American Airlines (AAL) 10-Q 17 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	6201
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	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		335,598,131

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (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
Revenues
Passenger — American Airlines	$5,253	$4,909	$14,755	$14,303
— Regional Affiliates	766	748	2,197	2,208
Cargo	163	156	485	499
Other revenues	646	616	1,938	1,908
Total operating revenues	6,828	6,429	19,375	18,918
Expenses
Aircraft fuel	2,220	2,180	6,559	6,555
Wages, salaries and benefits	1,546	1,783	4,480	5,342
Other rentals and landing fees	338	329	1,028	990
Maintenance, materials and repairs	350	347	1,108	1,047
Depreciation and amortization	245	256	739	777
Commissions, booking fees and credit card expense	280	277	813	806
Aircraft rentals	186	137	529	410
Food service	154	139	442	394
Special charges and merger related	15	211	56	329
Other operating expenses	796	719	2,383	2,164
Total operating expenses	6,130	6,378	18,137	18,814
Operating Income	698	51	1,238	104
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income	5	7	14	20
Interest expense (contractual interest expense equals $(212) and $(656) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $(180) and $(564) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively)	-206	-161	-637	-503
Interest capitalized	10	13	35	36
Miscellaneous, net	-67	-11	-70	-29
Other Income (Expense)	-258	-152	-658	-476
Income (Loss) Before Reorganization Items, Net	440	-101	580	-372
Reorganization Items, Net	-151	-137	-435	-1,767
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	289	-238	145	-2,139
Income tax (benefit)	0	0	-22	0
Net Earnings (Loss)	$289	($238)	$167	($2,139)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic (usd per share)	$0.86	($0.71)	$0.50	($6.38)
Diluted (usd per share)	$0.76	($0.71)	$0.49	($6.38)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Contractual interest expense	($212)	($180)	($656)	($564)

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
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings (Loss)	$289	($238)	$167	($2,139)
Defined benefit pension plans and retiree medical:
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss and prior service cost	-33	56	-99	169
Current year change	0	0	0	0
Benefit plan modifications	0	1,673	0	1,673
Derivative financial instruments:
Change in fair value	22	86	-34	29
Reclassification into earnings	11	12	23	-13
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments:
Net change in value	0	2	0	5
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Tax	0	1,829	-110	1,863
Income tax expense on other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$289	$1,591	$57	($276)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash	$717	$480
Short-term investments	6,046	3,412
Restricted cash and short-term investments	935	850
Receivables, net	1,340	1,124
Inventories, net	681	580
Fuel derivative contracts	58	65
Other current assets	464	561
Total current assets	10,241	7,072
Equipment and Property
Flight equipment, net	10,445	10,310
Other equipment and property, net	2,071	2,099
Purchase deposits for flight equipment	709	710
Equipment and property, net	13,225	13,119
Equipment and Property Under Capital Leases
Flight equipment, net	191	222
Other equipment and property, net	56	61
Equipment and property under capital leases, net	247	283
International slots and route authorities	710	708
Domestic slots and airport operating and gate lease rights, less accumulated amortization, net	143	161
Other assets	2,214	2,167
Total Assets	26,780	23,510
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,307	1,244
Accrued liabilities	2,139	2,117
Air traffic liability	5,293	4,524
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,335	1,388
Current obligations under capital leases	24	31
Total current liabilities	10,098	9,304
Long-term debt, less current maturities	8,863	6,735
Obligations under capital leases, less current obligations	345	381
Pension and postretirement benefits	6,641	6,780
Other liabilities, deferred gains and deferred credits	1,866	1,691
Liabilities Subject to Compromise	6,889	6,606
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	342	341
Additional paid-in capital	4,488	4,481
Treasury stock	-367	-367
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,090	-2,980
Accumulated deficit	-9,295	-9,462
Total stockholders' equity	-7,922	-7,987
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	$26,780	$23,510

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$1,803	$1,567
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures, including aircraft lease deposits	-2,400	-1,153
Net decrease (increase) in short-term investments	-2,634	-85
Net decrease (increase) in restricted cash and short-term investments	-85	-24
Proceeds from sale of equipment, property, and investments/subsidiaries	27	58
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-5,092	-1,204
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-2,052	-991
Proceeds from:
Issuance of debt	4,082	0
Sale-leaseback transactions	1,496	853
Other	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,526	-138
Net increase in cash	237	225
Cash at beginning of period	480	283
Cash at end of period	$717	$508

Chapter_11_Reorganization

Chapter 11 Reorganization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Chapter 11 Reorganization	Chapter 11 Reorganization
	Overview
	On November 29, 2011 (the Petition Date), AMR Corporation (AMR or the Company), its principal subsidiary, American Airlines, Inc. (American) and certain of the Company’s other direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the Debtors) filed voluntary petitions for relief (the Chapter 11 Cases) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the Bankruptcy Court). The Chapter 11 Cases are being jointly administered under the caption “In re AMR Corporation, et al., Case No. 11-15463-SHL.”
	The Company and the other Debtors are operating as “debtors in possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. In general, as debtors in possession under the Bankruptcy Code, we are authorized to continue to operate as an ongoing business but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Code enables the Company to continue to operate its business without interruption, and the Bankruptcy Court has granted additional relief covering, among other things, obligations to (i) employees, (ii) taxing authorities, (iii) insurance providers, (iv) independent contractors for improvement projects, (v) foreign vendors, (vi) other airlines pursuant to certain interline agreements, and (vii) certain vendors deemed critical to the Debtors’ operations.
	While operating as debtors in possession under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may sell or otherwise dispose of or liquidate assets or settle liabilities, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court or otherwise as permitted in the ordinary course of business. On April 15, 2013, the Company and other Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court a proposed Plan of Reorganization (as amended, the Plan) and related Disclosure Statement (herein so called). The Plan contains provisions for the treatment of equity interests in, and prepetition claims against, AMR and the other Debtors. The Plan also contemplates a business combination (referred to herein as the Merger) of AMR and US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group). See below, "Filing of Plan of Reorganization, Disclosure Statement and Form S-4", and Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. The Plan was accepted by the Debtors' stakeholders and by the requisite majorities of empowered stakeholders under the Bankruptcy Code. See below for further information on the Plan. The Plan and Disclosure Statement and the information contained therein are not incorporated in this Form 10-Q.
	The Company’s Chapter 11 Cases followed an extended effort by the Company to restructure its business to strengthen its competitive and financial position. However, the Company’s substantial cost disadvantage compared to its larger competitors, all of which restructured their costs and debt through Chapter 11, became increasingly untenable given the accelerating impact of global economic uncertainty and resulting revenue instability, volatile and rising fuel prices, and intensifying competitive challenges.
	Notwithstanding any indications of value that may be contained in the Plan, no assurance can be given as to the value that ultimately may be ascribed to the Debtors' various prepetition liabilities and other securities. The Company cannot predict what the ultimate value of any of its or the other Debtors' securities may be. Trading in the Company's common stock and certain debt securities on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was suspended on January 5, 2012, and the Company's common stock and such debt securities were delisted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) from the NYSE on January 30, 2012. On January 5, 2012, the Company's common stock began trading under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group (www.otcmarkets.com).
	General Information
	Notices to Creditors; Effect of Automatic Stay. The Debtors have notified all known current or potential creditors that the Chapter 11 Cases were filed. Subject to certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 Cases automatically enjoined, or stayed, the continuation of most judicial or administrative proceedings or filing of other actions against the Debtors or their property to recover on, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the Petition Date. Thus, for example, most creditor actions to obtain possession of property from the Debtors, or to create, perfect or enforce any lien against the property of the Debtors, or to collect on monies owed or otherwise exercise rights or remedies with respect to a prepetition claim, are enjoined unless and until the Bankruptcy Court lifts the automatic stay as to any such claim. Vendors are being paid for goods furnished and services provided after the Petition Date in the ordinary course of business.
	Appointment of Creditors’ Committee. On December 5, 2011, the U.S. Trustee appointed the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (Creditors' Committee) for the Chapter 11 Cases.
	Retirement and Life Insurance Benefits. See Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding modifications to retirement and life insurance benefits.
	Rejection of Executory Contracts. Under section 365 and other relevant sections of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors may assume, assume and assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases, including, without limitation, agreements relating to aircraft and aircraft engines (collectively, Aircraft Property) and leases of real property, subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and certain other conditions. As of September 30, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court had entered orders granting the Debtors' motions to assume 554, assume and assign one, terminate one, and reject 12 unexpired leases of non-residential real property and had entered various orders extending, by the Debtors' agreement with certain landlords, the date by which the Debtors must assume or reject an additional three unexpired leases of non-residential real property. With respect to certain agreements between American and the City of Chicago, American and the City of Chicago entered into a stipulated order, which provided for the assumption of such agreements as of the effective date of the Plan. The stipulated order also provides that if the effective date of the Plan has not occurred by January 31, 2014, the parties are free to extend such deadline with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court or to renegotiate the terms of the order assuming such agreements.
	On April 3, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order approving a stipulation providing that, among other things, (i) the 1990 and 1994 series of special facility revenue bonds that financed certain improvements at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will be treated as general unsecured claims, (ii) the Debtors may continue to use any premises and improvements at JFK or LaGuardia Airport financed by the 1990 or 1994 series of special facility revenue bonds, (iii) the Debtors will assume the leases at JFK that currently relate to the 2002 and 2005 series of special facility revenue bonds, and (iv) the Debtors' use of premises at JFK will continue to be governed by those leases as well as any other leases that may apply (including leases with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey). See "Reorganization Items, net" for further information.
	In general, rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease is treated as a prepetition breach of the executory contract or unexpired lease in question and, subject to certain exceptions, relieves the Debtors from performing their future obligations under such executory contract or unexpired lease but entitles the contract counterparty or lessor to a prepetition general unsecured claim for damages caused by such deemed breach. Counterparties to such rejected contracts or leases have the right to file claims against the Debtors’ estate for such damages. Generally, the assumption of an executory contract or unexpired lease requires the Debtors to cure existing defaults under such executory contract or unexpired lease.
	Any description of an executory contract or unexpired lease elsewhere in these Notes or in the report to which these Notes are attached, including, where applicable, the Debtors’ express termination rights or a quantification of their obligations, must be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by, any rights the Debtors or counterparties have under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.
	The Debtors expect that liabilities subject to compromise and resolution in the Chapter 11 Cases will arise in the future as a result of damage claims created by the Debtors’ rejection of various executory contracts and unexpired leases. Due to the uncertain nature of many of the potential rejection claims, the magnitude of such claims is not reasonably estimable at this time. Such claims may be material (see “Liabilities Subject to Compromise” below).
	Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment. Notwithstanding the general discussion above of the impact of the automatic stay, under section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code, beginning 60 days after filing a petition under Chapter 11, certain secured parties, lessors and conditional sales vendors may have a right to take possession of certain qualifying Aircraft Property that is leased or subject to a security interest or conditional sale contract, unless the Debtors, subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court, agree to perform under the applicable agreement, and cure any defaults as provided in section 1110 (other than defaults of a kind specified in section 365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code). Taking such action does not preclude the Debtors from later rejecting the applicable lease or abandoning the Aircraft Property subject to the related security agreement, or from later seeking to renegotiate the terms of the related financing.
	The Debtors may extend the 60-day period by agreement of the relevant financing party, with Bankruptcy Court approval. In the absence of an agreement or cure as described above or such an extension, the financing party may take possession of the Aircraft Property and enforce its contractual rights or remedies to sell, lease or otherwise retain or dispose of such equipment.
	The 60-day period under section 1110 in the Chapter 11 Cases expired on January 27, 2012. In accordance with the Bankruptcy Court’s Order Authorizing the Debtors to (i) Enter into Agreements Under Section 1110(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) Enter into Stipulations to Extend the Time to Comply with Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code and (iii) File Redacted Section 1110(b) Stipulations, dated December 23, 2011, the Debtors have entered into agreements to extend the automatic stay or agreed to perform and cure defaults under financing agreements with respect to certain aircraft in their fleet and other Aircraft Property. The Debtors have entered into definitive documentation with respect to substantially all of the aircraft for which the Debtors expect to negotiate revised terms.
	Magnitude of Potential Claims. On February 27, 2012, the Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court schedules and statements of financial affairs setting forth, among other things, the assets and liabilities of the Debtors, subject to the assumptions filed in connection therewith. All of the schedules are subject to further amendment or modification.
	Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c)(3) requires the Bankruptcy Court to fix the time within which proofs of claim must be filed in a Chapter 11 case pursuant to section 501 of the Bankruptcy Code. This Bankruptcy Rule also provides that any creditor who asserts a claim against the Debtors that arose prior to the Petition Date and whose claim (i) is not listed on the Debtors' schedules or (ii) is listed on the schedules as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated, must file a proof of claim. On May 4, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order that established July 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) (the Bar Date) as the deadline to file proofs of claim against any Debtor. More information regarding the filing of proofs of claim can be obtained at www.amrcaseinfo.com. Information on this website is not incorporated into or otherwise made a part of this report.
	As of October 10, 2013, approximately 13,500 claims totaling about $291 billion have been filed with the Bankruptcy Court against the Debtors. Of those claims, approximately 360 claims aggregating approximately $58 million were filed after the Bar Date. We expect new and amended claims to be filed in the future, including claims amended to assign values to claims originally filed with no designated value. We intend to dispute the claims filed after the Bar Date as not having been filed timely and in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code. We have identified, and we expect to continue to identify, many claims that we believe should be disallowed by the Bankruptcy Court because they are duplicative, are without merit, are overstated or for other reasons. As of October 10, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court has disallowed approximately $119 billion of claims and has not yet ruled on our other objections to claims, the disputed portions of which aggregate to an additional $663 million. We expect to continue to file objections in the future. Because the process of analyzing and objecting to claims is ongoing, the amount of disallowed claims may increase significantly in the future. The Debtors have recorded amounts for claims for which there was sufficient information to estimate the claim.
	Differences between amounts scheduled by the Debtors and claims by creditors will be investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. In light of the expected number of creditors, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete. Accordingly, the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known, nor can the ultimate recovery with respect to allowed claims be presently ascertained.
	Collective Bargaining Agreements. Section 1113(c) of the Bankruptcy Code provides a process for the modification and/or rejection of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). Through this process, American was able to achieve new CBAs with each of its unions (TWU, APFA and APA), covering nine unionized work groups.
	In September 2012, the Bankruptcy Court authorized American to reject its pilot CBA, and thereafter American began implementing certain terms and conditions of employment for pilots. American and the APA continued to negotiate in good faith toward a new pilot agreement, and those negotiations resulted in a new pilot CBA that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on December 19, 2012. A small group of American pilots is appealing the Bankruptcy Court's decisions granting American's request to reject the pilot CBA and approving the new pilot CBA, and those appeals are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
	American Eagle Airlines, Inc. (AMR Eagle) also engaged in the Section 1113(c) process with its unions, and ultimately achieved new CBAs with its unions, including AFA, ALPA and all four TWU-represented work groups.
	In addition, American's pilots, flight attendants, and ground employee unions and the US Airways, Inc. (US Airways) pilots union have agreed to new terms for CBAs, effective upon the closing of the proposed Merger with US Airways Group (see Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the Merger). Separately, US Airways entered into a new CBA with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (the AFA) that includes support for the Merger. American's unions representing pilots and flight attendants are working with their counterparts at US Airways to determine representation and single agreement protocols to be used to integrate the pilots and flight attendants workforces after the Merger. The TWU reached agreement with its counterpart at US Airways (the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)) to jointly represent three groups of ground employees (Mechanic and Related, Fleet Service and Stores) following the Merger (subject to certification by the National Mediation Board), and on a process for integrating these workgroups, and one other, following the Merger.
	Filing of Plan of Reorganization, Disclosure Statement and Form S-4. On April 15, 2013, the Company and other Debtors initially filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Plan and Disclosure Statement, which contemplate that AMR will emerge from Chapter 11 and AMR and AMR Merger Sub, Inc. will engage in the Merger (as further described in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). The Plan addresses various subjects with respect to the Debtors, including the resolution of pre-petition obligations as well as the capital structure and corporate governance after exit from the Chapter 11 Cases. The Plan further provides that, upon the effectiveness of the Plan and the Merger, which are anticipated to occur contemporaneously, all shares of existing AMR common stock and other equity interests in AMR will be canceled and any rights with respect thereto will cease to exist, subject to the right to receive distributions pursuant to the Plan.
	Generally, for purposes of the Plan, all 20 Debtors will be “substantively consolidated” into three nodes, consisting of: (i) AMR Debtors, (ii) American Debtors, and (iii) Eagle Debtors. As among the AMR Debtors, the American Debtors, and the Eagle Debtors, the Plan will separately classify creditor claims. However, pursuant to the compromises incorporated into the Plan relating to certain inter-creditor issues and the treatment of intercompany claims among the Debtors, general unsecured claims of similar rank and priority will be treated the same under the Plan regardless of the Debtor against which such claim was filed.
	The Plan contains provisions related to the treatment of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors and equity interests in AMR as described in the Plan and Disclosure Statement and in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under "Description of Plan of Reorganization."
	On April 15, 2013, the Company filed a Form S-4 registration statement (the Form S-4 Registration Statement) with the SEC to register the shares of common stock of AMR, which following the Merger will be renamed American Airlines Group Inc. (herein, the AAG Common Stock), to be issued to stockholders of US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group) as consideration in the Merger in exchange for their US Airways Group common stock. The SEC declared the Form S-4 Registration Statement, as amended, effective on June 10, 2013. The stockholders of US Airways Group voted to approve the Merger on July 12, 2013. The AAG Common Stock cannot be issued to US Airways Group stockholders until the Plan and Merger are consummated.
	On June 7, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court entered the order approving the Disclosure Statement and authorized American to begin soliciting votes on the Plan from creditors and stockholders. On July 19, 2013, the Company and the other Debtors filed with the Bankruptcy Court the “Plan Supplement”, which contains certain documents that are part of the Plan. On August 1, 2013, the Plan was accepted by each class of creditors and AMR equity interest holders entitled to vote on the Plan.
	A hearing was held on August 15, 2013, to consider confirmation of the Plan. The Bankruptcy Court deferred ruling on Plan confirmation and requested briefs from the Debtors and other interested parties regarding the impact of the lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and certain states against the Company and US Airways Group in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Case 1:13-cv-01236 (the DOJ Action) (see Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) on confirmation standards and the appropriateness of ruling on confirmation before the DOJ Action (which seeks to enjoin the Merger) is resolved. On September 12, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court stated that it would enter an order (the Confirmation Order) confirming the Plan. A proposed Confirmation Order has been submitted to the Bankruptcy Court and it is anticipated that the Confirmation Order will be entered prior to the resolution of the DOJ Action. When the Confirmation Order is entered, the effective date of the Plan and implementation of the Plan will remain subject to certain conditions precedent, including satisfactory resolution of the DOJ Action. Although the Bankruptcy Court has stated it will enter the Confirmation Order, the ultimate resolution of the DOJ Action and its impact on the Company and the Merger are uncertain, and accordingly, it cannot be predicted at this time whether or not the Plan will become effective and the Merger will occur.
	In the event that a settlement is reached in the DOJ Action, the Company would be required to seek the Bankruptcy Court's approval of such settlement, which may involve a determination of whether any additional notice or re-solicitation of previous acceptances or rejections of the Plan are necessary.
	There can be no assurance that the Plan will be implemented successfully.
	Merger Agreement. See Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Merger Agreement.
	Availability and Utilization of Net Operating Losses. A discussion of the potential impact of the Plan on the availability and utilization of net operating losses (and alternative minimum tax credits) after the Debtors' emergence from Chapter 11 is contained in the Disclosure Statement. As described therein, the Debtors reasonably anticipate taking advantage of the special bankruptcy rule in section 382(l)(5) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which generally applies to an ownership change in bankruptcy that involves the retention or receipt of at least half of the stock of the reorganized debtor by its shareholders and/or qualified creditors.
	On April 11, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court issued a Revised Final Order Establishing Notification Procedures for Substantial Claimholders and Equity Security Holders and Approving Restrictions on Certain Transfers of Interests in the Debtors' Estates (the Revised Order), which restricts trading in the Company's common stock and establishes certain procedures and potential restrictions with respect to the transfer of claims (the Revised Procedures). The order is intended to prevent, or otherwise institute procedures and notification requirements with respect to, certain transfers of AMR common stock and unsecured claims against the Debtors that could impair the ability of the Debtors to use their net operating loss carryovers and certain other tax attributes on a reorganized basis.
	In accordance with the Revised Procedures,an initial date was established by which holders of unsecured claims (or in certain cases, group of holders) that beneficially owned in excess of a threshold amount as of May 24, 2013 were required to file a Notice of Substantial Claim Ownership. The reporting deadline was May 31, 2013, and the threshold amount was $190 million of unsecured claims or such lesser amount as set forth in the proposed Disclosure Statement. The Disclosure Statement established in accordance with the Revised Procedures a second (final) date by which holders of unsecured claims (or in certain cases, group of holders) that beneficially owned in excess of a threshold amount as of July 1, 2013 were required to file a Notice of Substantial Claim Ownership (regardless of whether such holder(s) filed a Notice as of the first reporting deadline). The final reporting deadline was July 8, 2013. The threshold amount was $190 million of unsecured claims or such lesser amount as set forth in the approved Disclosure Statement, namely such lesser amount which, when added to certain specified interests, including stock, in AMR or US Airways Group, would result in such holder holding the “Applicable Percentage,” generally 4.5 percent, of the reorganized Debtors. In connection with the filing of a Notice of Substantial Claim Ownership, a holder was required to indicate if it agreed to refrain from acquiring additional AMR and US Airways Group common stock and such other specified interests until after the effective date of the Debtors' Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, and to dispose of any such interests acquired since February 22, 2013 if directed to do so pursuant to the Revised Order. Based, in part, on the Notices of Substantial Claim Ownership received, the Debtors evaluated whether it will be necessary for them to seek an order in accordance with the “sell-down” procedures of the Revised Order, potentially requiring any “Substantial Claimholder” to sell down a portion of its unsecured claims to reasonably ensure that the requirements of section 382(l)(5) will be satisfied. No such order has been sought.
	After July 1, 2013, any acquisition of unsecured claims by a Substantial Claimholder or a person (or in certain cases, group of persons) that would become a Substantial Claimholder as a result of the contemplated transaction is not permitted unless the potential transferee files a Claims Acquisition Request at least 10 business days prior to the proposed transfer date and receives written approval from the Debtors.
	The Revised Procedures did not alter the procedures applicable with respect to “Substantial Equityholders,” namely persons who are, or as a result of a transaction would become, the beneficial owner of approximately 4.5 percent of the outstanding shares of AMR common stock.
	Any acquisition, disposition, or other transfer of equity or claims in violation of the restrictions set forth in the Revised Order will be null and void ab initio and/or subject to sanctions as an act in violation of the automatic stay under sections 105(a) and 362 of the Bankruptcy Code. A further explanation of the Revised Procedures is contained in the Disclosure Statement.
	Liabilities Subject to Compromise
	The following table summarizes the components of liabilities subject to compromise included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in millions):
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Long-term debt	$	1,130		$	1,198
	Estimated allowed claims on aircraft lease and debt obligations and facility lease and bond obligations	4,151			3,716
	Pension and postretirement benefits	1,201			1,250
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	419			442
	Other	(12		)	—
	Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	6,889		$	6,606
	Long-term debt, including undersecured debt, classified as subject to compromise as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00% - 10.00% at September 30, 2013)	$	104		$	172
	6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036	186			186
	6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014	460			460
	9.00%—10.20% debentures due through 2021	214			214
	7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039	166			166
		$	1,130		$	1,198
	Liabilities subject to compromise refers to prepetition obligations which may be impacted by the Chapter 11 reorganization process. These amounts represent the Debtors’ current estimate of known or potential prepetition obligations to be resolved in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases.
	In accordance with ASC 852, substantially all of the Company’s unsecured debt has been classified as liabilities subject to compromise. Additionally, certain of the Company’s undersecured debt instruments have also been classified as liabilities subject to compromise.
	As a result of the modifications to the retirement benefits as discussed in Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, a portion of the pension and postretirement benefits liability, primarily relating to retiree medical and other benefits, was classified as liabilities subject to compromise.
	Differences between liabilities the Debtors have estimated and the claims filed, or to be filed, will be investigated and resolved in connection with the claims resolution process. The Company will continue to evaluate these liabilities throughout the Chapter 11 Cases and adjust amounts as necessary. Such adjustments may be material. In light of the expected number of creditors, the claims resolution process may take considerable time to complete. Accordingly, the ultimate number and amount of allowed claims is not presently known.
Reorganization Items, net
Reorganization items refer to revenues, expenses (including professional fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the Chapter 11 Cases. The following table summarizes the components included in reorganization items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Pension and postretirement benefits	$	—		$	(66	)	$	—	$	(66	)
Aircraft and facility financing renegotiations and rejections(1)(2)(3)	66			133			285		1,646
Professional fees	48			51			126		168
Other	37			19			24		19
Total reorganization items, net	$	151		$	137		$	435	$	1,767
-1	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to the rejection or modification of financings related to aircraft. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the rejection or modification of a financing when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court to reject or modify such financing and the Debtors believe that it is probable the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment,” for further information.
-2	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to entry of orders treated as unsecured claims with respect to facility agreements supporting certain issuances of special facility revenue bonds. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the treatment of claims with respect to facility agreements when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court and the Debtors believe that it is probable that the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Rejection of Executory Contracts,” for further information.
-3	Pursuant to the Description of Plan of Reorganization, as defined and further described in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Debtors agreed to allow certain post-petition unsecured claims on obligations. As a result, during the first nine months of 2013, the Company recorded reorganization charges to adjust estimated allowed claim amounts previously recorded on rejected special facility revenue bonds of $170 million and allowed general unsecured claims related to the 1990 and 1994 series of special facility revenue bonds that financed certain improvements at JFK, which is included in the table above.
Claims related to reorganization items are reflected in liabilities subject to compromise on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013.

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Results of operations for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of AMR and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including (i) its principal subsidiary, American and (ii) its regional airline subsidiary, AMR Eagle. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements also include the accounts of variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in AMR’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 20, 2013, as amended by the Form 10-K/A filed on April 16, 2013 (2012 Form 10-K).
	In accordance with GAAP, the Debtors have applied ASC 852 “Reorganizations” (ASC 852), in preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. ASC 852 requires that the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 Cases, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues, expenses (including professional fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the Chapter 11 Cases are recorded in reorganization items, net on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, prepetition obligations that may be impacted by the Chapter 11 reorganization process have been classified on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in liabilities subject to compromise. These liabilities are reported at the amounts expected to be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.
	Certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are not part of the Chapter 11 Cases. Since these non-US subsidiaries do not have significant transactions, we do not separately disclose the condensed combined financial statements of such non-U.S. subsidiaries in accordance with the requirements of reorganization accounting.
	These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have also been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Debtors be unable to continue as a going concern.
	As a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, the satisfaction of our liabilities and funding of ongoing operations are subject to uncertainty and, accordingly, there is a substantial doubt of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not purport to reflect or provide for the consequences of the Chapter 11 Cases, other than as set forth under “liabilities subject to compromise” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and “income (loss) before reorganization items” and “reorganization items, net” on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information). In particular, the financial statements do not purport to show (1) as to assets, their realizable value on a liquidation basis or their availability to satisfy liabilities; (2) as to prepetition liabilities, the amounts that may be allowed for claims or contingencies, or the status and priority thereof; (3) as to shareowners’ equity accounts, the effect of any changes that may be made to the Debtors’ capitalization; or (4) as to operations, the effect of any changes that may be made to the Debtors’ business, including, without limitation, as a result of the Merger.

Commitments_Contingencies_And_

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees	Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
	American had total aircraft acquisition commitments as of September 30, 2013 as follows:
				Remainder of 2013	2014		2015			2016		2017	2018 and Beyond		Total
	Boeing
	737 Family	Purchase		5	20		—			—		—	—		25
		Lease		—	—		20			20		20	—		60
	737 MAX	Purchase		—	—		—			—		3	97		100
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	777-300 ER	Purchase		1	6		2			2		—	—		11
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	787 Family	Purchase		—	2		11			13		9	7		42
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	Airbus
	A320 Family	Purchase		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
		Lease		10	35		30			25		20	—		120
	A320 Neo	Purchase		—	—		—			—		10	120		130
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	Total	Purchase		6	28		13			15		22	224		308
		Lease		10	35		50			45		40	—		180
	As of September 30, 2013, payments for the above purchase commitments and certain engines, and future lease payments for all leased aircraft, in each case, subject to assumption of certain of the related agreements, are presented in the table below (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013		2014			2015			2016		2017			2018 and Beyond		Total
	Payments for above purchase commitments and certain engines (1)		$	371	$	1,937		$	1,652		$	2,008	$	2,038		$	12,298	$	20,304
	Future lease payments for all leased aircraft (including aircraft not yet delivered)		$	237	$	1,018		$	1,228		$	1,447	$	1,673		$	12,385	$	17,988
	-1	These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. American has granted Boeing a security interest in American’s purchase deposits with Boeing. The Company’s purchase deposits totaled $709 million as of September 30, 2013.
	Capacity Purchase Agreements with Third-Party Regional Airlines
	During 2012, American entered into capacity purchase agreements with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest) and with ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. (ExpressJet), both wholly owned subsidiaries of SkyWest, Inc., to provide 50-seat regional jet feed. Both airlines operate the services under the American Eagle® brand. SkyWest began service from Los Angeles International Airport on November 15, 2012, and ExpressJet began service from Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport on February 14, 2013. In addition, Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. (Chautauqua) continues to operate under the brand AmericanConnection® under a capacity purchase agreement with American.
	On January 23, 2013, American entered into a 12-year capacity purchase agreement with Republic Airlines Inc. (Republic), a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, to provide large regional jet flying. Through the agreement, Republic will acquire 47 Embraer E-175 aircraft featuring a two-class cabin with 12 first class seats and 64 seats in the main cabin. The aircraft, which will fly under the American Eagle® brand, began phasing into operation at approximately two to three aircraft per month beginning in August 2013. All 47 aircraft are expected to be in operation by the first quarter of 2015.
	As of September 30, 2013, American's minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional airlines were as follows (approximately, in millions):
			Remainder of 2013		2014			2015			2016		2017			2018 and Beyond		Total
	Minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional airlines (1)		$	67	$	521		$	670		$	676	$	520		$	4,360	$	6,814
	-1	These obligations contemplate minimum levels of flying by the third-party airlines under the respective agreements and also reflect assumptions regarding certain costs associated with the minimum levels of flying such as the cost of fuel, insurance, catering, property tax and landing fees. Accordingly, actual payments under these agreements could differ materially from the minimum fixed obligations set forth above.
	Other
	As a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, attempts to prosecute, collect, secure or enforce remedies with respect to prepetition claims against the Debtors are subject to the automatic stay provisions of Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, except in such cases where the Bankruptcy Court has entered an order modifying or lifting the automatic stay. Notwithstanding the general application of the automatic stay described above, governmental authorities, both domestic and foreign, may determine to continue actions brought under their regulatory powers. Therefore, the automatic stay may have no effect on certain matters, and the Debtors cannot predict the impact, if any, that its Chapter 11 Cases might have on its commitments and obligations.

Depreciation_And_Amortization

Depreciation And Amortization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization
	Accumulated depreciation of owned equipment and property at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $10.8 billion and $10.6 billion, respectively. Accumulated amortization of equipment and property under capital leases at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $242 million and $205 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company provides a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance decreased from $4.4 billion as of December 31, 2012 to $4.3 billion as of September 30, 2013, including the impact of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and changes from other adjustments. These other adjustments include the realization of an income tax expense credit of approximately $22 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 by the Company as a result of passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. There was no amount of adjustment recorded by the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Under current accounting rules, the Company is required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations and that should be allocated to continuing operations. Due to the significant volatility of items impacting other comprehensive income on a quarterly basis, the Company generally does not record any such tax benefit allocation until all items impacting other comprehensive income are known for the annual period. Thus, any such interim tax benefit allocation may subsequently be subject to reversal.

Indebtedness_and_Leases

Indebtedness and Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Indebtedness	Indebtedness and Leases
	Long-term debt classified as not subject to compromise consisted of (in millions):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00%-10.50% at September 30, 2013)	$	2,625			$	3,297
	Enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETC) due through 2025 (rates from 4.00%-7.00% at September 30, 2013)	2,747				1,741
	6.00%-8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2031	1,288				1,313
	7.50% senior secured notes due 2016	1,000				1,000
	Senior secured credit facility due 2019 (rate of 4.75% at September 30, 2013)	1,886				—
	AAdvantage Miles advance purchase (net of discount of $43 million) (effective rate 8.3%)	652				772
		10,198				8,123
	Less current maturities	1,335				1,388
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	8,863			$	6,735
	The financings listed in the table above are considered not subject to compromise. For information regarding the liabilities subject to compromise, see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The Company’s future long-term debt and operating lease payments have changed as its ordered aircraft are delivered and such deliveries have been financed. As of September 30, 2013, maturities of long-term debt (including sinking fund requirements) for the next five years are (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013				2014			2015		2016		2017		Total
	Principal Not Subject to Compromise		$	568			$	887		$	814	$	1,727	$	529	$	4,525
	Principal Subject to Compromise		167				607			—		61		—		835
	Total Principal Amount		$	735			$	1,494		$	814	$	1,788	$	529	$	5,360
	Principal Not Subject to Compromise and Subject to Compromise includes payments not made due to the Chapter 11 Cases of $451 million and $158 million, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments required under aircraft and facility operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of a year as of September 30, 2013, were (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013				2014			2015		2016		2017		2018 and Beyond		Total
	Future minimum lease payments		$	324			$	1,214		$	1,140	$	1,054	$	999	$	6,251	$	10,982
	As of September 30, 2013, $95 million and $307 million are included on the accompanying balance sheet in Liabilities Subject to Compromise and Accrued liabilities and other liabilities and deferred credits, respectively, relating to rent expense being recorded in advance of future operating lease payments.
	As of September 30, 2013, AMR had issued guarantees covering approximately $1.5 billion of American’s tax-exempt bond debt (and interest thereon) and $5.2 billion of American’s secured debt (and interest thereon). American had issued guarantees covering approximately $842 million of AMR’s unsecured debt (and interest thereon).
	Financing Transactions
	On March 12, 2013, American closed its private offering of two tranches of enhanced equipment trust certificates (the Series 2013-1A/B EETCs) in the aggregate face amount of $664 million. The Series 2013-1A/B EETCs are comprised of a senior tranche of Class A Certificates with an interest rate of 4.00% per annum and a final expected distribution date of July 15, 2025, and a junior tranche of Class B Certificates with an interest rate of 5.625% per annum and a final expected distribution date of January 15, 2021. The Series 2013-1A/B EETCs represent an interest in the assets of two separate pass through trusts, each of which hold equipment notes issued by American. Interest on the issued and outstanding equipment notes will be payable semiannually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on July 15, 2013, and principal on such equipment notes is scheduled for payment on January 15 and July 15 of certain years, commencing on January 15, 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the equipment notes are secured by eight currently owned Boeing 737-823 aircraft, one currently owned Boeing 777-223ER aircraft, and four currently owned Boeing 777-323ER aircraft. The certificates were offered in the U.S. to qualified institutional buyers, as defined in, and in reliance on, Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act).
	On June 5, 2013, American closed its private offering of Class C enhanced equipment trust certificates (the Series 2013-1C EETCs) in the aggregate face amount of $120 million. The Series 2013-1C EETCs rank junior to the Series 2013-1A/B EETCs. The Series 2013-1C EETCs were issued with an interest rate of 6.125% per annum and a final expected distribution date of July 15, 2018. The 2013-1C EETCs represent an interest in the assets of a separate pass through trust, which will hold certain equipment notes issued by American. The Series 2013-1C EETCs are secured by the same aircraft securing the Series 2013-1A/B EETCs. The certificates were offered in the U.S. to qualified institutional buyers, as defined in, and in reliance on, Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
	On June 27, 2013, American Airlines and AMR Corporation entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with certain lenders. The Credit Agreement, as amended in August 2013, provides for a $1.9 billion term loan facility (the Term Loan Facility) and a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the Revolving Facility and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the Credit Facilities). As of September 30, 2013, American had borrowed $1.9 billion under the Term Loan Facility. The Credit Facilities are secured obligations of American and guaranteed by AMR. The Revolving Facility provides that American may from time to time borrow, repay and reborrow loans thereunder and have letters of credit issued thereunder in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time of up to $1.0 billion. As of September 30, 2013, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
	Upon consummation of the Merger, US Airways Group and US Airways will be required to join the Credit Facilities as guarantors. Following the joinder, certain minimum dollar-thresholds under the negative and financial covenants in the Credit Facilities automatically will be increased.
	Except under certain circumstances, American may not make drawings under the Revolving Facility until the date (the Plan Effective Date) on which certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement have been satisfied and the effective date has occurred under (i) a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization that does not differ from the plan of reorganization filed with the Bankruptcy Court on April 15, 2013 in any manner adverse to the lenders without consent (the Approved Plan of Reorganization) or (ii) an alternative plan of reorganization that satisfies certain financial metrics set forth in the Credit Agreement (an Alternative Plan).
	The Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility mature on June 27, 2019 and June 27, 2018, respectively, unless otherwise extended by the applicable parties, except that if the Plan Effective Date has not occurred on or before June 27, 2014 under the Approved Plan of Reorganization or an Alternative Plan, then the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility mature on June 27, 2014, and if the effective date under a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization occurs under a plan of reorganization that is neither the Approved Plan of Reorganization nor an Alternative Plan, then the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Facility mature on such date. As a result of the DOJ Action, it is uncertain whether the Plan Effective Date will occur in compliance with such conditions, and therefore it cannot be predicted at this time whether or not the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility will mature early on June 27, 2014.
	Voluntary prepayments may be made by American at any time, with a premium of 1.00% applicable to certain prepayments made prior to the date that is six months following June 27, 2013. Mandatory prepayments at par of term loans and revolving loans are required to the extent necessary to comply with American's covenants regarding the collateral coverage ratio and certain dispositions of collateral. In addition, if a “change of control” (as defined in the Credit Agreement) occurs with respect to AMR, American will be required to repay at par the loans outstanding under the Credit Facilities and terminate the Revolving Facility. The Merger would not constitute a change of control.
	The Credit Facilities bear interest at an index rate plus an applicable index margin or, at American's option, LIBOR (subject to a floor of 1.00%, with respect to the Term Loan) plus an applicable LIBOR margin. The applicable LIBOR margins are 3.75% and 3.50% for borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility, respectively. Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, the Credit Facilities are secured by certain route authorities, slots and foreign gate leaseholds utilized by American in providing scheduled air carrier service between the United States and South American countries, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
	The Credit Facilities contain events of default customary for similar financings, including cross-acceleration to other material indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the outstanding obligations under the Credit Facilities may be accelerated and become due and payable immediately. The Credit Facilities also include affirmative, negative, and financial covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of AMR and its restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends and make certain other payments, make certain investments, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens on the collateral, dispose of the collateral, enter into certain affiliate transactions and engage in certain business activities, in each case subject to certain exceptions. In addition, AMR must maintain a minimum aggregate liquidity (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of $1.5 billion prior to the Merger and $2.0 billion following the Merger.
	In June 2013, American also remarketed approximately $216 million of Tulsa Municipal Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds Trust Series 2000B, 2001A, and 2001B due June 1, 2035 (Series 2000B) and December 1, 2035 (Series 2001 A&B).
	The Company filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court on October 9, 2012, requesting entry of an order authorizing American to, among other things: (i) obtain postpetition financing in an amount of up to $1.5 billion secured on a first priority basis by, among other things, up to 41 Boeing 737-823 aircraft, 14 Boeing 757-223 aircraft, one Boeing 767-323ER aircraft and 19 Boeing 777-223ER aircraft as part of a new enhanced equipment trust certificate (EETC) financing (the Refinancing EETC) to be offered pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and (ii) use cash on hand (including proceeds of the Refinancing EETC) to indefeasibly repay the existing prepetition obligations secured by such aircraft, as applicable, which are currently financed through, as the case may be, an EETC financing entered into by American in July 2009 (the Series 2009-1 Pass Through Certificates), a secured notes financing entered into by American in July 2009 (the 2009-2 Senior Secured Notes) and an EETC financing entered into by American in October 2011 (the Series 2011-2 Pass Through Certificates and, together with the Series 2009-1 Pass Through Certificates and the 2009-2 Senior Secured Notes, the Existing Financings), in each case without the payment of any make-whole amount or other premium or prepayment penalty.
	The Bankruptcy Court approved the motion on January 17, 2013 and entered an order (the EETC Order) to such effect on February 1, 2013. The trustees for the Existing Financings appealed the EETC Order and judgments rendered in certain related adversary proceedings. The appeals (the Appeals) were briefed and oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the Second Circuit) was heard on June 20, 2013. On September 12, 2013, the Second Circuit fully affirmed the Company's right to repay the Existing Financings without the payment of any make-whole amount or other premium or prepayment penalty. On September 26, 2013, the trustees for the Existing Financings filed a petition for an en banc rehearing of the Appeals by the Second Circuit. The Second Circuit has not yet ruled on such request for rehearing. If the Second Circuit ultimately denies such request for rehearing, the trustees for the Existing Financings may attempt to continue the Appeals by petitioning for certiorari to the Supreme Court. American intends to continue to assert vigorously its right to repay the Existing Financings without the payment of any make-whole amounts or other premium or prepayment penalty.
	On July 31, 2013, the Company closed its private offering of the Refinancing EETC (the Series 2013-2A EETC) in the aggregate face amount of $1.4 billion with an interest rate of 4.95% per annum and a final expected distribution date of January 15, 2023. In September 2013, American repaid the Existing Financings, including securities tendered to the Company under a tender offer for the Existing Financings that commenced on June 27, 2013, and received the proceeds from the Series 2013-2A EETC. In conjunction with the repayment of the Existing Financings, the Company incurred cash charges of $19 million, included in interest expense, and a charge of $54 million, included in Miscellaneous, net, of which $21 million is cash, related to the premium on tender for the Existing Financings, and $33 million is non-cash, related to the write-off of unamortized issuance costs. The 2013-2A EETC represents an interest in the assets of a separate pass through trust, which will hold certain equipment notes issued by American. The Series 2013-2A EETC is secured by the same aircraft previously used to secure the Existing Financings. The certificates were offered in the U.S. to qualified institutional buyers, as defined in, and in reliance on, Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
	On October 2, 2013, the Company filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court requesting entry of an order authorizing American to obtain postpetition financing in an amount of up to $785 million to be under up to two additional subordinate tranches to EETCs secured on a first priority basis by the same aircraft securing the equipment notes issued by the Company in connection with the Series 2013-2A EETC.
	Sale-leaseback Arrangements
	American has arranged sale-leaseback financings with certain leasing companies for 25 Boeing 737-800 aircraft scheduled to be delivered from October 2013 through 2014. The financings of each aircraft under these arrangements are subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, in some instances, they are also subject to collaboration with the Creditors' Committee and other key stakeholders and to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.
	During the third quarter, American financed nine Boeing 737-800 aircraft under sale-leaseback arrangements, which are accounted for as operating leases. These sale-leaseback transactions resulted in gains which are being amortized over the respective remaining lease terms.
	Collateral Related Covenants
	Certain of American’s debt financing agreements contain loan to value ratio covenants and require American to periodically appraise the collateral. Pursuant to such agreements, if the loan to value ratio exceeds a specified threshold, American is required, as applicable, to subject additional qualifying collateral (which in some cases may include cash collateral), or pay down such financing, in whole or in part, with premium (if any), or pay additional interest on the related indebtedness, as described below.
	Specifically, American is required to meet certain collateral coverage tests on a periodic basis on three financing transactions: (1) 10.5% $450 million Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (the 10.5% Notes), (2) 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the Senior Secured Notes) and (3) Credit Facilities, as described below:
			10.5% Notes					Senior Secured Notes	Credit Facilities
	Frequency of Appraisals		Semi-Annual					Semi-Annual	Semi-Annual
			(April and October)					(June and December)	(June and December)
	LTV Requirement		43%; failure to meet collateral					1.5x Collateral valuation to	1.6x Collateral valuation to
			test requires posting of additional					amount of debt outstanding	amount of debt outstanding
			collateral					(67% LTV); failure to meet	(62.5% LTV); if collateral test is not met, American must post additional collateral and/or repay debt until the test is met
								collateral test results in
								American paying 2% additional
								interest until the ratio is at least
								1.5x; additional collateral can be
								posted, or debt repaid, to meet this test
	LTV as of Last Measurement Date		56.60%					38.70%	33.50%
	Collateral Description		Aircraft Type		# of			Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita/Haneda, and China	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South America
					Aircraft
			MD-80		74
			B757-200		41
			B767-200ER		3
			B767-300ER		25
			TOTAL		143
At September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the most recently completed collateral coverage tests for the Senior Secured Notes and the Credit Facilities. As of September 30, 2013, American had $41 million of cash collateral posted with respect to the 10.5% Notes, which matured in 2012. The Company has not satisfied the debt with respect to the 10.5% Notes due to the ongoing Chapter 11 Cases.
Other
Almost all of the Company’s aircraft assets (including aircraft and aircraft-related assets eligible for the benefits of section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code) are encumbered, and the Company has a very limited quantity of assets which could be used as collateral in financing.
The Chapter 11 Cases triggered defaults on substantially all debt and lease obligations of the Debtors. However, under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases automatically stayed most creditor actions against the Debtors’ estates.
As discussed in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has been using the benefits afforded by the Bankruptcy Code to restructure the terms of much of its indebtedness and lease obligations. The Company cannot predict at this time the outcome of its efforts to restructure its indebtedness and lease obligations. It is possible that holders of the Company's unsecured indebtedness may lose a portion of their investment depending on the outcome of the Chapter 11 Cases.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The Company’s short-term investments classified as Level 2 primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities. The Company’s fuel derivative contracts, which consist primarily of collars (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and call spreads (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold call option), are valued using energy and commodity market data which is derived by combining raw inputs with quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities. Heating oil, jet fuel and crude oil are the primary underlying commodities in the hedge portfolio. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):
		Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2013
	Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term investments (1)(2)
	Money market funds	$	545	$	545	$	—	$	—
	Government agency investments	1,136		—		1,136		—
	Repurchase investments	205		—		205		—
	Corporate obligations	3,448		—		3,448		—
	Bank notes / Certificates of deposit / Time deposits	712		—		712		—
		6,046		545		5,501		—
	Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)	935		879		56		—
	Fuel derivative contracts, net (1)	58		—		58		—
	Total	$	7,039	$	1,424	$	5,615	$	—
	-1	Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
	(2)	The Company’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $450 million of Bank notes, $635 million of U.S. Government obligations and $1.6 billion of Corporate obligations which have maturity dates exceeding one year.
	A $56 million Level 1 restricted money market security was liquidated in August 2013. The cash proceeds were subsequently reinvested in a Level 2 U.S. Treasury Obligation. The Company’s policy regarding the recording of transfers between levels is to reflect any such transfers at the end of the reporting period.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had no exposure to European sovereign debt.
	The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt classified as Level 2 were estimated using quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. All of the Company’s long-term debt not classified as subject to compromise is classified as Level 2.
	The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, not classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	2,625	$	2,570	$	3,297	$	3,143
	Enhanced equipment trust certificates	2,747		2,725		1,741		1,811
	6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds	1,288		1,368		1,313		1,308
	7.50% senior secured notes	1,000		1,190		1,000		1,074
	Senior secured credit facility due 2019 (rate of 4.75% at September 30, 2013)	1,886		1,872		—		—
	AAdvantage Miles advance purchase	652		658		772		779
		$	10,198	$	10,383	$	8,123	$	8,115
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	104	$	107	$	172	$	154
	6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds	186		176		186		186
	6.25% senior convertible notes	460		485		460		400
	9.0%—10.20% debentures	214		221		214		112
	7.88%—10.55% notes	166		49		166		33
		$	1,130	$	1,038	$	1,198	$	885
	All of the Company’s long-term debt classified as subject to compromise is classified as Level 2.

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	Retirement Benefits
	The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
		Pension Benefits
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1		$	104		$	3		$	312
	Interest cost	164			191			490			573
	Expected return on assets	(180		)	(166		)	(540		)	(498		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	7			3			21			10
	Unrecognized net (gain) loss	23			63			69			187
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	15		$	195		$	43		$	584
		Retiree Medical and Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—		$	15		$	—		$	45
	Interest cost	13			38			39			114
	Expected return on assets	(4		)	(4		)	(12		)	(12		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	(61		)	(7		)	(183		)	(21		)
	Unrecognized net (gain) loss	(2		)	(2		)	(6		)	(6		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(54	)	$	40		$	(162	)	$	120
	The Company is required to make minimum contributions to its defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and the Pension Relief Act of 2010. As a result of the Chapter 11 Cases, AMR contributed $87.6 million to its U.S. defined benefit pension plans during the first nine months of 2013 covering post-petition periods. On October 15, 2013, the Company contributed an additional $16.8 million to its defined benefit pension plans. Prior to emerging from Chapter 11 (see Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information), AMR and/or its subsidiaries will make all minimum required contributions to each AMR compensation and benefit plan that are required to have been made and were not made prior to emergence. As a result of the Company contributing only the post-petition portion of required contributions, the PBGC filed a lien against certain assets of the Company in 2012.
	Recent Modifications to Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits
	The Company's defined benefit pension plans were frozen effective November 1, 2012. Eligible employees began to receive a replacement benefit under the $uper $aver 401(k) Plan on November 1, 2012.
	In December 2012, the Pilot A Plan, a defined benefit plan, was amended to remove the lump-sum option and the installment option forms of benefit effective December 31, 2012. A small group of American pilots is appealing the Bankruptcy Court's decision authorizing American to eliminate the lump sum option and installment option forms of benefit. This is the same group of pilots that is appealing the Bankruptcy Court's decisions authorizing American to reject the pilot CBA and approving the new pilot CBA. All of these appeals have been consolidated, and are pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
	The Pilot B Plan, a defined contribution plan, was terminated on November 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, more than 99% of Plan B assets have been distributed and, with the exception of a small residual balance to cover final plan expenses, we expect the remaining funds to be distributed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2013.
	On July 6, 2012, the Company commenced an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court seeking a determination on the issue of vesting for former employees who retired before November 1, 2012 and were eligible for certain retiree medical coverage. The Court held a hearing on January 23, 2013 and has not ruled on this matter as of the date of this report. The Company has been negotiating with the retiree committee since July 2012, seeking a consensual agreement to terminate subsidized retiree medical coverage and life insurance coverage.
	As a result of the modifications to the retirement benefits as discussed above, a portion of the pension and postretirement benefits liability, primarily relating to retiree medical and other benefits, was classified as liabilities subject to compromise. See Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the breakout of liabilities subject to compromise, including that related to pension and postretirement benefits.

Special_Charges_And_Restructur

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Special Charges And Restructuring Activities	Special Charges and Merger Related Expenses
	Special Charges
	Based on agreements reached with various workgroups in 2012, the Company expects to reduce a total of approximately 10,500 positions. Consequently, during 2012, the Company recorded charges for severance related costs associated with the voluntary and involuntary reductions in certain work groups. The severance charges will be paid through the end of 2013.
	The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s special charges and the remaining accruals for these charges as of September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Facility Exit			Employee			Total
		Costs			Charges
	Remaining accrual at December 31, 2012	$	4		$	192		$	196
	Special charges	7			13			20
	Non-cash charges	(3		)	—			(3		)
	Adjustments	(4		)	—			(4		)
	Payments	(4		)	(154		)	(158		)
	Remaining accrual at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	51		$	51
	Merger Related Expenses
	Merger related expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $13.8 million and $35.4 million, respectively. See Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Merger Agreement.

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk

Financial Instruments And Risk Management	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments And Risk Management	Financial Instruments and Risk Management
	As part of the Company’s risk management program, it uses a variety of financial instruments, primarily heating oil, jet fuel, and Brent crude collars (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and call spreads (consisting of a purchased call option and a sold call option), as cash flow hedges to mitigate commodity price risk. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had fuel derivative contracts outstanding covering 19 million barrels of jet fuel that will be settled over the next 18 months. A deterioration of the Company’s liquidity position and its ongoing Chapter 11 Cases may negatively affect the Company’s ability to hedge fuel in the future.
	The net fair value of the Company’s fuel hedging agreements at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, representing the amount the Company would receive upon termination of the agreements (net of settled contract assets), totaled $51 million and $62 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, the Company estimates that during the next twelve months it will reclassify from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings of approximately $9 million in net losses.
	The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations is depicted below (in millions):
		Location in Consolidated Statements of Operations		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012			2013			2012
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)	Aircraft fuel		$	(11	)		$	(12	)	$	(23	)	$	13
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (2)	Aircraft fuel		$	36			$	2		$	25		$	(3	)
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (3)	Aircraft fuel		$	25			$	(10	)	$	2		$	10
	(1)    Includes the effective portion of hedge gain (loss)
	(2)    Includes the ineffective portion of hedge gain (loss)
	(3)    Includes the effective and ineffective portion of hedge gain (loss)
	The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is depicted below (in millions):
		Location		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012			2013			2012
	Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)	Reclassification into Earnings		$	11			$	12		$	23		$	(13	)
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (1)	Change in Fair Value		$	23			$	86		$	(47	)	$	29
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income			$	34			$	98		$	(24	)	$	16
	(1)    Includes the effective portion of hedge gain (loss)
	The Company is party to certain interest rate swap agreements that are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Ineffectiveness for these instruments is required to be measured at each reporting period. The ineffectiveness and fair value associated with all of the Company's interest rate cash flow hedges for all periods presented was not material.
	While certain of the Company's fuel derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting agreements with its counterparties, the Company does not offset its fuel derivative assets and liabilities in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain of these agreements would also allow for the offsetting of fuel derivatives with interest rate derivatives. The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the impact of offsetting aircraft fuel derivative instruments, is depicted below (in millions):
		As of September 30, 2013				As of December 31, 2012
	Gross Asset (1)	$	58			$	65
	Gross Liability (2)	—				—
	Net Recognized Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet	$	58			$	65
	Gross Asset (Liability) Offset in Balance Sheet:
	Financial Instruments	—				$	—
	Cash Collateral Received (Posted) (3)	—				—
	Net Amount	$	58			$	65
	-1	Fuel derivative assets are included in Fuel derivative contracts on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	-2	Fuel derivative liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	-3	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had posted cash collateral of an immaterial amount.
	The Company is also exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to these financial instruments, and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts with a positive fair value at the reporting date, reduced by the effects of master netting agreements. To manage credit risks, the Company selects counterparties based on credit ratings, limits its exposure to a single counterparty under defined guidelines, and monitors the market position of the program and its relative market position with each counterparty. The Company also maintains industry-standard security agreements with a number of its counterparties which may require the Company or the counterparty to post collateral if the value of selected instruments exceeds specified mark-to-market thresholds or upon certain changes in credit ratings. The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time may be substantial.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss)—numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$	289		$	(238	)	$	167		$	(2,139	)
	Interest on senior convertible notes (1)	7			—			22			—
	Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$	296		$	(238	)	$	189		$	(2,139	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share—weighted-average shares	336			335			335			335
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Senior convertible notes	46			—			46			—
	Employee options and shares	8			—			8			—
	Assumed treasury shares purchased	(2		)	—			(2		)	—
	Dilutive potential common shares	388			335			387			335
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—adjusted weighted-average shares	388			335			387			335
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.86		$	(0.71	)	$	0.5		$	(6.38	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.76		$	(0.71	)	$	0.49		$	(6.38	)
	The following were excluded from the calculation:
	Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive	—			46			—			46
	Employee stock options because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares	9			23			13			23
	-1	The nine months ended September 30, 2013 does not include the impact of postpetition interest recorded in first quarter of 2013. If such amounts were included, results would have been anti-dilutive and conversion would not have been assumed.

Merger_Agreement

Merger Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Merger Agreement	Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
	Description of Agreement and Plan of Merger
	On February 13, 2013, AMR, US Airways Group and AMR Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of AMR (Merger Sub), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as subsequently amended, the Merger Agreement), providing for the Merger. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into US Airways Group, with US Airways Group surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR. It is anticipated that immediately following the Merger closing, AMR will change its name to American Airlines Group Inc. (AAG). Following the Merger, AAG will own, directly or indirectly, all of the equity interests of American, US Airways Group and their direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Bankruptcy Court stated that it will enter the Confirmation Order confirming the Plan, which includes the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.
	Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, which was approved by the boards of directors of the respective parties and the stockholders of US Airways Group, upon completion of the Merger, US Airways Group stockholders will receive one share of AAG Common Stock for each share of US Airways Group common stock. The aggregate number of shares of AAG Common Stock issuable to holders of US Airways Group equity instruments (including stockholders and holders of convertible notes, options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units) will represent 28% of the diluted equity of AAG after giving effect to the Plan. The remaining 72% diluted equity ownership of AAG will be distributable, pursuant to the Plan, to the Debtors' stakeholders, labor unions and certain employees. All of the equity interests in AAG will be issued initially solely pursuant to the Merger Agreement or the Plan. Pursuant to the Plan, holders of AMR equity interests are expected to receive a recovery on such interests in the form of a distribution of AAG Common Stock.
	On August 13, 2013, the DOJ Action was commenced to enjoin the Merger. The Company and US Airways Group will vigorously contest the matter. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 25, 2013.
	Although the Bankruptcy Court has stated that it will enter the Confirmation Order, the ultimate resolution of the DOJ Action and its impact on the Company and the Merger is uncertain, and accordingly, it cannot be predicted at this time whether or not the Plan will become effective or the Merger will occur.
	The Merger, in conjunction with the Plan, is intended to qualify, for federal income tax purposes, as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
	AMR and US Airways Group have each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants to conduct their businesses in the ordinary and usual course between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger, subject to certain restrictions as set forth in the Merger Agreement. In addition, the Merger Agreement contains “no shop” provisions that restrict each party's ability to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate competing third-party proposals for any transaction involving a merger of such party or the acquisition of a significant portion of its stock or assets, although each party may consider competing, unsolicited proposals and enter into discussions or negotiations regarding such proposals, if its board of directors determines that any such acquisition proposal constitutes, or is reasonably likely to lead to, a superior proposal and that the failure to take such action is reasonably likely to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.
	Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including, among others: (i) approval by the stockholders of US Airways Group; (ii) expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the receipt of certain other regulatory approvals; (iii) absence of any order or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger; (iv) Bankruptcy Court confirmation of the Plan, which must contain certain specified provisions defined in the Merger Agreement; (v) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of representations and warranties with respect to the business of AMR or US Airways Group, as applicable; (vi) each of AMR and US Airways Group having performed their respective obligations pursuant to the Merger Agreement; and (vii) receipt by each of the Company and US Airways Group of a customary tax opinion.
	The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, giving the parties the right to terminate the Merger Agreement by the earlier of (A) the later of (i) January 18, 2014 and (ii) the fifteenth (15) day after the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (the District Court) enters an order in the trial in the DOJ Action in favor of American and US Airways, provided that such order is entered on or prior to January 17, 2014, and (B) five (5) days after the District Court enters a final, but appealable, order permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger following the trial in the DOJ Action. The Merger Agreement further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, (i) AMR may be required to pay US Airways Group a termination fee of $135 million in the event it terminates the agreement to enter into a superior proposal and $195 million if US Airways Group terminates the Merger Agreement in the event of a knowing and deliberate breach of the Merger Agreement by AMR and (ii) US Airways Group may be required to pay AMR a termination fee of $55 million in the event it terminates the agreement to enter into a superior proposal and $195 million if AMR terminates the Merger Agreement in the event of a knowing and deliberate breach of the Merger Agreement by US Airways Group.
	Description of Plan of Reorganization
	The Plan implements the Merger, incorporates a compromise and settlement of certain intercreditor and intercompany claim issues, and contains the following provisions relating to the treatment of prepetition unsecured claims against the Debtors and equity interests in AMR:
	•	all creditors holding general unsecured claims against American that are guaranteed by AMR and general unsecured claims against AMR that are guaranteed by American (Double-Dip Unsecured Claims) will be treated the same under the Plan.
	•	all creditors asserting Single-Dip Unsecured Claims will be treated the same regardless of whether the claim is asserted against the AMR Debtors, the American Debtors, or other Debtors. As used herein, “Single-Dip Unsecured Claims” means the general unsecured claims against the Debtors that are not guaranteed by any other Debtor, other than the claims of the Debtors’ labor unions (the Plan also provides for the distribution of shares of AAG Common Stock to certain of the Debtors non-union employees
	•	unless they elect treatment as holders of Single-Dip Unsecured Claims, holders of Double-Dip Unsecured Claims will receive their recovery in shares of AAG convertible preferred stock (the AAG Convertible Preferred Stock) with a face amount equal to the allowed amount of their claims, including post-petition interest at the non-default rate;
	•	holders of Single-Dip Unsecured Claims, and holders of Double-Dip Unsecured Claims that elect to receive such treatment, will receive a portion of their recovery in shares of AAG Convertible Preferred Stock and a portion in shares of AAG Common Stock;
	•	one quarter of the shares of AAG Convertible Preferred Stock will be mandatorily convertible into shares of AAG Common Stock on each of the 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th day after the Plan Effective Date. In addition, subject to certain limitations, holders of AAG Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert up to $250 million of the AAG Convertible Preferred Stock during each 30-day period following the Plan Effective Date. Upon the conversion of the remaining AAG Convertible Preferred Stock on the 120th day after the Plan Effective Date, all AAG Convertible Preferred Stock will have been converted to AAG Common Stock and no AAG Convertible Preferred Stock will then remain outstanding (the conversion price of the AAG Convertible Preferred Stock will vary on each conversion date, based on the volume weighted average price of the shares of AAG Common Stock on the five trading days immediately preceding each conversion date, at a 3.5% discount, subject to a cap and a floor price);
	•	holders of existing equity securities in AMR will receive an initial distribution of shares of AAG Common Stock representing 3.5% of the total number of shares of AAG Common Stock (on an as-converted basis) in addition to the potential to receive additional shares of AAG Common Stock on each conversion date if the conversion formula provides holders of unsecured claims with shares having a value equal to the allowed amount of their claims;
	•	the satisfaction of certain labor-related claims and the distribution to certain non-management, non-union employees through the allocation of shares of AAG Common Stock representing 23.6% of the total number of shares of AAG Common Stock ultimately distributed to holders of prepetition general unsecured creditors against the Debtors; and
	•	the satisfaction in full of all secured, priority, and administrative claims against the Debtors in accordance with the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code.
	The distributions made to each of the foregoing stakeholders of the Debtors will be adjusted to take into account any reserves made for disputed claims under the Plan. In addition, as a result of the conversion mechanics of the AAG Convertible Preferred Stock, not all shares of AAG Common Stock to be distributed to the foregoing stakeholders can be distributed on the effective date of the Plan. However, the number of shares of AAG Common Stock issued on the effective date of the Plan on account of the labor claims and the existing equity interests in AMR is intended to be the maximum amount possible consistent with their unconditional entitlement to a fixed number of shares under the distribution scheme contemplated by the Plan.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	In connection with preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and in accordance U.S. GAAP, the Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2013 and determined that no additional disclosure to that presented in this Form 10-Q was necessary.

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Tabl

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Schedule Of Liabilities Subject To Compromise	The following table summarizes the components of liabilities subject to compromise included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in millions):
		30-Sep-13			31-Dec-12
	Long-term debt	$	1,130		$	1,198
	Estimated allowed claims on aircraft lease and debt obligations and facility lease and bond obligations	4,151			3,716
	Pension and postretirement benefits	1,201			1,250
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	419			442
	Other	(12		)	—
	Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	6,889		$	6,606
Schedule of Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt	Long-term debt, including undersecured debt, classified as subject to compromise as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00% - 10.00% at September 30, 2013)	$	104		$	172
	6.00%—8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2036	186			186
	6.25% senior convertible notes due 2014	460			460
	9.00%—10.20% debentures due through 2021	214			214
	7.88%—10.55% notes due through 2039	166			166
		$	1,130		$	1,198
Schedule Of Reorganization Items	The following table summarizes the components included in reorganization items, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Pension and postretirement benefits	$	—		$	(66	)	$	—	$	(66	)
	Aircraft and facility financing renegotiations and rejections(1)(2)(3)	66			133			285		1,646
	Professional fees	48			51			126		168
	Other	37			19			24		19
	Total reorganization items, net	$	151		$	137		$	435	$	1,767
	-1	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to the rejection or modification of financings related to aircraft. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the rejection or modification of a financing when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court to reject or modify such financing and the Debtors believe that it is probable the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment,” for further information.
	-2	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to entry of orders treated as unsecured claims with respect to facility agreements supporting certain issuances of special facility revenue bonds. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the treatment of claims with respect to facility agreements when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court and the Debtors believe that it is probable that the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Rejection of Executory Contracts,” for further information.
	-3	Pursuant to the Description of Plan of Reorganization, as defined and further described in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Debtors agreed to allow certain post-petition unsecured claims on obligations. As a result, during the first nine months of 2013, the Company recorded reorganization charges to adjust estimated allowed claim amounts previously recorded on rejected special facility revenue bonds of $170 million and allowed general unsecured claims related to the 1990 and 1994 series of special facility revenue bonds that financed certain improvements at JFK, which is included in the table above.

Commitments_Contingencies_And_1

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Aircraft Acquisition Commitments	American had total aircraft acquisition commitments as of September 30, 2013 as follows:
				Remainder of 2013	2014		2015			2016		2017	2018 and Beyond		Total
	Boeing
	737 Family	Purchase		5	20		—			—		—	—		25
		Lease		—	—		20			20		20	—		60
	737 MAX	Purchase		—	—		—			—		3	97		100
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	777-300 ER	Purchase		1	6		2			2		—	—		11
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	787 Family	Purchase		—	2		11			13		9	7		42
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	Airbus
	A320 Family	Purchase		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
		Lease		10	35		30			25		20	—		120
	A320 Neo	Purchase		—	—		—			—		10	120		130
		Lease		—	—		—			—		—	—		—
	Total	Purchase		6	28		13			15		22	224		308
		Lease		10	35		50			45		40	—		180
Long-term Purchase Commitment	As of September 30, 2013, payments for the above purchase commitments and certain engines, and future lease payments for all leased aircraft, in each case, subject to assumption of certain of the related agreements, are presented in the table below (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013		2014			2015			2016		2017			2018 and Beyond		Total
	Payments for above purchase commitments and certain engines (1)		$	371	$	1,937		$	1,652		$	2,008	$	2,038		$	12,298	$	20,304
	Future lease payments for all leased aircraft (including aircraft not yet delivered)		$	237	$	1,018		$	1,228		$	1,447	$	1,673		$	12,385	$	17,988
	-1	These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. American has granted Boeing a security interest in American’s purchase deposits with Boeing. The Company’s purchase deposits totaled $709 million as of September 30, 2013.
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure	As of September 30, 2013, American's minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional airlines were as follows (approximately, in millions):
			Remainder of 2013		2014			2015			2016		2017			2018 and Beyond		Total
	Minimum fixed obligations under its capacity purchase agreements with third-party regional airlines (1)		$	67	$	521		$	670		$	676	$	520		$	4,360	$	6,814
	-1	These obligations contemplate minimum levels of flying by the third-party airlines under the respective agreements and also reflect assumptions regarding certain costs associated with the minimum levels of flying such as the cost of fuel, insurance, catering, property tax and landing fees. Accordingly, actual payments under these agreements could differ materially from the minimum fixed obligations set forth above.

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Tables

Indebtedness and Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt classified as not subject to compromise consisted of (in millions):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness due through 2023 (effective rates from 1.00%-10.50% at September 30, 2013)	$	2,625			$	3,297
	Enhanced equipment trust certificates (EETC) due through 2025 (rates from 4.00%-7.00% at September 30, 2013)	2,747				1,741
	6.00%-8.50% special facility revenue bonds due through 2031	1,288				1,313
	7.50% senior secured notes due 2016	1,000				1,000
	Senior secured credit facility due 2019 (rate of 4.75% at September 30, 2013)	1,886				—
	AAdvantage Miles advance purchase (net of discount of $43 million) (effective rate 8.3%)	652				772
		10,198				8,123
	Less current maturities	1,335				1,388
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	8,863			$	6,735
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt	As of September 30, 2013, maturities of long-term debt (including sinking fund requirements) for the next five years are (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013				2014			2015		2016		2017		Total
	Principal Not Subject to Compromise		$	568			$	887		$	814	$	1,727	$	529	$	4,525
	Principal Subject to Compromise		167				607			—		61		—		835
	Total Principal Amount		$	735			$	1,494		$	814	$	1,788	$	529	$	5,360
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments required under aircraft and facility operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of a year as of September 30, 2013, were (in millions):
			Remainder of 2013				2014			2015		2016		2017		2018 and Beyond		Total
	Future minimum lease payments		$	324			$	1,214		$	1,140	$	1,054	$	999	$	6,251	$	10,982
Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests	Specifically, American is required to meet certain collateral coverage tests on a periodic basis on three financing transactions: (1) 10.5% $450 million Senior Secured Notes due 2012 (the 10.5% Notes), (2) 7.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the Senior Secured Notes) and (3) Credit Facilities, as described below:
			10.5% Notes					Senior Secured Notes	Credit Facilities
	Frequency of Appraisals		Semi-Annual					Semi-Annual	Semi-Annual
			(April and October)					(June and December)	(June and December)
	LTV Requirement		43%; failure to meet collateral					1.5x Collateral valuation to	1.6x Collateral valuation to
			test requires posting of additional					amount of debt outstanding	amount of debt outstanding
			collateral					(67% LTV); failure to meet	(62.5% LTV); if collateral test is not met, American must post additional collateral and/or repay debt until the test is met
								collateral test results in
								American paying 2% additional
								interest until the ratio is at least
								1.5x; additional collateral can be
								posted, or debt repaid, to meet this test
	LTV as of Last Measurement Date		56.60%					38.70%	33.50%
	Collateral Description		Aircraft Type		# of			Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita/Haneda, and China	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South America
					Aircraft
			MD-80		74
			B757-200		41
			B767-200ER		3
			B767-300ER		25
			TOTAL		143

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):
		Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2013
	Description	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Short-term investments (1)(2)
	Money market funds	$	545	$	545	$	—	$	—
	Government agency investments	1,136		—		1,136		—
	Repurchase investments	205		—		205		—
	Corporate obligations	3,448		—		3,448		—
	Bank notes / Certificates of deposit / Time deposits	712		—		712		—
		6,046		545		5,501		—
	Restricted cash and short-term investments (1)	935		879		56		—
	Fuel derivative contracts, net (1)	58		—		58		—
	Total	$	7,039	$	1,424	$	5,615	$	—
	-1	Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
	(2)	The Company’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $450 million of Bank notes, $635 million of U.S. Government obligations and $1.6 billion of Corporate obligations which have maturity dates exceeding one year.
Components Of Long-Term Debt	The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, not classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	2,625	$	2,570	$	3,297	$	3,143
	Enhanced equipment trust certificates	2,747		2,725		1,741		1,811
	6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds	1,288		1,368		1,313		1,308
	7.50% senior secured notes	1,000		1,190		1,000		1,074
	Senior secured credit facility due 2019 (rate of 4.75% at September 30, 2013)	1,886		1,872		—		—
	AAdvantage Miles advance purchase	652		658		772		779
		$	10,198	$	10,383	$	8,123	$	8,115
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, including current maturities, classified as subject to compromise, were (in millions):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness	$	104	$	107	$	172	$	154
	6.0%—8.5% special facility revenue bonds	186		176		186		186
	6.25% senior convertible notes	460		485		460		400
	9.0%—10.20% debentures	214		221		214		112
	7.88%—10.55% notes	166		49		166		33
		$	1,130	$	1,038	$	1,198	$	885

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in millions):
		Pension Benefits
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	1		$	104		$	3		$	312
	Interest cost	164			191			490			573
	Expected return on assets	(180		)	(166		)	(540		)	(498		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	7			3			21			10
	Unrecognized net (gain) loss	23			63			69			187
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	15		$	195		$	43		$	584
		Retiree Medical and Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—		$	15		$	—		$	45
	Interest cost	13			38			39			114
	Expected return on assets	(4		)	(4		)	(12		)	(12		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost	(61		)	(7		)	(183		)	(21		)
	Unrecognized net (gain) loss	(2		)	(2		)	(6		)	(6		)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(54	)	$	40		$	(162	)	$	120

Special_Charges_And_Restructur1

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Components Of Company's Special Charges	The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s special charges and the remaining accruals for these charges as of September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Facility Exit			Employee			Total
		Costs			Charges
	Remaining accrual at December 31, 2012	$	4		$	192		$	196
	Special charges	7			13			20
	Non-cash charges	(3		)	—			(3		)
	Adjustments	(4		)	—			(4		)
	Payments	(4		)	(154		)	(158		)
	Remaining accrual at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	51		$	51

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk1

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations is depicted below (in millions):
		Location in Consolidated Statements of Operations		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012			2013			2012
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)	Aircraft fuel		$	(11	)		$	(12	)	$	(23	)	$	13
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (2)	Aircraft fuel		$	36			$	2		$	25		$	(3	)
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Operations (3)	Aircraft fuel		$	25			$	(10	)	$	2		$	10
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income [table[	The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is depicted below (in millions):
		Location		Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013				2012			2013			2012
	Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)	Reclassification into Earnings		$	11			$	12		$	23		$	(13	)
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (1)	Change in Fair Value		$	23			$	86		$	(47	)	$	29
	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income			$	34			$	98		$	(24	)	$	16
	(1)    Includes the effective portion of hedge gain (loss)
Derivatives Offsetting Disclosures	While certain of the Company's fuel derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting agreements with its counterparties, the Company does not offset its fuel derivative assets and liabilities in its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain of these agreements would also allow for the offsetting of fuel derivatives with interest rate derivatives. The impact of aircraft fuel derivative instruments (all cash flow hedges) on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the impact of offsetting aircraft fuel derivative instruments, is depicted below (in millions):
		As of September 30, 2013				As of December 31, 2012
	Gross Asset (1)	$	58			$	65
	Gross Liability (2)	—				—
	Net Recognized Asset (Liability) in Balance Sheet	$	58			$	65
	Gross Asset (Liability) Offset in Balance Sheet:
	Financial Instruments	—				$	—
	Cash Collateral Received (Posted) (3)	—				—
	Net Amount	$	58			$	65
	-1	Fuel derivative assets are included in Fuel derivative contracts on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	-2	Fuel derivative liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	-3	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had posted cash collateral of an immaterial amount.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net earnings (loss)—numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$	289		$	(238	)	$	167		$	(2,139	)
	Interest on senior convertible notes (1)	7			—			22			—
	Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$	296		$	(238	)	$	189		$	(2,139	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share—weighted-average shares	336			335			335			335
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Senior convertible notes	46			—			46			—
	Employee options and shares	8			—			8			—
	Assumed treasury shares purchased	(2		)	—			(2		)	—
	Dilutive potential common shares	388			335			387			335
	Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share—adjusted weighted-average shares	388			335			387			335
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	0.86		$	(0.71	)	$	0.5		$	(6.38	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	0.76		$	(0.71	)	$	0.49		$	(6.38	)
	The following were excluded from the calculation:
	Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive	—			46			—			46
	Employee stock options because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares	9			23			13			23

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (in millions):
		Pension and retiree medical liability			Unrealized gain (loss) on investments			Derivative financial instruments			Income tax benefit (expense)			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(2,322	)	$	(1	)	$	15		$	(672	)	$	(2,980	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			—			(34		)	—			(34		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(99		)	—			23			—			(76		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(99	)	$	—		$	(11	)	$	—		$	(110	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(2,421	)	$	(1	)	$	4		$	(672	)	$	(3,090	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in millions):
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)						Affected line item in the statement where net income (loss) is presented
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Amortization of pension and retiree medical liability:
	Prior service cost	$	(54	)	$	(162	)	Wages, salaries and benefits
	Actuarial loss	21			63			Wages, salaries and benefits
	Derivative financial instruments:
	Cash flow hedges	11			23			Aircraft fuel
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(22	)	$	(76	)

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Narr

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Apr. 15, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013	24-May-13	Jul. 02, 2013
	lease		debtor	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	May 31, 2013 Deadline [Member]	July 8,2013 Deadline [Member]
			node	claim	Claims Filed After Bar Date [Member]
					claim
Reorganization [Line Items]
Assumed non-residential real property leases (leases)	554
Assigned non-residential real property leases (leases)	1
Terminated non-residential real property leases (leases)	1
Ground leases rejected (leases)	12
Ground leases which must be assumed or rejected by an extended date (leases)	3
Number claims filed (claims)				13,500	360
Amount of claims filed				$291,000,000,000	$58,000,000
Amount of claims expunged by bankruptcy court				119,000,000,000
Amount of claims under review by management				663,000,000
Workgroups covered by Collective Bargaining Agreements	9
Number of debtors (debtors)			20
Number of nodes (nodes)			3
Unsecured claims threshold						190,000,000	190,000,000
Plan of Reorganization - additional estimated allowed claim amounts	$170,000,000
Amount of Reorganized Debt held by a Single Holder, Applicable Percentage		4.50%

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Sche

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Schedule Of Liabilities Subject To Compromise) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Long-term debt	$1,130	$1,198
Estimated allowed claims on aircraft lease and debt obligations and facility lease and bond obligations	4,151	3,716
Pension and postretirement benefits	1,201	1,250
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	419	442
Other	-12	0
Total liabilities subject to compromise	$6,889	$6,606

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Liab

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Liabilites Subject to Compromise Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	$1,130	$1,198
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	31-Dec-23
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	31-Dec-36
Six Point Two Five Percent Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate (percent)	6.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	31-Dec-14
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.20%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	31-Dec-21
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.55%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End	31-Dec-39
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	104	172
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	186	186
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	460	460
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	214	214
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liabilities Subject to Compromise, Debt and Accrued Interest	$166	$166

Chapter_11_Reorganization_Sche1

Chapter 11 Reorganization (Schedule Of Reorganization Items) (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
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Reorganization Items Pension and Postretirement Benefits	$0		($66)		$0		($66)
Aircraft financing renegotiations and rejections	66	[1],[2]	133	[1],[2]	285	[1],[2],[3]	1,646	[1],[2]
Professional fees	48		51		126		168
Other	37		19		24		19
Total reorganization items, net	$151		$137		$435		$1,767
[1]	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to the rejection or modification of financings related to aircraft. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the rejection or modification of a financing when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court to reject or modify such financing and the Debtors believe that it is probable the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Special Protection Applicable to Leases and Secured Financing of Aircraft and Aircraft Equipment,” for further information.
[2]	Amounts include allowed claims (claims approved by the Bankruptcy Court) and estimated allowed claims relating to entry of orders treated as unsecured claims with respect to facility agreements supporting certain issuances of special facility revenue bonds. The Debtors record an estimated claim associated with the treatment of claims with respect to facility agreements when the applicable motion is filed with the Bankruptcy Court and the Debtors believe that it is probable that the motion will be approved, and there is sufficient information to estimate the claim. See above, “Rejection of Executory Contracts,” for further information
[3]	Pursuant to the Description of Plan of Reorganization, as defined and further described in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Debtors agreed to allow certain post-petition unsecured claims on obligations. As a result, during the first nine months of 2013, the Company recorded reorganization charges to adjust estimated allowed claim amounts previously recorded on rejected special facility revenue bonds of $170 million and allowed general unsecured claims related to the 1990 and 1994 series of special facility revenue bonds that financed certain improvements at JFK, which is included in the table above

Commitments_Contingencies_And_2

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) (Capacity Purchase Arrangements [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Term of unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation	12 years
Embraer E-175 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aircraft to be acquired by Republic Airlines (aircraft)	47
First Class Seats (seats)	12
Main Cabin Seats (seats)	64
Minimum [Member] | Embraer E-175 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aircraft phased into operation each month (aircraft)	2
Maximum [Member] | Embraer E-175 [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aircraft phased into operation each month (aircraft)	3

Commitments_Contingencies_And_3

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees (Aircraft Acquisition Commitments) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	aircraft
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	6
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	10
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	28
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	35
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	13
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	50
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	15
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	45
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	22
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	40
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	224
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	308
Total, Lease	180
Boeing 737 Family [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	5
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	20
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	20
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	20
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	20
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	25
Total, Lease	60
Boeing 737 Max Aircraft [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	3
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	97
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	100
Total, Lease	0
Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	1
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	6
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	2
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	2
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	11
Total, Lease	0
Boeing 787 Family [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	2
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	11
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	13
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	9
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	7
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	42
Total, Lease	0
Airbus A320 Family [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	10
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	35
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	30
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	25
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	20
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	0
Total, Lease	120
A320 Neo Airbus Aircraft [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, current (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year two (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year three (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year four (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	10
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, year five (commitment)	0
Aircraft purchase committment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	120
Aircraft lease commitment, future minimum quantity required, after year five (commitment)	0
Total, Purchase	130
Total, Lease	0

Commitments_Contingencies_And_4

Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees Commitments, Contingencies And Guarantees - Payments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Capacity Purchase Arrangements [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	$67	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	521	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	670	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	676	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	520	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	4,360	[1]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	6,814	[1]
Purchase Commitment [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	371	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	1,937	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	1,652	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	2,008	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	2,038	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	12,298	[2]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	20,304	[2]
Lease [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months	237
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	1,018
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	1,228
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	1,447
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	1,673
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	12,385
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	$17,988
[1]	These obligations contemplate minimum levels of flying by the third-party airlines under the respective agreements and also reflect assumptions regarding certain costs associated with the minimum levels of flying such as the cost of fuel, insurance, catering, property tax and landing fees. Accordingly, actual payments under these agreements could differ materially from the minimum fixed obligations set forth above.
[2]	These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers. American has granted Boeing a security interest in American’s purchase deposits with Boeing. The Company’s purchase deposits totaled $709 million as of September 30, 2013.

Depreciation_And_Amortization_

Depreciation And Amortization (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation of owned equipment and property	$10,800,000,000	$10,600,000,000
Accumulated amortization of equipment and property under capital leases	$242,000,000	$205,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$4,300,000,000		$4,400,000,000
American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 Credit	$22,000,000	$0

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Narrat

Indebtedness and Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 12, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 05, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 05, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 27, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

tranche

financing_transaction

Boeing 737-800 Aircraft [Member]

2013-1A/B EETC [Member] [Member]

2013-1 EETC [Member]

2013-1 EETC [Member]

2013-1 EETC [Member]

2013-1C EETC [Member]

2013-1C EETC [Member]

Refinancing EETC [Member]

Refinancing EETC [Member]

Refinancing EETC [Member]

Refinancing EETC [Member]

Refinancing EETC [Member]

2013-2A EETC [Member]

10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]

Principal Not Subject To Compromise [Member]

Principal Subject To Compromise [Member]

Secured Debt, Tax Exempt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Senior Secured Notes [Member]

Liabilities Subject to Compromise [Member]

Accrued liabilities and other liabilities and deferred credits [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Interest Expense [Member]

aircraft

Boeing 737-823 Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 777-223 E R Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 777-323 E R Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 737-823 Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 757-223 Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 767-323 E R Aircraft [Member]

Boeing 777-223 E R Aircraft [Member]

7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]

10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]

aircraft

aircraft

aircraft

aircraft

aircraft

aircraft

aircraft

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Payments not made due to Chapter 11 Proceedings

$451,000,000

$158,000,000

Deferred rent credit

95,000,000

307,000,000

Guarantor obligations, maximum exposure, undiscounted

1,500,000,000

5,200,000,000

842,000,000

Number of tranches in private offering (tranches)

2

2013-1 EETC Amount

664,000,000

120,000,000

2013-1 EETC Class A Interest Rate (percent)

4.00%

2013-1 EETC Class B Interest Rate (percent)

5.63%

Number of Aircraft to be Collateralized (aircraft)

8

1

4

41

14

1

19

2013-1 EETC Class C Interest Rate (percent)

6.13%

Maximum borrowing capacity

1,900,000,000

1,000,000,000

Amount outstanding

1,900,000,000

0

Prepayment fee (percent)

1.00%

Floor on basis spread (percent)

1.00%

Basis spread on variable rate (percent)

3.75%

3.50%

Minimum aggregate liquidity prior to merger

1,500,000,000

Minimum aggregate liquidity following the merger

2,000,000,000

TMAT Bonds

216,000,000

Amount of Refinancing EETC to be offered pursuant to Rule 144A

1,500,000,000

2013-2 EETC Amount

1,400,000,000

Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs

54,000,000

19,000,000

Premium on Tender to Holders of Existing Financings

21,000,000

Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost

33,000,000

2013-2B/C EETC Amount

785,000,000

2013-2 EETC Interest Rate

4.95%

Number of aircraft included in sale-leaseback arrangement (aircraft)

25

Number of aircrafts delivered (aircraft)

9

Number of financing transactions with collateral coverage tests (transactions)

3

Debt instrument interest rate (percent)

7.50%

10.50%

Face amount of debt instrument

450,000,000

Collateral already posted, aggregate fair value

$41,000,000

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Compon

Indebtedness and Leases (Components Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less current maturities	$1,335	$1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	8,863	6,735
Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-23
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-36
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	10,198	8,123
Less current maturities	1,335	1,388
Long-term debt, less current maturities	8,863	6,735
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	2,625	3,297
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	10.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-23
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	2,747	1,741
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	4.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	7.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-25
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,288	1,313
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-31
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,000	1,000
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-16
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	1,886	0
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Debt instrument maturity year	31-Dec-19
Debt Not Subject To Compromise [Member] | Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	652	772
Effective interest rate percentage (percent)	8.30%
Debt instrument discount, net	$43

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Schedu

Indebtedness and Leases (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$735
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	1,494
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	814
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,788
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	529
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Total	5,360
Principal Not Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	568
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	887
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	814
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,727
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	529
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Total	4,525
Principal Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	167
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	607
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	61
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Total	$835

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Future

Indebtedness and Leases Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Minimum Lease Payments [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$324
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	1,214
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	1,140
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,054
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	999
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	6,251
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$10,982

Indebtedness_and_Leases_Schedu1

Indebtedness and Leases (Schedule Of Collateral Coverage Tests) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	aircraft
10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	43%; failure to meet collateral test requires posting of additional collateral
LTV Requirement rate (percent)	43.00%
LTV as of Last Measurement Date (percent)	56.60%
Number of aircraft collateralized (aircraft)	143
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	1.5x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (67% LTV); failure to meet collateral test results in American paying 2% additional interest until the ratio is at least 1.5x; additional collateral can be posted, or debt repaid, to meet this test
LTV Requirement rate (percent)	67.00%
LTV multiplier, collateral valuation to debt outstanding	150.00%
LTV penalty for not meeting requirements, increase in interest rate (percent)	2.00%
LTV as of Last Measurement Date (percent)	38.70%
Collateral Description	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate certain services between the U.S. and London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita/Haneda, and China
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LTV Requirement	1.6x Collateral valuation to amount of debt outstanding (62.5% LTV); if collateral test is not met, American must post additional collateral and/or repay debt until the test is met
LTV Requirement rate (percent)	62.50%
LTV multiplier, collateral valuation to debt outstanding	160.00%
LTV as of Last Measurement Date (percent)	33.50%
Collateral Description	Generally, certain route authorities, take-off and landing slots, and rights to airport facilities used by American to operate all services between the U.S. and South America
MD-80 [Member] | 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircraft collateralized (aircraft)	74
B757-200 [Member] | 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircraft collateralized (aircraft)	41
B767-200ER [Member] | 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircraft collateralized (aircraft)	3
B767-300ER [Member] | 10.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of aircraft collateralized (aircraft)	25

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	$935		$850
Fair Value, Equity, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	56
Total [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,046
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	935	[1]
Fuel derivative contracts, fair value, net	58	[1]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	7,039
Total [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	545	[1],[2]
Total [Member] | Government Agency Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,136	[1],[2]
Total [Member] | Repurchase Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	205	[1],[2]
Total [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,448	[1],[2]
Total [Member] | Bank Notes/Certificates Of Deposit/Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	712	[1],[2]
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	545
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	879	[1]
Fuel derivative contracts, fair value, net	0	[1]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	1,424
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	545	[1],[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Government Agency Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Repurchase Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Bank Notes/Certificates Of Deposit/Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,501
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	56	[1]
Fuel derivative contracts, fair value, net	58	[1]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	5,615
Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Government Agency Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,136	[1],[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Repurchase Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	205	[1],[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,448	[1],[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Bank Notes/Certificates Of Deposit/Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	712	[1],[2]
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current	0	[1]
Fuel derivative contracts, fair value, net	0	[1]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	0	[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Government Agency Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Repurchase Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Bank Notes/Certificates Of Deposit/Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	[1],[2]
Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] | Government Agency Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	635
Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,600
Maturity Dates Exceeding One Year [Member] | Bank Notes/Certificates Of Deposit/Time Deposits [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$450
[1]	Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at each measurement date.
[2]	The Company’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $450 million of Bank notes, $635 million of U.S. Government obligations and $1.6 billion of Corporate obligations which have maturity dates exceeding one year.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Long_T

Fair Value Measurements (Long Term Debt And Current Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	9.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.20%
7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	7.88%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	10.55%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$10,198	$8,123
Fair Value	10,383	8,115
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,625	3,297
Fair Value	2,570	3,143
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates Due Through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	2,747	1,741
Fair Value	2,725	1,811
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,288	1,313
Fair Value	1,368	1,308
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,000	1,000
Fair Value	1,190	1,074
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,886	0
Fair Value	1,872	0
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Not Classified As Subject To Compromise [Member] | Advantage Miles Advance Purchase [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	652	772
Fair Value	658	779
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	1,130	1,198
Fair Value	1,038	885
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | Secured Variable And Fixed Rate Indebtedness Due Through 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	104	172
Fair Value	107	154
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.00% - 8.50% Special Facility Revenue Bonds Due Through 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	186	186
Fair Value	176	186
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - minimum (percent)	6.00%
Percentage of debt instrument interest rate - maximum (percent)	8.50%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	460	460
Fair Value	485	400
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 7.50% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	7.50%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 4.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of debt instrument, interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 9.00% - 10.20% Debentures Due Through 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	214	214
Fair Value	221	112
Classified As Subject to Compromise [Member] | 7.88% - 10.55% Notes Due Through 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Value	166	166
Fair Value	$49	$33

Retirement_Benefits_Narrative_

Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 15, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pilot Plan B - Distributed Assets		99.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions to defined benefit pension plans	$16.80	$87.60

Retirement_Benefits_Components

Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (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
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$1	$104	$3	$312
Interest cost	164	191	490	573
Expected return on assets	-180	-166	-540	-498
Amortization of Prior service cost	7	3	21	10
Amortization of Unrecognized net (gain) loss	23	63	69	187
Net periodic benefit cost	15	195	43	584
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	0	15	0	45
Interest cost	13	38	39	114
Expected return on assets	-4	-4	-12	-12
Amortization of Prior service cost	-61	-7	-183	-21
Amortization of Unrecognized net (gain) loss	-2	-2	-6	-6
Net periodic benefit cost	($54)	$40	($162)	$120

Special_Charges_And_Restructur2

Special Charges And Restructuring Activities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Principal terms of new business, headcount reduced			10,500
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining accrual, beginning		$196
Special Charges		20
Non-cash charges		-3
Adjustments		-4
Payments		-158
Remaining accrual, ending	51	51	196
Merger related expenses	13.8	35.4
Facility Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining accrual, beginning		4
Special Charges		7
Non-cash charges		-3
Adjustments		-4
Payments		-4
Remaining accrual, ending	0	0
Employee Charges [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining accrual, beginning		192
Special Charges		13
Non-cash charges		0
Adjustments		0
Payments		-154
Remaining accrual, ending	$51	$51

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk2

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	barrel
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of barrels of jet fuel derivative contracts outstanding (barrels)	19,000,000
Fuel derivative maturity in months	18 months
Price risk cash flow hedge derivative, at fair value, net	$51	$62
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassification from accumulated OCI to income, estimate of time to transfer	12 months
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassification from accumulated OCI to income, estimated net amount to be transferred	($9)

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk3

Financial Instruments And Risk Management (Effect Of Derivative Instruments On Statements Of Operations) (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 Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in income, net	$25	[1]	($10)	[1]	$2	[1]	$10	[1]
Fuel Derivative Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income, effective portion, net	-11	[2]	-12	[2]	-23	[2]	13	[2]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income, ineffectiveness	$36	[3]	$2	[3]	$25	[3]	($3)	[3]
[1]	Includes the effective and ineffective portion of hedge gain (loss)
[2]	Includes the effective portion of hedge gain (loss)
[3]	Includes the ineffective portion of hedge gain (loss)

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk4

Financial Instruments And Risk Management Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Effect on Statment of OCI) (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
DerivativeInstruments-EffectOnStatementOfOCI [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	$34		$98		($24)		$16
Fuel Derivative Contracts [Member]
DerivativeInstruments-EffectOnStatementOfOCI [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income, effective portion, net	11	[1]	12	[1]	23	[1]	-13	[1]
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	$23	[1]	$86		($47)		$29	[1]
[1]	Includes the effective portion of hedge gain (loss)

Financial_Instruments_And_Risk5

Financial Instruments And Risk Management Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Gross and Net BS Presentation) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	$58	[1]	$65	[1]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral	0	[2]	0
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument, Net Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value	58		65
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	0		0
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	0	[3]	0	[3]
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instruments - Total, including offset	$58		$65
[1]	Fuel derivative assets are included in Fuel derivative contracts on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[2]	Fuel derivative liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	Includes the effective and ineffective portion of hedge gain (loss)

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Computations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)—numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	$289		($238)		$167		($2,139)
Interest on senior convertible notes (1)	7	[1]	0	[1]	22	[1]	0	[1]
Net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest on senior convertible notes	$296		($238)		$189		($2,139)
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share - weighted-average shares (shares)	336		335		335		335
Effect of dilutive securities, Senior convertible notes (shares)	46		0		46		0
Effect of dilutive securities, Employee options and shares (shares)	8		0		8		0
Effect of dilutive securities, Assumed treasury shares purchased (shares)	-2		0		-2		0
Dilutive potential common shares (shares)	388		335		387		335
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share - adjusted weighted-average shares (shares)	388		335		387		335
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.86		($0.71)		$0.50		($6.38)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$0.76		($0.71)		$0.49		($6.38)
Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive (shares)	0		46		0		46
Employee stock options because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares (shares)	9		23		13		23
[1]	The nine months ended September 30, 2013 does not include the impact of postpetition interest recorded in first quarter of 2013. If such amounts were included, results would have been anti-dilutive and conversion would not have been assumed.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other 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) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		($2,980)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-34
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-22	-76
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-110
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-3,090	-3,090
Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-2,322
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-99
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-99
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-2,421	-2,421
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-1	-1
Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		15
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		-34
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	11	23
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-11
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	4	4
Income tax benefit (expense) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-672
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-672	-672
Prior Service Cost [Member] | Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-54	-162
Actuarial Loss [Member] | Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$21	$63

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [table] (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($22)	($76)
Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		-99
Derivative financial instruments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	11	23
Prior Service Cost [Member] | Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-54	-162
Actuarial Loss [Member] | Pension and retiree medical liability [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$21	$63

Merger_Agreement_Details

Merger Agreement (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Merger - Portion of Shares to US Air Stakeholders (percent)	28.00%
Merger - Portion of Shares to AMR Stakeholders (percent)	72.00%
Merger - AMR Termination Fee	$135
Merger - Termination Fee in Event of Breach	195
AAG Convertible Preferred Stock, Conversion Amount, Maximum	250
Merger - US Air Termination Fee	$55
Merger - Discount on Conversion Price of New American Stock (percent)	3.50%
Merger - Portion to Existing Stockholders (percent)	3.50%
Merger - Portion to Labor Related Claimholders (percent)	23.60%