667	$	685
	Loyalty Program
	In June 2013, we modified our loyalty program, TrueBlue, so points earned by members never expire. Our estimate for points breakage, or the points we expect will go unused, was reduced in June 2013, resulting in a $5 million reduction in revenue and corresponding increase in air traffic liability.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, amending the Balance Sheet topic of the Codification. This update enhances the disclosure requirements regarding offsetting assets and liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. These amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, amending the Comprehensive Income topic of the Codification. This update amends the requirement to present, either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, the effects of significant net income line items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, the Company is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 became effective for our annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013. The required disclosures are included in Note 4.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, amending the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification. This update permits the Federal Funds Effective Swap rate (Overnight Index Swap rate, or OIS) to be designated as a benchmark interest rate for hedging accounting purposes for all new or redesigned hedging relationships as of the issue date of the final guidance. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 2.0 million restricted stock units vested under the 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan and the Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Incentive Plan

Longterm_Debt_Shortterm_Borrow

Long-term Debt, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Lease Obligations	'
	LONG TERM DEBT, SHORT TERM BORROWINGS, AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
	Short Term Borrowings
	CitiBank Line of Credit. On April 23, 2013, we entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement that consists of a $350 million revolving credit and letter of credit facility with Citibank, N.A., as the administrative agent, which terminates in 2016. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR, plus a margin. The Credit Facility is secured by take-off and landing slots at John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and certain other assets. As of September 30, 2013, we did not have an outstanding balance under any of our credit facilities.
	GOAA Bonds. In April 2013, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority issued $42 million special purpose airport facility revenue bonds to refund bonds issued in 2005. The proceeds from the refunded bonds were loaned to us and we recorded the issuance of $43 million, net of $1 million premium, as long term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.
	Other Indebtedness
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we issued $210 million, net of discount, in fixed rate equipment notes due through 2025, which are secured by eight aircraft.
	Aircraft, engines and other equipment and facilities having a net book value of $3.62 billion at September 30, 2013 have been pledged as security under various loan agreements. As of September 30, 2013, we owned 17 unencumbered Airbus A320 aircraft, one EMBRAER 190 aircraft, and 10 spare engines.
	Our outstanding long-term debt and capital lease obligations were reduced by $270 million as a result of scheduled principal payments and the prepayment of our GOAA bonds made during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	At September 30, 2013, the weighted average interest rate of all of our long-term debt was 4.2% and scheduled maturities were $185 million for the remainder of 2013, $586 million in 2014, $274 million in 2015, $472 million in 2016, $200 million in 2017 and $1.13 billion thereafter.
	In September 2013, we priced an Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate, or EETC, of pass-through certificates Series 2013-1, for $226 million which will be secured by fourteen A320 aircraft. We closed the certificates on October 2, 2013 and are scheduled to receive funding on March 5, 2014, to coincide with the final scheduled principal payments of $188 million associated with our March 2004 EETC Class G-2 certificates.
	As of September 30, 2013, we had $55 million principal of our 5.5% Convertible Debentures due 2038 (Series A) outstanding. In October 2013, we notified the holders of those outstanding debentures that we planned to redeem them on or about December 3, 2013 and they may elect to convert them into shares of our common stock up until the business day prior to the redemption date at a rate of 220.6288 shares per $1,000 debenture.
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Public Debt
	Floating rate enhanced equipment notes
	Class G-1, due through 2016	$	148	$	145	$	173	$	164
	Class G-2, due 2014 and 2016	373		365		373		351
	Class B-1, due 2014	49		49		49		48
	Fixed rate special facility bonds, due through 2036	78		68		82		82
	6.75% convertible debentures due in 2039	162		243		162		225
	5.5% convertible debentures due in 2038	123		188		123		173
	Non-Public Debt
	Floating rate equipment notes, due through 2025	714		712		816		776
	Fixed rate equipment notes, due through 2026	1,087		1,151		960		1,050
	Total	$	2,734	$	2,921	$	2,738	$	2,869
	The estimated fair values of our publicly held long-term debt are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of our enhanced equipment notes and our special facility bonds were based on quoted market prices in markets that are traded with low volumes. The fair value of our convertible debentures was based upon other observable market inputs since they are not actively traded. The fair value of our non-public debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our borrowing rates for instruments with similar terms and therefore classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
	We utilize a policy provider to provide credit support on the Class G-1 and Class G-2 certificates. The policy provider has unconditionally guaranteed the payment of interest on the certificates when due and the payment of principal on the certificates no later than 18 months after the final expected regular distribution date. The policy provider is MBIA Insurance Corporation (a subsidiary of MBIA, Inc.).

Comprehensive_Income

Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Comprehensive income includes changes in fair value of our aircraft fuel derivatives and interest rate swap agreements, which qualify for hedge accounting. A rollforward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
		Aircraft Fuel			Interest Rate			Total
		Derivatives (1)			Swaps (2)
	Beginning accumulated losses, at June 30, 2013	$	(12	)	$	(4	)	$	(16	)
	Reclassifications into earnings (net of $2 of taxes)	2			1			3
	Change in fair value (net of $4 of taxes)	7			1			8
	Ending accumulated losses, at September 30, 2013	$	(3	)	$	(2	)	$	(5	)
		Aircraft Fuel			Interest Rate			Total
		Derivatives (1)			Swaps (2)
	Beginning accumulated losses, at December 31, 2012	$	(1	)	$	(7	)	$	(8	)
	Reclassifications into earnings (net of $6 of taxes)	4			4			8
	Change in fair value (net of $(4) of taxes)	(6		)	1			(5		)
	Ending accumulated losses, at September 30, 2013	$	(3	)	$	(2	)	$	(5	)
	__________________________
	(1) Reclassified to aircraft fuel expense
	(2) Reclassified to interest expense

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table shows how we computed basic and diluted earnings per common share (dollar amounts in millions, share data in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	71		$	45		$	121	$	127
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest on convertible debt, net of income taxes and profit sharing	3			2			8		7
	Net income applicable to common stockholders after assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	$	74		$	47		$	129	$	134
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
	Effect of dilutive securities:	280,935			282,880			280,443		282,196
	Employee stock options	2,235			1,337			1,900		1,033
	Convertible debt	60,575			60,575			60,575		60,575
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	343,745			344,792			342,918		343,804
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Shares excluded from EPS calculation (in millions):
	Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options or vesting of restricted stock units as assumed exercise would be antidilutive	12.6		18.1			14.5		20.7
	As of September 30, 2013, a total of approximately 1.4 million shares of our common stock, which were lent to our share borrower pursuant to the terms of our share lending agreement as described more fully in Note 2 to our 2012 Form 10-K, were issued and outstanding for corporate law purposes. Holders of the borrowed shares have all the rights of a holder of our common stock. However, because the share borrower must return all borrowed shares to us (or identical shares or, in certain circumstances of default by the counterparty, the cash value thereof), the borrowed shares are not considered outstanding for the purpose of computing and reporting basic or diluted earnings per share. The fair value of similar common shares not subject to our share lending arrangement, based upon our closing stock price at September 30, 2013, was approximately $9 million.

Employee_Retirement_Plan

Employee Retirement Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	'
	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN
	We sponsor a retirement savings 401(k) defined contribution plan, or the Plan, covering all of our employees. In addition to matching employee contributions of up to 5% of eligible wages, the Plan also includes a discretionary contribution of 5% of eligible non-management wages referred to as Retirement Plus. Our non-management employees are also eligible to receive profit sharing, calculated as 15% of adjusted pre-tax income reduced by the Retirement Plus contributions. Certain FAA-licensed employees receive an additional contribution of 3% of eligible compensation, which we refer to as Retirement Advantage. Total 401(k) company match, Retirement Plus, profit sharing, and Retirement Advantage expensed for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $28 million and $22 million, respectively. Total contributions expensed for the Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $69 million and $62 million, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In October 2013, we amended our purchase agreement with EMBRAER by deferring previously scheduled deliveries of 24 EMBRAER 190 aircraft from 2014-2018 to 2020-2022. We converted eight existing A320 orders to A321 orders and 10 A320 new engine option (A320neo) orders to A321 new engine option (A321neo) orders. We ordered additional  A321 aircraft, consisting of 15 A321 aircraft for delivery between 2015 and 2017 and 20 A321neo for delivery between 2018 and 2020.
	Including the effects of the October 2013 amendments to our Airbus and EMBRAER purchase agreements, our firm aircraft orders consist of three A320 aircraft, 53 A321 aircraft, 30 A320neo aircraft, 30 A321neo aircraft, 25 EMBRAER 190 aircraft and 10 spare engines scheduled for delivery through 2022. Committed expenditures for these aircraft, including the related flight equipment estimated amounts for contractual price escalations and predelivery deposits, were approximately $188 million for the remainder of 2013, $500 million in 2014, $647 million in 2015, $781 million in 2016, $809 million in 2017 and $3.11 billion thereafter.
	In March 2013, we extended the lease terms for our Terminal at JFK. The lease extension incorporates a long term lease for the approximately 19 acres of former Terminal 6, property and provides for the construction of a new international arrivals facility to be adjoined to our existing Terminal 5 facility, the T5i Project. The term of this lease extension extends through 2042, with an option to terminate early in 2033. JetBlue is self-funding the estimated $175 million construction cost of this facility, which is expected to be completed in early 2015. Through September 30, 2013, total costs incurred for the T5i Project were $64 million.
	In September 2013, we amended the leases on six of our aircraft, extending their terms from 2014-2018 to 2018-2022. Total remaining commitments related to these leases was $67 million as of September 30, 2013.
	As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately $31 million in assets that serve as collateral for letters of credit related to a certain number of our leases, which are included in restricted cash, and expire at the end of the related lease terms. Additionally, we had $19 million pledged related to our workers compensation insurance policies and other business partner agreements, which will expire according to the terms of the related policies or agreements.
	Environmental Liability
	In 2012, during performance of environmental testing required in connection with the demolition of the existing passenger terminal buildings and closure of the defunct hydrant fuel systems on the Terminal 6 site at JFK, the presence of light non-aqueous phase petroleum liquid was discovered in certain subsurface monitoring wells on the property. Our lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, or PANYNJ, provides that, under certain circumstances, we may be responsible for investigating, delineating, and remediating such subsurface contamination, even if we are not necessarily the party that caused its release. We have engaged environmental consultants and legal counsel to assess the extent of the contamination and assist us in determining whether we are responsible for taking steps to remediate it. A preliminary estimate indicates costs of remediation could range from less than $1 million up to approximately $3 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have accrued $2 million for current estimates of remediation costs. However, as with any environmental contamination, there is the possibility this contamination could be more extensive than estimated at this early stage. We have a pollution insurance policy that protects us against these types of environmental liabilities, which we expect will mitigate some of our exposure in this matter.
	Based upon information currently known to us, we do not expect these environmental proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However, it is not possible to predict with certainty the impact on us of future environmental compliance requirements or the costs of resolving the matter, in part because the scope of the remediation that may be required is not certain and environmental laws and regulations are subject to modification and changes in interpretation.
	Legal Matters
	Occasionally, we are involved in various claims, lawsuits, regulatory examinations, investigations and other legal matters arising, for the most part, in the ordinary course of business.  The outcome of litigation and other legal matters is always uncertain.  The Company believes that it has valid defenses to the legal matters currently pending against it, is defending itself vigorously and has recorded accruals determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, where appropriate.  In making a determination regarding accruals, using available information, we evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome in legal or regulatory proceedings to which we are a party to and record a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These judgments are subjective, based on the status of such legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of our defenses and consultation with legal counsel. Actual outcomes of these legal and regulatory proceedings may materially differ from our current estimates. It is possible that resolution of one or more of the legal matters currently pending or threatened could result in losses material to our consolidated results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
	To date, none of these types of litigation matters, most of which are typically covered by insurance, has had a material impact on our operations or financial condition. We have insured and continue to insure against most of these types of claims. A judgment on any claim not covered by, or in excess of, our insurance coverage could materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
	DOT tarmac delay. As described more fully in our 2012 Form 10-K, the Department of Transportation, or DOT, investigated our diversion of five flights to Hartford, CT's Bradley International Airport in October 2011 due to winter weather and the failure of major navigational equipment at New York City area airports.  Once on the ground, these five aircraft were each held on the tarmac in excess of three hours with customers and crew on board, a time limit which is beyond the limits proscribed by the DOT's Tarmac Delay Rule. We issued compensation to the impacted customers in accordance with our Customer Bill of Rights, and fully complied with all requests made by the DOT in the course of the investigation. On October 25, 2013, the DOT closed this matter without a fine or penalty.
	Employment Agreement Dispute. In or around March 2010, attorneys representing a group of current and former pilots (the “Claimants”) filed a Request for Mediation with the American Arbitration Association concerning a dispute over the interpretation of a provision of their individual JetBlue Airways Corporation Employment Agreement for Pilots (“Employment Agreement”).  In their Fourth Amended Arbitration Demand, dated June 8, 2012, the Claimants (972 pilots) alleged that JetBlue breached the base salary provision of the Employment Agreement and sought back pay and related damages for pay adjustments that occurred in each of 2002, 2007 and 2009. The Claimants also asserted that JetBlue had violated numerous New York state labor laws. In July 2012, in response to JetBlue's partial motion to dismiss, the Claimants withdrew the 2002 claims. Following an arbitration hearing on the remaining claims, in May 2013, the arbitrator issued an interim decision on the contractual provisions of the Employment Agreement. In 2007, all pilots received market rate pay adjustments.  The arbitrator determined that a 26.7% base pay rate increase provided to certain pilots during 2007 triggered the base salary provision of the Employment Agreement.  The 2009 claims and all New York state labor law claims were dismissed.  The parties started the damages phase of the arbitration in June of 2013.  Many variables remain undetermined, including the number of eligible Claimants and what elements of pay, if any, could be included in any damages calculation award. Motion practice began in July, 2013 and  in late August, 2013, the arbitrator granted JetBlue’s motion to significantly limit the scope of damages.  Motion practice continues that may further limit the number of pilots with valid claims and reduce the scope of damages.
	To date, the Claimants have not specified the amount of damages they are seeking. Pilot salaries currently represent approximately 40% of our total consolidated salaries and wages; therefore, a damages judgment determination in the Claimants' favor could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition While we believe that our defenses support a finding of no damages, we have accrued $3 million associated with a portion of this dispute which is probable and estimable. Due to the many undetermined variables, we are currently unable to estimate a range of possible loss beyond the amount we have accrued. The outcome of any arbitration is inherently uncertain and any final judgment may differ materially.

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management	'
	FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
	As part of our risk management techniques, we periodically purchase over the counter energy derivative instruments and enter into fixed forward price agreements, or FFPs, to manage our exposure to the effect of changes in the price of aircraft fuel. Prices for the underlying commodities have historically been highly correlated to aircraft fuel, making derivatives of them effective at providing short-term protection against sharp increases in average fuel prices. We also periodically enter into jet fuel basis swaps for the differential between heating oil and jet fuel, to further limit the variability in fuel prices at various locations.
	To manage the variability of the cash flows associated with our variable rate debt, we have also entered into interest rate swaps. We do not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
	Aircraft fuel derivatives: We attempt to obtain cash flow hedge accounting treatment for each aircraft fuel derivative that we enter into. This treatment is provided for under the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification which allows for gains and losses on the effective portion of qualifying hedges to be deferred until the underlying planned jet fuel consumption occurs, rather than recognizing the gains and losses on these instruments into earnings during each period they are outstanding. The effective portion of realized aircraft fuel hedging derivative gains and losses is recognized in aircraft fuel expense in the period the underlying fuel is consumed.
	Ineffectiveness results, in certain circumstances, when the change in the total fair value of the derivative instrument differs from the change in the value of our expected future cash outlays for the purchase of aircraft fuel and is recognized immediately in interest income and other. Likewise, if a hedge does not qualify for hedge accounting, the periodic changes in its fair value are recognized in the period of the change in interest income and other. When aircraft fuel is consumed and the related derivative contract settles, any gain or loss previously recorded in other comprehensive income is recognized in aircraft fuel expense. All cash flows related to our fuel hedging derivatives are classified as operating cash flows.
	Our current approach to fuel hedging is to enter into hedges on a discretionary basis without a specific target of hedge percentage needs. We view our hedge portfolio as a form of insurance to help mitigate the impact of price volatility and protect us against severe spikes in oil prices, when possible.
	The following table illustrates the approximate hedged percentages of our projected fuel usage by quarter as of September 30, 2013 related to our outstanding fuel hedging contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.
		Jet fuel swap			Jet fuel cap			Total
		agreements			agreements
	Fourth Quarter 2013	19	%		8	%		27	%
	First Quarter 2014	7	%		8	%		15	%
	Second Quarter 2014	7	%		8	%		15	%
	Third Quarter 2014	2	%		—			2	%
	Fourth Quarter 2014	2	%		—			2	%
	During 2013, we also entered into additional basis swap transactions to be settled later in 2013, which are not designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and as a result are marked to market in earnings each period. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value recorded for these contracts was a net liability of approximately $1 million. Additionally, we enter into FFPs which allow us to lock in the price of fuel for specified quantities and at specified locations in future periods. Of our remaining projected 2013 fuel requirements, 12% were managed with FFPs at September 30, 2013.
	During 2013 we determined certain of our derivatives no longer qualified for hedge accounting. As such, we prospectively discontinued the application of hedge accounting for the remaining portion of our outstanding Brent crude oil agreements. Any incremental increase or decrease in the value of these contracts will be recognized in interest income and other in each period during 2013 until the contracts settle.
	Interest rate swaps: The interest rate hedges we had outstanding as of September 30, 2013 effectively swap floating rate for fixed rate, taking advantage of lower borrowing rates in existence at the time of the hedge transaction as compared to the date our original debt instruments were executed. As of September 30, 2013, we had $68 million in notional debt outstanding related to these swaps, which cover certain interest payments through August 2016. The notional amount decreases over time to match scheduled repayments of the related debt.
	All of our outstanding interest rate swap contracts qualify as cash flow hedges in accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification. Since all of the critical terms of our swap agreements match the debt to which they pertain, there was no ineffectiveness relating to these interest rate swaps in 2013 or 2012, and all related unrealized losses were deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We recognized approximately $8 million in additional interest expense as the related interest payments were made in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	The table below reflects quantitative information related to our derivative instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our financial statements (dollar amounts in millions):
		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Fuel derivatives
	Liability fair value recorded in other accrued liabilities (1)	$	—			$	1
	Longest remaining term (months)	15				9
	Hedged volume (barrels, in thousands)	2,307				675
	Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	$	(5	)		$	(1	)
	Interest rate derivatives
	Liability fair value recorded in other long term liabilities (2)	4				12
	Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	(2		)		(9		)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Fuel derivatives
	Hedge effectiveness gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	(3	)		$	2			$	(7	)	$	10
	Gains (losses) on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting recognized in other expense	1				—				(1		)	(3		)
	Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	11				23				(10		)	17
	Percentage of actual consumption economically hedged	29		%		27		%		21		%	31		%
	Interest rate derivatives
	Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	$	1			$	(1	)		$	1		$	(3	)
	Hedge losses on derivatives recognized in interest expense	(3		)		(3		)		(8		)	(8		)
	____________________________
	-1	Gross asset or liability of each contract prior to consideration of offsetting positions with each counterparty.
	-2	Gross liability, prior to impact of collateral posted.
	Any outstanding derivative instrument exposes us to credit loss in connection with our fuel contracts in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements, but we do not expect that any of our seven counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. The amount of such credit exposure is generally the fair value of our outstanding contracts for which we are in a receivable position. To manage credit risks, we select counterparties based on credit assessments, limit our overall exposure to any single counterparty and monitor the market position with each counterparty. Some of our agreements require cash deposits from either counterparty if market risk exposure exceeds a specified threshold amount.
	We have master netting arrangements with our counterparties allowing us the right of offset to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. The financial derivative instrument agreements we have with our counterparties may require us to fund all, or a portion of, outstanding loss positions related to these contracts prior to their scheduled maturities. The amount of collateral posted, if any, is periodically adjusted based on the fair value of the hedge contracts. Our policy is to offset the liabilities represented by these contracts with any cash collateral paid to the counterparties. The impact of offsetting derivative instruments is depicted below (dollar amounts in millions):
		Gross Amount of								Gross Amount of			Net Amount Presented
		Recognized								Cash Collateral			in Balance Sheet
		Assets				Liabilities				Offset			Assets			Liabilities
	As of September 30, 2013
	Fuel derivatives	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate derivatives	—				4				4			—			—
	As of December 31, 2012
	Fuel derivatives	$	—			$	1			$	—		$	—		$	1
	Interest rate derivatives	—				12				12			—			—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Under the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of the Codification, disclosures are required about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped is established, based on significant levels of inputs as follows:
	Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2 quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
	Level 3 unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
	The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in millions).
		As of September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	192	$	—	$	—	$	192
	Available-for-sale investment securities	—		309		—		309
		$	192	$	309	$	—	$	501
	Liabilities
	Aircraft fuel derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap	—		4		—		4
		$	—	$	4	$	—	$	4
		As of December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	84	$	—	$	—	$	84
	Restricted cash	4		—		—		4
	Available-for-sale investment securities	68		207		—		275
		$	156	$	207	$	—	$	363
	Liabilities
	Aircraft fuel derivatives	$	—	$	1	$	—	$	1
	Interest rate swap	—		12		—		12
		$	—	$	13	$	—	$	13
	Refer to Note 3 for fair value information related to our outstanding debt obligations as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Cash equivalents: Our cash equivalents include money market securities and commercial paper which are readily convertible into cash with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased, all of which are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 within our fair value hierarchy.
	Available-for-sale investment securities: Included in our available-for-sale investment securities are certificates of deposit and commercial paper with original maturities greater than 90 days but less than one year. The fair values of these instruments are based on observable inputs in non-active markets; which are therefore classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. The fair value of treasury bills are based on actively traded quoted market prices and are therefore classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy. We did not record any significant gains or losses on these securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Aircraft fuel derivatives: Our aircraft fuel derivatives include jet fuel swaps, crude oil collars, and jet fuel caps which are not traded on public exchanges. Their fair values are determined using a market approach based on inputs that are readily available from public markets for commodities and energy trading activities; therefore, they are classified as Level 2 inputs. The data inputs are combined into quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities related to the specific terms of the underlying hedge contracts.
	Interest rate swaps:    The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based on inputs received from the related counterparty, which are based on observable inputs for active swap indications in quoted markets for similar terms. The fair values of these instruments are based on observable inputs in non-active markets which are therefore classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of JetBlue Airways Corporation, or JetBlue, and our subsidiaries, collectively “we” or the “Company”, with all intercompany transactions and balances having been eliminated. These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with our 2012 audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, or our 2012 Form 10-K.
	These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by us following the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and, in our opinion, reflect all adjustments including normal recurring items which are necessary to present fairly the results for interim periods. Our revenues are recorded net of excise and other related taxes in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations; however, we believe that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the first half of 2013 we recorded $4 million of  maintenance expense and $2 million in other operating expenses that should have been recorded in prior years. Operating results for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.
Investment securities	'
	Investment securities
	Investment securities consist of available-for-sale investment securities and held-to-maturity investment securities. When sold, we use a specific identification method to determine the cost of the securities.
Held-to-maturity investment securities	'
	Held-to-maturity investment securities. The contractual maturities of the corporate bonds we held as of September 30, 2013 were no greater than 24 months. We did not record any significant gains or losses on these securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The estimated fair value of these investments approximated their carrying value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Loyalty program	'
	Loyalty Program
	In June 2013, we modified our loyalty program, TrueBlue, so points earned by members never expire. Our estimate for points breakage, or the points we expect will go unused, was reduced in June 2013, resulting in a $5 million reduction in revenue and corresponding increase in air traffic liability.
New accounting pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, amending the Balance Sheet topic of the Codification. This update enhances the disclosure requirements regarding offsetting assets and liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. These amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, amending the Comprehensive Income topic of the Codification. This update amends the requirement to present, either on the face of the statement of operations or in the notes, the effects of significant net income line items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, the Company is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 became effective for our annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013. The required disclosures are included in Note 4.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, amending the Derivatives and Hedging topic of the Codification. This update permits the Federal Funds Effective Swap rate (Overnight Index Swap rate, or OIS) to be designated as a benchmark interest rate for hedging accounting purposes for all new or redesigned hedging relationships as of the issue date of the final guidance. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Cash equivalents	'
	Cash equivalents: Our cash equivalents include money market securities and commercial paper which are readily convertible into cash with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased, all of which are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities and are therefore classified as Level 1 within our fair value hierarchy.
Available-for-sale investment securities	'
	Available-for-sale investment securities: Included in our available-for-sale investment securities are certificates of deposit and commercial paper with original maturities greater than 90 days but less than one year. The fair values of these instruments are based on observable inputs in non-active markets; which are therefore classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. The fair value of treasury bills are based on actively traded quoted market prices and are therefore classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy. We did not record any significant gains or losses on these securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Derivatives	'
	Aircraft fuel derivatives: Our aircraft fuel derivatives include jet fuel swaps, crude oil collars, and jet fuel caps which are not traded on public exchanges. Their fair values are determined using a market approach based on inputs that are readily available from public markets for commodities and energy trading activities; therefore, they are classified as Level 2 inputs. The data inputs are combined into quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities related to the specific terms of the underlying hedge contracts.
	Interest rate swaps:    The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based on inputs received from the related counterparty, which are based on observable inputs for active swap indications in quoted markets for similar terms. The fair values of these instruments are based on observable inputs in non-active markets which are therefore classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of marketable securities	'
	The carrying values of investment securities consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Available-for-sale securities
	Time deposits	$	70	$	65
	Treasury Bills	—		68
	Commercial paper	239		142
		309		275
	Held-to-maturity securities
	Corporate bonds	263		313
	Government bonds	40		40
	Time deposits	55		57
		358		410
	Total	$	667	$	685

Longterm_Debt_Shortterm_Borrow1

Long-term Debt, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt	'
	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Public Debt
	Floating rate enhanced equipment notes
	Class G-1, due through 2016	$	148	$	145	$	173	$	164
	Class G-2, due 2014 and 2016	373		365		373		351
	Class B-1, due 2014	49		49		49		48
	Fixed rate special facility bonds, due through 2036	78		68		82		82
	6.75% convertible debentures due in 2039	162		243		162		225
	5.5% convertible debentures due in 2038	123		188		123		173
	Non-Public Debt
	Floating rate equipment notes, due through 2025	714		712		816		776
	Fixed rate equipment notes, due through 2026	1,087		1,151		960		1,050
	Total	$	2,734	$	2,921	$	2,738	$	2,869

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	'
	A rollforward of the amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
		Aircraft Fuel			Interest Rate			Total
		Derivatives (1)			Swaps (2)
	Beginning accumulated losses, at June 30, 2013	$	(12	)	$	(4	)	$	(16	)
	Reclassifications into earnings (net of $2 of taxes)	2			1			3
	Change in fair value (net of $4 of taxes)	7			1			8
	Ending accumulated losses, at September 30, 2013	$	(3	)	$	(2	)	$	(5	)
		Aircraft Fuel			Interest Rate			Total
		Derivatives (1)			Swaps (2)
	Beginning accumulated losses, at December 31, 2012	$	(1	)	$	(7	)	$	(8	)
	Reclassifications into earnings (net of $6 of taxes)	4			4			8
	Change in fair value (net of $(4) of taxes)	(6		)	1			(5		)
	Ending accumulated losses, at September 30, 2013	$	(3	)	$	(2	)	$	(5	)
	__________________________
	(1) Reclassified to aircraft fuel expense
	(2) Reclassified to interest expense

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table shows how we computed basic and diluted earnings per common share (dollar amounts in millions, share data in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	71		$	45		$	121	$	127
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest on convertible debt, net of income taxes and profit sharing	3			2			8		7
	Net income applicable to common stockholders after assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	$	74		$	47		$	129	$	134
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share
	Effect of dilutive securities:	280,935			282,880			280,443		282,196
	Employee stock options	2,235			1,337			1,900		1,033
	Convertible debt	60,575			60,575			60,575		60,575
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	343,745			344,792			342,918		343,804
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Shares excluded from EPS calculation (in millions):
	Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options or vesting of restricted stock units as assumed exercise would be antidilutive	12.6		18.1			14.5		20.7

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen1

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Percentage fuel covered under derivative contracts	'
	The following table illustrates the approximate hedged percentages of our projected fuel usage by quarter as of September 30, 2013 related to our outstanding fuel hedging contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.
		Jet fuel swap			Jet fuel cap			Total
		agreements			agreements
	Fourth Quarter 2013	19	%		8	%		27	%
	First Quarter 2014	7	%		8	%		15	%
	Second Quarter 2014	7	%		8	%		15	%
	Third Quarter 2014	2	%		—			2	%
	Fourth Quarter 2014	2	%		—			2	%
Derivative instrument in statement of financial position and financial performance	'
	The table below reflects quantitative information related to our derivative instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our financial statements (dollar amounts in millions):
		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Fuel derivatives
	Liability fair value recorded in other accrued liabilities (1)	$	—			$	1
	Longest remaining term (months)	15				9
	Hedged volume (barrels, in thousands)	2,307				675
	Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	$	(5	)		$	(1	)
	Interest rate derivatives
	Liability fair value recorded in other long term liabilities (2)	4				12
	Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	(2		)		(9		)
		Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013				2012				2013			2012
	Fuel derivatives
	Hedge effectiveness gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	(3	)		$	2			$	(7	)	$	10
	Gains (losses) on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting recognized in other expense	1				—				(1		)	(3		)
	Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	11				23				(10		)	17
	Percentage of actual consumption economically hedged	29		%		27		%		21		%	31		%
	Interest rate derivatives
	Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	$	1			$	(1	)		$	1		$	(3	)
	Hedge losses on derivatives recognized in interest expense	(3		)		(3		)		(8		)	(8		)
	____________________________
	-1	Gross asset or liability of each contract prior to consideration of offsetting positions with each counterparty.
	-2	Gross liability, prior to impact of collateral posted
Offsetting assets and liabilities	'
	The impact of offsetting derivative instruments is depicted below (dollar amounts in millions):
		Gross Amount of								Gross Amount of			Net Amount Presented
		Recognized								Cash Collateral			in Balance Sheet
		Assets				Liabilities				Offset			Assets			Liabilities
	As of September 30, 2013
	Fuel derivatives	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate derivatives	—				4				4			—			—
	As of December 31, 2012
	Fuel derivatives	$	—			$	1			$	—		$	—		$	1
	Interest rate derivatives	—				12				12			—			—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value, by balance sheet grouping	'
	The following is a listing of our assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and where they are classified within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in millions).
		As of September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	192	$	—	$	—	$	192
	Available-for-sale investment securities	—		309		—		309
		$	192	$	309	$	—	$	501
	Liabilities
	Aircraft fuel derivatives	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate swap	—		4		—		4
		$	—	$	4	$	—	$	4
		As of December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	84	$	—	$	—	$	84
	Restricted cash	4		—		—		4
	Available-for-sale investment securities	68		207		—		275
		$	156	$	207	$	—	$	363
	Liabilities
	Aircraft fuel derivatives	$	—	$	1	$	—	$	1
	Interest rate swap	—		12		—		12
		$	—	$	13	$	—	$	13

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-sale securities	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$309	$275
Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	358	410
Marketable securities	667	685
Revenue reduction due to change in estimate	5	'
Bank Time Deposits [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	70	65
Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	55	57
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	0	68
Commercial paper [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	239	142
Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	263	313
US Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities	$40	$40
Maintenance expense [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Immaterial error correction	'4	'
Other Operating Expense [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Immaterial error correction	'2	'

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Details)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity instruments other than options, vested in period	2

Longterm_Debt_Shortterm_Borrow2

Long-term Debt, Short-term Borrowings, and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2016

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Apr. 11, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 20, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 20, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

aircraft

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate [Member]

Public Debt Floating Rate Class G One Due Through Two Thousand Sixteen [Member]

Public Debt Floating Rate Class G One Due Through Two Thousand Sixteen [Member]

Public Debt Floating Rate Class G Two Due Two Thousand Fourteen And Two Thousand Sixteen Member

Public Debt Floating Rate Class G Two Due Two Thousand Fourteen And Two Thousand Sixteen Member

Public Debt Floating Rate Class G Two Due Two Thousand Fourteen And Two Thousand Sixteen Member

Public Debt Floating Rate Class B One Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]

Public Debt Floating Rate Class B One Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]

Public Debt Fixed Rate Special Facility Bonds Due Through Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]

Public Debt Fixed Rate Special Facility Bonds Due Through Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member]

Public Debt Six Point Seven Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Six [Member]

Public Debt Six Point Seven Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Six [Member]

Public Debt Five Point Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Eight [Member]

Public Debt Five Point Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Eight [Member]

Public Debt Five Point Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Eight [Member]

Public Debt Five Point Five Percentage Convertible Debentures Due In Two Thousand Thirty Eight [Member]

Non Public Debt Floating Rate Equipment Notes Due Through Two Thousand And Twenty Five [Member]

Non Public Debt Floating Rate Equipment Notes Due Through Two Thousand And Twenty Five [Member]

Non Public Debt Fixed Rate Equipment Notes Due Through Two Thousand Twenty Six [Member]

Non Public Debt Fixed Rate Equipment Notes Due Through Two Thousand Twenty Six [Member]

A-320-200 [Member]

A-320-200 [Member]

EMBRAER 190 Aircraft [Member]

engine

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

aircraft

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate [Member]

aircraft

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

aircraft

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

$350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, expiration date

23-Apr-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, amount outstanding

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, face amount

'

210,000,000

'

'

42,000,000

'

226,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, net amount

'

'

'

'

43,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, unamortized premium

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of new aircraft held as security

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14

'

Value of aircraft, engines and other equipment and facilities which were pledged as security under various loan agreements

'

3,620,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

unencumbered aircraft

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17

'

1

unencumbered spare engine

'

10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in outstanding debt and capital lease obligations

'

270,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt

'

4.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next twelve months

'

185,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in Year Two

'

586,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in Year Three

'

274,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in Year Four

'

472,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in Year Five

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, maturities, repayments, thereafter

'

1,130,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

'

2,206,000,000

'

'

'

2,457,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

188,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument convertible number of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

220.6288

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value, Total

'

2,734,000,000

'

'

'

2,738,000,000

'

148,000,000

173,000,000

373,000,000

373,000,000

'

49,000,000

49,000,000

78,000,000

82,000,000

162,000,000

162,000,000

123,000,000

123,000,000

'

'

714,000,000

816,000,000

1,087,000,000

960,000,000

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value, Total

'

$2,921,000,000

'

'

'

$2,869,000,000

'

$145,000,000

$164,000,000

$365,000,000

$351,000,000

'

$49,000,000

$48,000,000

$68,000,000

$82,000,000

$243,000,000

$225,000,000

$188,000,000

$173,000,000

'

'

$712,000,000

$776,000,000

$1,151,000,000

$1,050,000,000

'

'

'

Comprehensive_Income_Details

Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning accumulated gains (losses)	($16)	($8)
Reclassifications into earnings	3	8
Change in fair value	8	-5
Ending accumulated gains (losses)	-5	-5
Fuel Derivatives [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning accumulated gains (losses)	-12	-1
Reclassifications into earnings	2	4
Change in fair value	7	-6
Ending accumulated gains (losses)	-3	-3
Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning accumulated gains (losses)	-4	-7
Reclassifications into earnings	1	4
Change in fair value	1	1
Ending accumulated gains (losses)	($2)	($2)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parentheticals) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Reclassifications into earnings, tax	$2	$6
Change in fair value, tax	$4	($4)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$71	$45	$121	$127
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Interest on convertible debt, net of income taxes and profit sharing	3	2	8	7
Net income applicable to common stockholders after assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	74	47	129	134
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	280,935,000	282,880,000	280,443,000	282,196,000
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	2,235,000	1,337,000	1,900,000	1,033,000
Convertible debt	60,575,000	60,575,000	60,575,000	60,575,000
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding and assumed conversions for diluted earnings per share	343,745,000	344,792,000	342,918,000	343,804,000
Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share lending arrangement, shares, outstanding	1,400,000	'	1,400,000	'
Share lending arrangement, shares, outstanding, value	$9	'	$9	'
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from EPS calculation (in millions):	'	'	'	'
Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options or vesting of restricted stock units as assumed exercise would be antidilutive	12,600,000	18,100,000	14,500,000	20,700,000

Employee_Retirement_Plan_Detai

Employee Retirement Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Retirement Plan (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer contributes a matching contribution to the Plan.	'	'	5.00%	'
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer can contribute a discretionary profit sharing contribution to the Plan.	'	'	5.00%	'
Percentage of Its Eligible Pre Tax Profits for which the employer contributes to the Plan.	'	'	15.00%	'
Percentage of FAA licensed employees gross pay for which ER can contribute discretionary profit sharing contribution to plan	'	'	3.00%	'
Contribution to employee retirement plan	$28	$22	$69	$62

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	aircraft	sqft		EMBRAER 190 Aircraft [Member]	Airbus A321 [Member]	Airbus A321 Neo [Member]	A-320-200 [Member]	Airbus A320 Neo [Member]	Spare Engines [Member]
				Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
				aircraft	aircraft	aircraft	aircraft	aircraft	engine
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, aircraft purchase deliver change	'	'	'	24	15	20	'	'	'
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, aircraft purchase change	'	'	'	'	8	10	'	'	'
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligations disclosure	'	'	'	25	53	30	3	30	10
Committed expenditure due within next 12 months	$188,000,000	'	$188,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Committed expenditure due within second year	500,000,000	'	500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Committed expenditure due within third year	647,000,000	'	647,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Committed expenditure due within four years	781,000,000	'	781,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Committed expenditure due within five years	809,000,000	'	809,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Committed expenditure due after five years	3,110,000,000	'	3,110,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net area responsible for construction under facility lease agreement of terminal	'	19	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net costs for terminal construction project subject to underlying ground lease	'	175,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net costs for terminal construction project subject to underlying ground lease 2	'	'	64,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Leased Aircrafts	6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	67,000,000	'	67,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted assets pledged under letter of credit	31,000,000	'	31,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted assets pledged related to workers compensation insurance policies and other business partner agreements	$19,000,000	'	$19,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Loss Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
		aircraft	pilot
		flight
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Environmental exit costs, costs accrued to date	$2	'	$2
Number of flights diverted	'	5	'
Number of aircraft held on tarmac	'	5	'
Hours held on tarmac	'	'excess of three	'
Number of claimants in employment agreement dispute	'	'	972
Base pay rate trigger in employment agreement dispute	'	'	26.70%
Pilot salaries as a percentage of consolidated salaries	'	'	'0.4
Loss contingency accrual, carrying value, provision	3	'	'
Environmental Issue [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost of remediation estimate (less than $1 million, minimum)	1	'	1
Cost of remediation estimate ($3 million, maximum)	$3	'	$3

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen2

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments liabilities at fair value	$1	'	$1	'
Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives	68	'	68	'
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Hedge losses on derivatives recognized in interest expense	$3	$3	$8	$8
Fourth Quarter 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	27.00%	'	27.00%	'
First Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	15.00%	'	15.00%	'
Second Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	15.00%	'	15.00%	'
Third Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Fourth Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Jet Fuel Swap Agreements [Member] | Fourth Quarter 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	19.00%	'	19.00%	'
Jet Fuel Swap Agreements [Member] | First Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	7.00%	'	7.00%	'
Jet Fuel Swap Agreements [Member] | Second Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	7.00%	'	7.00%	'
Jet Fuel Swap Agreements [Member] | Third Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Jet Fuel Swap Agreements [Member] | Fourth Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Jet Fuel Cap Agreements [Member] | Fourth Quarter 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	8.00%	'	8.00%	'
Jet Fuel Cap Agreements [Member] | First Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	8.00%	'	8.00%	'
Jet Fuel Cap Agreements [Member] | Second Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	8.00%	'	8.00%	'
Jet Fuel Cap Agreements [Member] | Third Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	0.00%	'	0.00%	'
Jet Fuel Cap Agreements [Member] | Fourth Quarter 2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	0.00%	'	0.00%	'
Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage fuel hedged	12.00%	'	12.00%	'

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen3

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
	bbl		bbl
Fuel derivatives [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Liability fair value recorded in other accriued liabilities	$0		$1
Longest remaining term (months)	'15 months		'9 months
Hedged volume (barrels, in thousands)	2,307,000,000		675,000,000
Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	-5		-1
Interest rate derivatives [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Liability fair value recorded in other long term liabilities	4	[1]	12	[1]
Estimated amount of existing losses expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months	-2		-9
Other accrued liabilities [Member] | Fuel derivatives [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Liability fair value recorded in other accriued liabilities	$0	[2]	$1	[2]
[1]	Gross liability, prior to impact of collateral posted
[2]	Gross asset or liability of each contract prior to consideration of offsetting positions with each counterparty.

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen4

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management - Hedging Effectiveness (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fuel derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of actual consumption economically hedged	29.00%	27.00%	21.00%	31.00%
Fuel derivatives [Member] | Aircraft Fuel Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Hedge effectiveness gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	-3	2	-7	10
Fuel derivatives [Member] | Other income (expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gains (losses) on derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting recognized in other expense	1	0	-1	-3
Fuel derivatives [Member] | Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	11	23	-10	17
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Hedge gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in comprehensive income	1	-1	1	-3
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Hedge losses on derivatives recognized in interest expense	-3	-3	-8	-8

Financial_Derivative_Instrumen5

Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Financial Derivative Instruments and Risk Management (Details 4) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fuel Derivatives [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, gross amount of recognized, fuel derivatives	$0		$0
Liabilities, gross amount of recognized, fuel derivatives	0		1
Offset, Gross Amount of Cash Collateral	0		0
Assets, net amount presented in balance sheet	0		0
Liabilities, net amount presented in balance sheet	0		1
Interest Rate Contract [Member]	'		'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Assets, gross amount of recognized, interest rate derivatives	0		0
Liabilities, gross amount of recognized, interest rate derivatives	4	[1]	12	[1]
Offset, Gross Amount of Cash Collateral	4		12
Assets, net amount presented in balance sheet	0		0
Liabilities, net amount presented in balance sheet	$0		$0
[1]	Gross liability, prior to impact of collateral posted

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	$192	$84
Restricted cash	'	4
Available-for-sale investment securities	309	275
Assets, Total	501	363
Liabilities	'	'
Aircraft fuel derivatives	0	1
Interest rate swap	4	12
Liabilities, Total	4	13
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	192	84
Restricted cash	'	4
Available-for-sale investment securities	0	68
Assets, Total	192	156
Liabilities	'	'
Aircraft fuel derivatives	0	0
Interest rate swap	0	0
Liabilities, Total	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	'	0
Available-for-sale investment securities	309	207
Assets, Total	309	207
Liabilities	'	'
Aircraft fuel derivatives	0	1
Interest rate swap	4	12
Liabilities, Total	4	13
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash	'	0
Available-for-sale investment securities	0	0
Assets, Total	0	0
Liabilities	'	'
Aircraft fuel derivatives	0	0
Interest rate swap	0	0
Liabilities, Total	$0	$0