Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000766421	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	69,536,989

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$41	$122
Marketable securities	1,404	1,130
Total cash and marketable securities	1,445	1,252
Receivables - net	182	130
Inventories and supplies - net	60	58
Deferred income taxes	123	148
Fuel hedge contracts	20	26
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	105	123
Total Current Assets	1,935	1,737
Property and Equipment	'	'
Aircraft and other flight equipment	4,419	4,248
Other property and equipment	857	855
Deposits for future flight equipment	550	369
Property and Equipment Total	5,826	5,472
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,034	1,863
Total Property and Equipment - Net	3,792	3,609
Fuel Hedge Contracts	9	39
Other Assets	126	120
Total Assets	5,862	5,505
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	60	65
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	176	184
Other accrued liabilities	676	557
Air traffic liability	627	534
Current portion of long-term debt	111	161
Total Current Liabilities	1,650	1,501
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	782	871
Other Liabilities and Credits	'	'
Deferred income taxes	554	446
Deferred revenue	295	443
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	461	489
Other liabilities	318	334
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	1,628	1,712
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $1 par value, Authorized: 100,000,000 shares, Issued: 2013 - 69,991,221 shares; 2012 - 70,376,543 shares, Outstanding: 2013 - 69,650,542; 2012 - 70,376,543	70	70
Capital in excess of par value	625	660
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2013 - 340,679 shares; 2012 - 0 shares	-21	0
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-414	-436
Retained earnings	1,542	1,127
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,802	1,421
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$5,862	$5,505

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred Stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	69,991,221	70,376,543
Common stock, shares outstanding	69,650,542	70,376,543
Treasury Stock, Shares	340,679	0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Revenues	'	'	'	'
Passenger, Mainline	$960	$905	$2,651	$2,491
Passenger, Regional	208	198	582	559
Total passenger revenue	1,168	1,103	3,233	3,050
Freight and mail	32	30	88	85
Other - net	165	139	433	390
Special Revenue	192	0	192	0
Total Operating Revenues	1,557	1,272	3,946	3,525
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'
Wages and benefits	285	255	806	771
Variable incentive pay	26	24	68	61
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	363	337	1,115	1,087
Aircraft maintenance	54	56	187	160
Aircraft rent	29	29	89	86
Landing fees and other rentals	71	61	207	185
Contracted services	54	50	161	149
Selling expenses	47	46	137	131
Depreciation and amortization	67	66	203	195
Food and beverage service	22	20	63	58
Other	69	59	202	184
Total Operating Expenses	1,087	1,003	3,238	3,067
Operating Income	470	269	708	458
Nonoperating income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	5	5	14	15
Interest expense	-13	-15	-42	-49
Interest capitalized	6	4	15	12
Other - net	-5	2	-4	6
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-7	-4	-17	-16
Income before income tax	463	265	691	442
Income tax expense	174	102	261	170
Net Income	$289	$163	$430	$272
Basic Earnings Per Share	$4.13	$2.30	$6.12	$3.83
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$4.08	$2.27	$6.04	$3.77
Shares used for computation:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	69,780,000	70,963,000	70,152,000	70,852,000
Diluted shares	70,692,000	71,883,000	71,106,000	72,059,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.20	$0	$0.20	$0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Income	$289	$163	$430	$272
Related to marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	4	5	-8	10
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	0	-2	-2	-5
Income tax effect	-1	-1	4	-2
Marketable securities, net of tax	3	2	-6	3
Related to employee benefit plans:	'	'	'	'
Reclassification of (gains) losses into net income (within Wages and benefits)	11	10	32	30
Income tax effect	-5	-4	-12	-11
Employee benefit plans, net of tax	6	6	20	19
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-1	-4	9	-9
Reclassification of (gains) losses into net income (within Aircraft rent)	1	2	4	4
Income tax effect	1	1	-5	-1
Interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax	1	-1	8	-6
Other comprehensive income	10	7	22	16
Comprehensive income	$299	$170	$452	$288

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net Income	$430	$272
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	203	195
Stock-based compensation and other	26	8
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:	'	'
Changes in fair values of open fuel hedge contracts	35	28
Changes in deferred income taxes	121	101
Increase in air traffic liability	93	94
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	-147	13
Other - net	61	-73
Net cash provided by operating activities	822	638
Property and equipment additions:	'	'
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	-353	-298
Other flight equipment	-16	-13
Other property and equipment	-26	-29
Total property and equipment additions	-395	-340
Assets constructed for others (Terminal 6 at LAX)	0	-65
Purchases of marketable securities	-994	-811
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	712	701
Proceeds from disposition of assets and changes in restricted deposits	-3	1
Net cash used in investing activities	-680	-514
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Long-term debt payments	-139	-240
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	0	49
Common stock repurchases	-83	-52
Payments of Dividends	-14	0
Proceeds and tax benefit from issuance of common stock	20	23
Other financing activities	-7	21
Net cash used in financing activities	-223	-199
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-81	-75
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	122	102
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	41	27
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	31	40
Income taxes	100	49
Non-cash transactions:	'	'
Assets constructed related to Terminal 6 at LAX	$0	$2

GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) and its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon), through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information. Consistent with these requirements, this Form 10-Q does not include all the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been made that are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2013, as well as the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The adjustments made were of a normal recurring nature.
	In preparing these statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Due to seasonal variations in the demand for air travel, the volatility of aircraft fuel prices, changes in global economic conditions and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENT_N

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	'
	MODIFIED AFFINITY CARD AGREEMENT
	Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements
	Alaska operates a frequent flyer program (“Mileage Plan”) that provides travel awards to members based on accumulated mileage. Members can accumulate miles either by (i) flying on Alaska or on the Company's airline partners, or (ii) earning miles based on the amount spent with the affinity credit cards and the Company's other non-airline partners, such as hotels and car rental agencies. For miles earned by flying, the estimated cost of providing award travel is recognized as a selling expense and accrued as a liability as miles are earned and accumulated. For miles earned based on spend, the Company defers a portion of the amount sold to our non-airline partners representing deferred travel, and recognizes revenue for the services provided to the non-airline partners during the period.
	Historically, the Company deferred the portion of the sales proceeds that represented the estimated selling price of the award transportation by looking to the sales prices of comparable paid travel and recognized that amount as Passenger Revenue when the award transportation was provided by Alaska or as Other - net revenue when the awards were redeemed and flown on other airlines. The residual portion of the sales proceeds not deferred was recognized as revenue in the period that the miles were sold and included in Other - net revenue.
	On July 2, 2013, the Company modified it's Affinity Card Agreement (Agreement) with Bank of America Corporation (BAC), through which the Company sells miles and other items to BAC and the Company's loyalty program members accrue frequent flyer miles based on purchases using credit cards issued by BAC. The Agreement materially modifies the previously existing agreement between BAC and Alaska. As a result of the execution of the Agreement, consideration received as part of this agreement is subject to Accounting Standards Update 2009-13, "Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force" (ASU 2009-13).
	The modified Agreement has the same four deliverables as the previous agreement which are: award transportation; certificates for discounted companion travel; use of the Alaska Airlines brand and access to frequent flyer member lists; and advertising. Under the previous residual method of accounting, sales consideration was allocated to: award transportation and all other deliverables. Upon the adoption of ASU 2009-13, consideration is being allocated to each of the four deliverables based on the relative selling price of each deliverable.
	Significant management judgment was used to estimate the selling price of each of the deliverables. The objective was to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service was sold on a stand-alone basis. We determined our best estimate of selling price by considering multiple inputs and methods including, but not limited to, the estimated selling price of comparable travel, discounted cash flows, brand value, published selling prices, number of miles awarded and the number of miles redeemed. The Company estimated the selling prices and volumes over the term of the Agreement in order to determine the allocation of proceeds to each of the multiple deliverables.
	The Company records passenger revenue related to air transportation and certificates for discounted companion travel when the transportation is delivered. The other elements are recognized as Other - net revenue when earned.
	Absent a new or material modification to an existing agreement, other non-airline partners who participate in the loyalty program to which we sell miles remain subject to our historical residual accounting method and are immaterial to the overall program.
	Special mileage plan revenue
	The Company followed the rollforward transition approach of ASU 2009-13, which required that the Company's existing deferred revenue balance be adjusted to reflect the value, on a relative selling price basis, of any undelivered element remaining at the date of contract modification as if the Company had been applying ASU 2009-13 since inception of the Agreement. The relative selling price of the undelivered element (air transportation) is lower than the rate at which it had been deferred under the previous contract and the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash adjustment to decrease frequent flyer deferred revenue and increase Special mileage plan revenue. The impact on earnings are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Special mileage plan revenue (in millions)	$	192	$	192
	Per basic share	$	1.72	$	1.71
	Per diluted share	$	1.7	$	1.69
	During the third quarter of 2013, as part of the Company's ongoing evaluation of Mileage Plan program assumptions, the Company performed a statistical analysis on historical data, which refined its estimate of the amount of breakage in the mileage population. This new data enables the Company to better identify historical differences between certain of its mileage breakage estimates and the amounts that have actually been experienced. As a result, the Company increased its estimate of the number of frequent flyer miles expected to expire unused from 12.0% to 17.4%. Included in the Special mileage plan revenue item above is $44 million of additional revenue related to the effect of the change on the deferred revenue balance as of July 1, 2013.

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]	'
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES	'
	CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	Components for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	3	$	—	$	—		$	3
	Cash equivalents	38		—		—			38
	Cash and cash equivalents	41		—		—			41
	U.S. government and agency securities	393		1		(1		)	393
	Foreign government bonds	24		—		—			24
	Asset-back securities	129		—		—			129
	Mortgage-back securities	134		—		(1		)	133
	Corporate notes and bonds	693		5		(3		)	695
	Municipal securities	30		—		—			30
	Marketable securities	1,403		6		(5		)	1,404
	Total	$	1,444	$	6	$	(5	)	$	1,445
	December 31, 2012	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	28	$	—	$	—		$	28
	Cash equivalents	94		—		—			94
	Cash and cash equivalents	122		—		—			122
	U.S. government and agency securities	271		1		—			272
	Foreign government bonds	50		1		—			51
	Asset-back securities	61		1		—			62
	Mortgage-back securities	137		1		(1		)	137
	Corporate notes and bonds	577		8		—			585
	Municipal securities	23		—		—			23
	Marketable securities	1,119		12		(1		)	1,130
	Total	$	1,241	$	12	$	(1	)	$	1,252
	Unrealized losses from fixed-income securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates. Management does not believe any remaining unrealized losses represent other-than-temporary impairments based on our evaluation of available evidence as of September 30, 2013.
	Activity for marketable securities (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013			2012
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	247	$	271	$	712		$	701
	Gross realized gains	—		2		3			6
	Gross realized losses	—		—		(1		)	(1		)
	Marketable securities maturities (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Cost Basis		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	198	$	199
	Due after one year through five years	1,187		1,187
	Due after five years through 10 years	18		18
	Total	$	1,403	$	1,404

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Fuel Hedge Contracts
	The Company’s operations are inherently dependent upon the price and availability of aircraft fuel. To manage economic risks associated with fluctuations in aircraft fuel prices, the Company periodically enters into call options for crude oil and swap agreements for jet fuel refining margins.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had fuel hedge contracts outstanding covering 360 million gallons of crude oil that will be settled from October 2013 to March 2016. Refer to the contractual obligations and commitments section of Item 2 for further information.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements
	The Company has interest rate swap agreements with a third party designed to hedge the volatility of the underlying variable interest rate in the Company's aircraft lease agreements for six Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The agreements stipulate that the Company pay a fixed interest rate over the term of the contract and receive a floating interest rate. All significant terms of the swap agreement match the terms of the lease agreements, including interest-rate index, rate reset dates, termination dates and underlying notional values. The agreements expire from February 2020 through March 2021 to coincide with the lease termination dates.
	Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
	Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Fuel hedge contracts, current assets	$	20		$	26
	Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets	9			39
	Fuel hedge contracts, current liabilities	(1		)	(1		)
	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Other accrued liabilities	(6		)	(6		)
	Other liabilities	(13		)	(27		)
	Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	(19		)	(33		)
	The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was $6 million and $4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was $(3) million and $(13) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	10		$	22		$	(39	)	$	(41	)
	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Losses recognized in aircraft rent	(1		)	(2		)	(4		)	(4		)
	Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	(1		)	(4		)	9			(9		)
	The amounts shown as recognized in aircraft rent for cash flow hedges (interest rate swaps) represent the realized losses transferred out of AOCL to aircraft rent. The amounts shown as recognized in OCI are prior to the losses recognized in aircraft rent during the period. The Company expects $6 million to be reclassified from OCI to aircraft rent within the next twelve months.
	Credit Risk and Collateral
	The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to these derivative instruments. To mitigate exposure, the Company periodically reviews the counterparties' nonperformance by monitoring the absolute exposure levels and credit ratings. The Company maintains security agreements with a number of its counterparties which may require the Company to post collateral if the fair value of the selected derivative instruments fall below specified mark-to-market thresholds. The posted collateral does not offset the fair value of the derivative instruments and is included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" on the consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company posted collateral of $8 million and $15 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The collateral was provided to one counterparty associated with the net liability position of the interest rate swap agreements, offset by the net asset position of the fuel hedge contracts under a master netting arrangement.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis
	Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	393	$	—		$	393
	Foreign government bonds	—		24			24
	Asset-back securities	—		129			129
	Mortgage-back securities	—		133			133
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		695			695
	Municipal securities	—		30			30
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	—		29			29
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge contracts	—		(1		)	(1		)
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(19		)	(19		)
	December 31, 2012	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	272	$	—		$	272
	Foreign government bonds	—		51			51
	Asset-back securities	—		62			62
	Mortgage-back securities	—		137			137
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		585			585
	Municipal securities	—		23			23
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	—		65			65
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge contracts	—		(1		)	(1		)
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(33		)	(33		)
	The Company uses the market and income approach to determine the fair value of marketable securities. U.S. government securities are Level 1 as the fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets. Foreign government's bonds, asset-back securities, mortgage-back securities, corporate notes and bonds, and municipal securities are Level 2 as the fair value is based on industry standard valuation models that are calculated based on observable inputs such as quoted interest rates, yield curves, credit ratings of the security and other observable market information.
	The Company uses the market approach and the income approach to determine the fair value of derivative instruments. Fuel hedge contracts that are not traded on a public exchange are Level 2 as the fair value is primarily based on inputs which are readily available in active markets or can be derived from information available in active markets. The fair value for call options is determined utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are readily available in active markets, or can be derived from information available in active markets. In addition, the fair value considers the exposure to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. The fair value of jet fuel refining margins (fuel hedge contracts) is determined based on inputs readily available in public markets and provided by brokers who regularly trade these contracts. Interest rate swap agreements are Level 2 as the fair value of these contracts is determined based on the difference between the fixed interest rate in the agreements and the observable LIBOR-based forward interest rates at period end, multiplied by the total notional value.
	The Company has no financial assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2013.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	The Company used the following methods and assumptions to determine the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value as described below.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
	Debt: The carrying amount of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates fair values. For fixed-rate debt, the Company uses the income approach to determine the estimated fair value, by using discounted cash flow using borrowing rates for comparable debt over the weighted life of the outstanding debt. The estimated fair value of the fixed-rate debt is Level 3 as certain inputs used are unobservable.
	Fixed-rate debt that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Carrying amount	$	721	$	844
	Fair value	781		915

MILEAGE_PLAN

MILEAGE PLAN	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]	'
Frequent Flyer Plan Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	MILEAGE PLAN
	Refer to Note 2 for items impacting comparability between periods due to the application of ASU 2009-13. Alaska's Mileage Plan liabilities and deferrals on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Current Liabilities:
	Other accrued liabilities	$	342	$	285
	Other Liabilities and Credits:
	Deferred revenue	283		428
	Other liabilities	17		17
	Total	$	642	$	730
	Alaska's Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Passenger revenues	$	54	$	47	$	150	$	137
	Other - net revenues	74		55		184		158
	Special mileage plan revenue	192		—		192		—
	Total	$	320	$	102	$	526	$	295

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024	$	721		$	844
	Variable-rate notes payable due through 2023	172			188
	Long-term debt	893			1,032
	Less current portion	111			161
	Total	$	782		$	871
	Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.7		%	5.8		%
	Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.7		%	2		%
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company made debt payments of $139 million.
	At September 30, 2013, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):
		Total
	Remainder of 2013	$	22
	2014	117
	2015	113
	2016	111
	2017	116
	Thereafter	414
	Total	$	893
	Bank Lines of Credit
	The Company has two $100 million credit facilities. Both facilities have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a specified margin. One of the $100 million facilities, which expires in August 2015, is secured by aircraft. The other $100 million facility, which expires in March 2017, is secured by certain accounts receivable, spare engines, spare parts and ground service equipment. The Company has no immediate plans to borrow using either of these facilities. These facilities have a requirement to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash and marketable securities balance of $500 million. The Company is in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2013.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified				Postretirement Medical
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	11		$	9		$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1
	Interest cost	19			18			—		1		1		2
	Expected return on assets	(27		)	(23		)	—		—		—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	(1		)	—			—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial loss	11			10			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	13		$	14		$	—	$	1	$	2	$	3
	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified				Postretirement Medical
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	34		$	29		$	1	$	1	$	3	$	3
	Interest cost	55			55			1		2		3		5
	Expected return on assets	(82		)	(70		)	—		—		—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	(1		)	(1		)	—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial loss	32			30			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	38		$	43		$	2	$	3	$	6	$	8

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS	'
	COMMITMENTS
	Future minimum fixed payments for commitments (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Aircraft Leases		Facility Leases		Aircraft Commitments		Capacity Purchase Agreements		Engine Maintenance
	Remainder of 2013	$	17	$	12	$	117	$	9	$	3
	2014	127		45		448		38		10
	2015	105		35		328		31		11
	2016	82		27		279		18		—
	2017	51		21		338		19		—
	Thereafter	79		148		1,450		8		—
	Total	$	461	$	288	$	2,960	$	123	$	24
	Lease Commitments
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had lease contracts for 63 aircraft, which have remaining noncancelable lease terms ranging from 2013 to 2021. Of these aircraft, 14 are non-operating (i.e. not in the Company's fleet) with 11 that are subleased to third-party carriers. The majority of airport and terminal facilities are also leased. Rent expense was $75 million and $69 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $228 million and $207 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	During the third quarter, the Company had three subleased Bombardier CRJ-700 aircrafts returned. In connection with these aircraft the Company incurred costs to deliver the aircraft to SkyWest Airlines, whom will sublease and operate the aircraft under a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA).
	Aircraft Commitments
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company is committed to purchasing 72 B737 aircraft (35 B737-900ER aircraft and 37 B737 MAX aircraft) and three Q400 aircraft, with deliveries in 2013 through 2022. In addition, the Company has options to purchase an additional 64 B737 aircraft and seven Q400 aircraft.
	Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs)
	At September 30, 2013, Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity to Alaska under a CPA, which is eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, Alaska has CPAs with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (SkyWest) to fly certain routes and Peninsula Airways, Inc. (PenAir) to fly in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the third-party carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors. The costs paid by Alaska to Horizon are based on similar data and are intended to approximate market rates for those services. Future payments (excluding Horizon) are based on contractually required minimum levels of flying by the third-party carriers, which could differ materially due to variable payments based on actual levels of flying and certain costs associated with operating flights such as fuel.
	Engine Maintenance
	The Company has a power-by-the-hour (PBH) maintenance agreement for some of the B737-700 and B737-900 engines. This agreement transfers risk to third-party service provider and fixes the amount the Company pays per flight hour in exchange for maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program. Future payments are based on minimum flight hours.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Common Stock Repurchase
	In September 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a $250 million share repurchase program, which does not have an expiration date, but is expected to be completed by the end of December 2014. In February 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a $50 million share repurchase program, which was completed in September 2012. In June 2011, the Board of Directors authorized a $50 million share repurchase program, which was completed in January 2012.
	Share repurchase activity (in millions, except share amounts):
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013							2012			2013			2012
		Shares			Amount				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million	537,008			$	32			—	$	—	1,454,790	$	83	—	$	—
	2012 Repurchase Program - $50 million	—			—				728,101	26		—	—		1,437,101	50
	2011 Repurchase Program - $50 million	—			—				—	—		—	—		46,340	2
	Total	537,008			$	32			728,101	$	26	1,454,790	$	83	1,483,441	$	52
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in millions):
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Marketable securities	$	1			$	7
	Employee benefit plans	(403		)		(423		)
	Interest rate derivatives	(12		)		(20		)
	Total	$	(414	)		$	(436	)
	Earnings Per Share (EPS)
	Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding plus additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segment Information	'
	OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Air Group has two operating airlines - Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Each is a regulated airline with separate management teams primarily in operational roles. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity to Alaska under a CPA, which is eliminated upon consolidation. In addition, Alaska has CPAs with SkyWest to fly certain routes and PenAir to fly in the state of Alaska. The Company attributes revenue between Mainline and Regional based on the coupon fare in effect on the date of issuance relative to the origin and destination of each flight segment. To manage the two operating airlines and the revenues and expenses associated with the CPAs, management views the business in three operating segments.
	Alaska Mainline - Flying Boeing 737 jets and all associated revenues and costs.
	Alaska Regional - Alaska's CPAs with Horizon, SkyWest and Penair. In this segment, Alaska Regional records actual on-board passenger revenue, less costs such as fuel, distribution costs, and payments made to Horizon, SkyWest and PenAir under the respective CPAs. Additionally, Alaska Regional includes an allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance, and other administrative costs incurred by Alaska and on behalf of Horizon.
	Horizon - Horizon operates turboprop Q400 aircraft. All of Horizon's capacity is sold to Alaska under a CPA.  Expenses include those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs, and maintenance costs. The results of Horizon's operations are eliminated upon consolidation.
	Additionally, the following table reports “Air Group adjusted,” which is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP. The Company's chief operating decision-makers and others in management use this measure to evaluate operational performance and determine resources allocations. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciling to consolidated GAAP results. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	960		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	960		$	—		$	960
	Regional				208			—			—			208			—			208
	Total passenger revenues	960			208			—			—			1,168			—			1,168
	CPA revenues	—			—			88			(88		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	31			1			—			—			32			—			32
	Other - net	145			19			1			—			165			192			357
	Total operating revenues	1,136			228			89			(88		)	1,365			192			1,557
	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	588			144			80			(88		)	724			—			724
	Economic fuel	337			46			—			—			383			(20		)	363
	Total operating expenses	925			190			80			(88		)	1,107			(20		)	1,087
	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5			—			—			—			5			—			5
	Interest expense	(9		)	—			(4		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Other	8			(8		)	1			—			1			—			1
		4			(8		)	(3		)	—			(7		)	—			(7		)
	Income (loss) before income tax	$	215		$	30		$	6		$	—		$	251		$	212		$	463
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	905		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	905		$	—		$	905
	Regional	—			198			—			—			198			—			198
	Total passenger revenues	905			198			—			—			1,103			—			1,103
	CPA revenues	—			—			96			(96		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	28			2			—			—			30			—			30
	Other - net	121			16			2			—			139			—			139
	Total operating revenues	1,054			216			98			(96		)	1,272			—			1,272
	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	532			145			86			(97		)	666			—			666
	Economic fuel	312			46			—			—			358			(21		)	337
	Total operating expenses	844			191			86			(97		)	1,024			(21		)	1,003
	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5			—			—			—			5			—			5
	Interest expense	(11		)	—			(4		)	—			(15		)	—			(15		)
	Other	6			—			—			—			6			—			6
		—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)	—			(4		)
	Income (loss) before income tax	$	210		$	25		$	8		$	1		$	244		$	21		$	265
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	2,651		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,651		$	—		$	2,651
	Regional	—			582			—			—			582			—			582
	Total passenger revenues	2,651			582			—			—			3,233			—			3,233
	CPA revenues	—			—			274			(274		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	85			3			—			—			88			—			88
	Other - net	380			49			4			—			433			192			625
	Total operating revenues	3,116			634			278			(274		)	3,754			192			3,946
	Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,704			440			253			(274		)	2,123			—			2,123
Economic fuel	987			135			—			—			1,122			(7		)	1,115
Total operating expenses	2,691			575			253			(274		)	3,245			(7		)	3,238
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	14			—			—			—			14			—			14
Interest expense	(30		)	—			(10		)	(2		)	(42		)	—			(42		)
Other	19			(9		)	1			—			11			—			11
	3			(9		)	(9		)	(2		)	(17		)	—			(17		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	428		$	50		$	16		$	(2	)	$	492		$	199		$	691
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Alaska
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger
Mainline	$	2,491		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,491		$	—		$	2,491
Regional	—			559			—			—			559			—			559
Total passenger revenues	2,491			559			—			—			3,050			—			3,050
CPA revenues	—			—			272			(272		)	—			—			—
Freight and mail	82			3			—			—			85			—			85
Other - net	339			45			6			—			390			—			390
Total operating revenues	2,912			607			278			(272		)	3,525			—			3,525
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,583			421			248			(272		)	1,980			—			1,980
Economic fuel	923			135			—			—			1,058			29			1,087
Total operating expenses	2,506			556			248			(272		)	3,038			29			3,067
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			—			15			—			15
Interest expense	(37		)	—			(12		)	—			(49		)	—			(49		)
Other	17			—			1			—			18			—			18
	(5		)	—			(11		)	—			(16		)	—			(16		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	401		$	51		$	19		$	—		$	471		$	(29	)	$	442
(a)	The adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and does not include certain charges.
(b)	Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue and mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges.
Total assets were as follows (in millions):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Alaska(a)	$	5,731		$	5,177
Horizon	850			823
Parent company	2,403			1,832
Elimination of inter-company accounts	(3,122		)	(2,327		)
Consolidated	$	5,862		$	5,505
(a)	There are no assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska.

GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI1

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) and its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon), through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information.
	The Company followed the rollforward transition approach of ASU 2009-13, which required that the Company's existing deferred revenue balance be adjusted to reflect the value, on a relative selling price basis, of any undelivered element remaining at the date of contract modification as if the Company had been applying ASU 2009-13 since inception of the Agreement.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENT_N1

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (Air Group or the Company) and its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon), through which the Company conducts substantially all of its operations. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information.
	The Company followed the rollforward transition approach of ASU 2009-13, which required that the Company's existing deferred revenue balance be adjusted to reflect the value, on a relative selling price basis, of any undelivered element remaining at the date of contract modification as if the Company had been applying ASU 2009-13 since inception of the Agreement.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENT_N2

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]	'
	The relative selling price of the undelivered element (air transportation) is lower than the rate at which it had been deferred under the previous contract and the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash adjustment to decrease frequent flyer deferred revenue and increase Special mileage plan revenue. The impact on earnings are as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Special mileage plan revenue (in millions)	$	192	$	192
	Per basic share	$	1.72	$	1.71
	Per diluted share	$	1.7	$	1.69

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK1

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Table Text Block]	'
	Components for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	3	$	—	$	—		$	3
	Cash equivalents	38		—		—			38
	Cash and cash equivalents	41		—		—			41
	U.S. government and agency securities	393		1		(1		)	393
	Foreign government bonds	24		—		—			24
	Asset-back securities	129		—		—			129
	Mortgage-back securities	134		—		(1		)	133
	Corporate notes and bonds	693		5		(3		)	695
	Municipal securities	30		—		—			30
	Marketable securities	1,403		6		(5		)	1,404
	Total	$	1,444	$	6	$	(5	)	$	1,445
	December 31, 2012	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	28	$	—	$	—		$	28
	Cash equivalents	94		—		—			94
	Cash and cash equivalents	122		—		—			122
	U.S. government and agency securities	271		1		—			272
	Foreign government bonds	50		1		—			51
	Asset-back securities	61		1		—			62
	Mortgage-back securities	137		1		(1		)	137
	Corporate notes and bonds	577		8		—			585
	Municipal securities	23		—		—			23
	Marketable securities	1,119		12		(1		)	1,130
	Total	$	1,241	$	12	$	(1	)	$	1,252
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Activity for marketable securities (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013			2012
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	247	$	271	$	712		$	701
	Gross realized gains	—		2		3			6
	Gross realized losses	—		—		(1		)	(1		)
Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table Text Block]	'
	Marketable securities maturities (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Cost Basis		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	198	$	199
	Due after one year through five years	1,187		1,187
	Due after five years through 10 years	18		18
	Total	$	1,403	$	1,404

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_TABLES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	Fair values of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Fuel hedge contracts, current assets	$	20		$	26
	Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets	9			39
	Fuel hedge contracts, current liabilities	(1		)	(1		)
	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Other accrued liabilities	(6		)	(6		)
	Other liabilities	(13		)	(27		)
	Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	(19		)	(33		)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	10		$	22		$	(39	)	$	(41	)
	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Losses recognized in aircraft rent	(1		)	(2		)	(4		)	(4		)
	Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	(1		)	(4		)	9			(9		)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_TABLES

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]	'
	Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	393	$	—		$	393
	Foreign government bonds	—		24			24
	Asset-back securities	—		129			129
	Mortgage-back securities	—		133			133
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		695			695
	Municipal securities	—		30			30
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	—		29			29
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge contracts	—		(1		)	(1		)
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(19		)	(19		)
	December 31, 2012	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	272	$	—		$	272
	Foreign government bonds	—		51			51
	Asset-back securities	—		62			62
	Mortgage-back securities	—		137			137
	Corporate notes and bonds	—		585			585
	Municipal securities	—		23			23
	Derivative instruments
	Call options	—		65			65
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge contracts	—		(1		)	(1		)
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(33		)	(33		)
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	'
	Fixed-rate debt that is not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and the estimated fair value of long-term fixed-rate debt (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Carrying amount	$	721	$	844
	Fair value	781		915

MILEAGE_PLAN_MILEAGE_PLAN_TABL

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]	'
Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Alaska's Mileage Plan liabilities and deferrals on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Current Liabilities:
	Other accrued liabilities	$	342	$	285
	Other Liabilities and Credits:
	Deferred revenue	283		428
	Other liabilities	17		17
	Total	$	642	$	730
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]	'
	Alaska's Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Passenger revenues	$	54	$	47	$	150	$	137
	Other - net revenues	74		55		184		158
	Special mileage plan revenue	192		—		192		—
	Total	$	320	$	102	$	526	$	295

LONGTERM_DEBT_TABLES

LONG-TERM DEBT (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024	$	721		$	844
	Variable-rate notes payable due through 2023	172			188
	Long-term debt	893			1,032
	Less current portion	111			161
	Total	$	782		$	871
	Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.7		%	5.8		%
	Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.7		%	2		%
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	At September 30, 2013, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):
		Total
	Remainder of 2013	$	22
	2014	117
	2015	113
	2016	111
	2017	116
	Thereafter	414
	Total	$	893

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_TABLES

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified				Postretirement Medical
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	11		$	9		$	—	$	—	$	1	$	1
	Interest cost	19			18			—		1		1		2
	Expected return on assets	(27		)	(23		)	—		—		—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	(1		)	—			—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial loss	11			10			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	13		$	14		$	—	$	1	$	2	$	3
	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in millions):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified				Postretirement Medical
		2013			2012			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	34		$	29		$	1	$	1	$	3	$	3
	Interest cost	55			55			1		2		3		5
	Expected return on assets	(82		)	(70		)	—		—		—		—
	Amortization of prior service cost	(1		)	(1		)	—		—		—		—
	Recognized actuarial loss	32			30			—		—		—		—
	Total	$	38		$	43		$	2	$	3	$	6	$	8

COMMITMENTS_TABLES

COMMITMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions [Table Text Block]	'
	Future minimum fixed payments for commitments (in millions):
	September 30, 2013	Aircraft Leases		Facility Leases		Aircraft Commitments		Capacity Purchase Agreements		Engine Maintenance
	Remainder of 2013	$	17	$	12	$	117	$	9	$	3
	2014	127		45		448		38		10
	2015	105		35		328		31		11
	2016	82		27		279		18		—
	2017	51		21		338		19		—
	Thereafter	79		148		1,450		8		—
	Total	$	461	$	288	$	2,960	$	123	$	24

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_TABLES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	'
	Share repurchase activity (in millions, except share amounts):
		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013							2012			2013			2012
		Shares			Amount				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million	537,008			$	32			—	$	—	1,454,790	$	83	—	$	—
	2012 Repurchase Program - $50 million	—			—				728,101	26		—	—		1,437,101	50
	2011 Repurchase Program - $50 million	—			—				—	—		—	—		46,340	2
	Total	537,008			$	32			728,101	$	26	1,454,790	$	83	1,483,441	$	52
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in millions):
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Marketable securities	$	1			$	7
	Employee benefit plans	(403		)		(423		)
	Interest rate derivatives	(12		)		(20		)
	Total	$	(414	)		$	(436	)

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	960		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	960		$	—		$	960
	Regional				208			—			—			208			—			208
	Total passenger revenues	960			208			—			—			1,168			—			1,168
	CPA revenues	—			—			88			(88		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	31			1			—			—			32			—			32
	Other - net	145			19			1			—			165			192			357
	Total operating revenues	1,136			228			89			(88		)	1,365			192			1,557
	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	588			144			80			(88		)	724			—			724
	Economic fuel	337			46			—			—			383			(20		)	363
	Total operating expenses	925			190			80			(88		)	1,107			(20		)	1,087
	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5			—			—			—			5			—			5
	Interest expense	(9		)	—			(4		)	—			(13		)	—			(13		)
	Other	8			(8		)	1			—			1			—			1
		4			(8		)	(3		)	—			(7		)	—			(7		)
	Income (loss) before income tax	$	215		$	30		$	6		$	—		$	251		$	212		$	463
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	905		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	905		$	—		$	905
	Regional	—			198			—			—			198			—			198
	Total passenger revenues	905			198			—			—			1,103			—			1,103
	CPA revenues	—			—			96			(96		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	28			2			—			—			30			—			30
	Other - net	121			16			2			—			139			—			139
	Total operating revenues	1,054			216			98			(96		)	1,272			—			1,272
	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	532			145			86			(97		)	666			—			666
	Economic fuel	312			46			—			—			358			(21		)	337
	Total operating expenses	844			191			86			(97		)	1,024			(21		)	1,003
	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5			—			—			—			5			—			5
	Interest expense	(11		)	—			(4		)	—			(15		)	—			(15		)
	Other	6			—			—			—			6			—			6
		—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)	—			(4		)
	Income (loss) before income tax	$	210		$	25		$	8		$	1		$	244		$	21		$	265
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Alaska
		Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	2,651		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,651		$	—		$	2,651
	Regional	—			582			—			—			582			—			582
	Total passenger revenues	2,651			582			—			—			3,233			—			3,233
	CPA revenues	—			—			274			(274		)	—			—			—
	Freight and mail	85			3			—			—			88			—			88
	Other - net	380			49			4			—			433			192			625
	Total operating revenues	3,116			634			278			(274		)	3,754			192			3,946
	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,704			440			253			(274		)	2,123			—			2,123
	Economic fuel	987			135			—			—			1,122			(7		)	1,115
	Total operating expenses	2,691			575			253			(274		)	3,245			(7		)	3,238
	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	14			—			—			—			14			—			14
Interest expense	(30		)	—			(10		)	(2		)	(42		)	—			(42		)
Other	19			(9		)	1			—			11			—			11
	3			(9		)	(9		)	(2		)	(17		)	—			(17		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	428		$	50		$	16		$	(2	)	$	492		$	199		$	691
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Alaska
	Mainline			Regional			Horizon			Consolidating			Air Group Adjusted(a)			Special Items(b)			Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger
Mainline	$	2,491		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,491		$	—		$	2,491
Regional	—			559			—			—			559			—			559
Total passenger revenues	2,491			559			—			—			3,050			—			3,050
CPA revenues	—			—			272			(272		)	—			—			—
Freight and mail	82			3			—			—			85			—			85
Other - net	339			45			6			—			390			—			390
Total operating revenues	2,912			607			278			(272		)	3,525			—			3,525
Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,583			421			248			(272		)	1,980			—			1,980
Economic fuel	923			135			—			—			1,058			29			1,087
Total operating expenses	2,506			556			248			(272		)	3,038			29			3,067
Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15			—			—			—			15			—			15
Interest expense	(37		)	—			(12		)	—			(49		)	—			(49		)
Other	17			—			1			—			18			—			18
	(5		)	—			(11		)	—			(16		)	—			(16		)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	401		$	51		$	19		$	—		$	471		$	(29	)	$	442
(a)	The adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and does not include certain charges.
(b)	Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue and mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges.
Total assets were as follows (in millions):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Alaska(a)	$	5,731		$	5,177
Horizon	850			823
Parent company	2,403			1,832
Elimination of inter-company accounts	(3,122		)	(2,327		)
Consolidated	$	5,862		$	5,505
(a)	There are no assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska.

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENT_N3

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT (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
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Special Revenue	$192	$0	$192	$0
Accounting Standards Update 2009-13 [Member]	'	'	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Special Revenue	$192	'	$192	'
Special Revenue Item, Per Basic Share	$1.72	'	$1.71	'
Special Revenue Item, Per Diluted Share	$1.70	'	$1.69	'

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENT_C

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT CHANGE IN ESTIMATE (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2013
Original Estimate [Member]	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'
Percent of Mileage Breakage	12.00%
Revised Estimate [Member]	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'
Percent of Mileage Breakage	17.40%
Special Revenue [Member]	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'
Change in Accounting Estimate, Financial Effect	'44

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK2

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$3	'	$3	'	$28	'
Money market funds and other securities	38	'	38	'	94	'
Cash and cash equivalents	41	27	41	27	122	102
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,403	'	1,403	'	1,119	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	6	'	12	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	-5	'	-1	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	1,404	'	1,404	'	1,130	'
Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis	1,444	'	1,444	'	1,241	'
Total cash and marketable securities	1,445	'	1,445	'	1,252	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities	247	271	712	701	'	'
Gross realized gains	0	2	3	6	'	'
Gross realized losses	0	0	-1	-1	'	'
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	393	'	393	'	271	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	1	'	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	-1	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	393	'	393	'	272	'
Foreign government bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	24	'	24	'	50	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	0	'	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	0	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	24	'	24	'	51	'
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	129	'	129	'	61	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	0	'	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	0	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	129	'	129	'	62	'
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	134	'	134	'	137	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	0	'	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	-1	'	-1	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	133	'	133	'	137	'
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	693	'	693	'	577	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	5	'	8	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	-3	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	695	'	695	'	585	'
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	30	'	30	'	23	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	'	0	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	'	0	'	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	$30	'	$30	'	$23	'

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK3

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less	$198	'
Due after one year through five years	1,187	'
Due after five years through 10 years	18	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,403	1,119
Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less	199	'
Due after one year through five years	1,187	'
Due after five years through 10 years	18	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	$1,404	$1,130

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_BALANCE

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	($414)	($436)
Posted collateral	8	15
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, Current	20	26
Derivative Liabilities, Current	-1	-1
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent	9	39
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other accrued liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Current	-6	-6
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	-13	-27
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Gains (losses) in AOCL [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-19	-33
Derivative Gain (Loss) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss To Be Reclassified Within Next Twelve Months	($6)	'

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_INCOME_

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME STATEMENT (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 Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (losses) recognized in income	$10	$22	($39)	($41)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	-1	-4	9	-9
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft rent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (losses) recognized in income	($1)	($2)	($4)	($4)

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_FAIR_VA

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF HEDGE POSITIONS (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net cash received (paid) to for new positions and settlements	$6	$4	($3)	($13)
B737-800 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Number of Units (in Aircraft)	6	'	6	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fuel hedge contracts outstanding (in barrels)	360,000,000	'	360,000,000	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (DETAILS) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, assets	$29	$65
Derivative instruments, liabilities	-1	-1
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, assets	0	0
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, assets	29	65
Derivative instruments, liabilities	-1	-1
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	-19	-33
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	0	0
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	-19	-33
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	393	272
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	393	272
U.S. government and agency securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	24	51
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign government bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	24	51
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	129	62
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	129	62
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	133	137
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	133	137
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	695	585
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Corporate notes and bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	695	585
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	30	23
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	$30	$23

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_LONGTE

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (DETAILS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$721	$844
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$781	$915

MILEAGE_PLAN_MILEAGE_PLAN_DETA

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	$676	'	$676	'	$557
Deferred revenue	295	'	295	'	443
Other liabilities	318	'	318	'	334
Total passenger revenue	1,168	1,103	3,233	3,050	'
Other - net	165	139	433	390	'
Special Revenue	192	0	192	0	'
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	342	'	342	'	285
Deferred revenue	283	'	283	'	428
Other liabilities	17	'	17	'	17
Liabilities	642	'	642	'	730
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total passenger revenue	54	47	150	137	'
Other - net	74	55	184	158	'
Special Revenue	192	0	192	0	'
Total Mileage Plan Revenues	$320	$102	$526	$295	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_SCHEDULE_OF_LONG

LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (DETAILS) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$139	$240	'
Long-term Debt	893	'	1,032
Less current portion	111	'	161
Long-term debt, net of current portion	782	'	871
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.70%	'	5.80%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.70%	'	2.00%
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	22	'	'
2014	117	'	'
2015	113	'	'
2016	111	'	'
2017	116	'	'
Thereafter	414	'	'
Long-term Debt	893	'	1,032
Scheduled Debt Payments [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt payments	139	'	'
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	721	'	844
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	721	'	844
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2023 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	172	'	188
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	$172	'	$188

LONGTERM_DEBT_LINE_OF_CREDIT_D

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (DETAILS) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities	2
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions	$500,000,000
Secured by aircraft [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Aug-15
Secured by other [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-Mar-17

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_NET_PEN

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (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
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$11	$9	$34	$29
Interest cost	19	18	55	55
Expected return on assets	-27	-23	-82	-70
Amortization of prior service cost	-1	0	-1	-1
Recognized actuarial loss	11	10	32	30
Net pension expense	13	14	38	43
Nonqualified Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	1	1
Interest cost	0	1	1	2
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss	0	0	0	0
Net pension expense	0	1	2	3
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1	1	3	3
Interest cost	1	2	3	5
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss	0	0	0	0
Net pension expense	$2	$3	$6	$8

COMMITMENTS_DETAILS

COMMITMENTS (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
	carriers		carriers
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Rent Expense	$75	$69	$228	$207
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Carriers	3	'	3	'
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent	100.00%	'	100.00%	'
Aircraft Commitments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	117	'	117	'
2014	448	'	448	'
2015	328	'	328	'
2016	279	'	279	'
2017	338	'	338	'
Thereafter	1,450	'	1,450	'
Total	2,960	'	2,960	'
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	9	'	9	'
2014	38	'	38	'
2015	31	'	31	'
2016	18	'	18	'
2017	19	'	19	'
Thereafter	8	'	8	'
Total	123	'	123	'
Engine Maintenance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	3	'	3	'
2014	10	'	10	'
2015	11	'	11	'
2016	0	'	0	'
2017	0	'	0	'
Thereafter	0	'	0	'
Total	24	'	24	'
Aircraft Leases [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Number of Units	63	'	63	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	17	'	17	'
2014	127	'	127	'
2015	105	'	105	'
2016	82	'	82	'
2017	51	'	51	'
Thereafter	79	'	79	'
Total	461	'	461	'
Facility Leases [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Remainder of 2013	12	'	12	'
2014	45	'	45	'
2015	35	'	35	'
2016	27	'	27	'
2017	21	'	21	'
Thereafter	148	'	148	'
Total	$288	'	$288	'
B737 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)	72	'	72	'
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft)	64	'	64	'
B737-900ER [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)	35	'	35	'
B737 MAX [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)	37	'	37	'
Q400 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)	3	'	3	'
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft)	7	'	7	'
Assets Leased to Others [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Number of Units	11	'	11	'
Non Operating Aircraft [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Number of Units	14	'	14	'

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

$250

'

'

'

'

$50

'

'

'

'

$50

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares

537,008

728,101

1,454,790

1,483,441

'

537,008

0

1,454,790

0

'

0

728,101

0

1,437,101

'

0

0

0

46,340

Stock Repurchased During Period, Value

$32

$26

$83

$52

'

$32

$0

$83

$0

'

$0

$26

$0

$50

'

$0

$0

$0

$2

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE1

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Marketable securities	$1	$7
Employee benefit plans	-403	-423
Interest rate derivatives	-12	-20
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	($414)	($436)

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE2

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVIDEND (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.20	$0	$0.20	$0

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_1

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (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
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	$960		$905		$2,651		$2,491
Passenger, Regional	208		198		582		559
Total passenger revenue	1,168		1,103		3,233		3,050
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	32		30		88		85
Other Net and Special Revenue	357		139		625		390
Total Operating Revenues	1,557		1,272		3,946		3,525
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	724		666		2,123		1,980
Economic fuel	363		337		1,115		1,087
Total Operating Expenses	1,087		1,003		3,238		3,067
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5		5		14		15
Interest expense	-13		-15		-42		-49
Other	1		6		11		18
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-7		-4		-17		-16
Income (loss) before income tax	463		265		691		442
Air Group Adjusted [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	960	[1]	905	[1]	2,651	[1]	2,491	[1]
Passenger, Regional	208	[1]	198	[1]	582	[1]	559	[1]
Total passenger revenue	1,168	[1]	1,103	[1]	3,233	[1]	3,050	[1]
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	32	[1]	30	[1]	88	[1]	85	[1]
Other Net and Special Revenue	165	[1]	139	[1]	433	[1]	390	[1]
Total Operating Revenues	1,365	[1]	1,272	[1]	3,754	[1]	3,525	[1]
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	724	[1]	666	[1]	2,123	[1]	1,980	[1]
Economic fuel	383	[1]	358	[1]	1,122	[1]	1,058	[1]
Total Operating Expenses	1,107	[1]	1,024	[1]	3,245	[1]	3,038	[1]
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5	[1]	5	[1]	14	[1]	15	[1]
Interest expense	-13	[1]	-15	[1]	-42	[1]	-49	[1]
Other	1	[1]	6	[1]	11	[1]	18	[1]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-7	[1]	-4	[1]	-17	[1]	-16	[1]
Income (loss) before income tax	251	[1]	244	[1]	492	[1]	471	[1]
Alaska Mainline [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	960		905		2,651		2,491
Passenger, Regional	'		0		0		0
Total passenger revenue	960		905		2,651		2,491
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	31		28		85		82
Other Net and Special Revenue	145		121		380		339
Total Operating Revenues	1,136		1,054		3,116		2,912
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	588		532		1,704		1,583
Economic fuel	337		312		987		923
Total Operating Expenses	925		844		2,691		2,506
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5		5		14		15
Interest expense	-9		-11		-30		-37
Other	8		6		19		17
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	4		0		3		-5
Income (loss) before income tax	215		210		428		401
Alaska Regional [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	0		0		0		0
Passenger, Regional	208		198		582		559
Total passenger revenue	208		198		582		559
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	1		2		3		3
Other Net and Special Revenue	19		16		49		45
Total Operating Revenues	228		216		634		607
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	144		145		440		421
Economic fuel	46		46		135		135
Total Operating Expenses	190		191		575		556
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		0		0
Other	-8		0		-9		0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-8		0		-9		0
Income (loss) before income tax	30		25		50		51
Horizon [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	0		0		0		0
Passenger, Regional	0		0		0		0
Total passenger revenue	0		0		0		0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	88		96		274		272
Freight and mail	0		0		0		0
Other Net and Special Revenue	1		2		4		6
Total Operating Revenues	89		98		278		278
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	80		86		253		248
Economic fuel	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Expenses	80		86		253		248
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	-4		-4		-10		-12
Other	1		0		1		1
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-3		-4		-9		-11
Income (loss) before income tax	6		8		16		19
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	0		0		0		0
Passenger, Regional	0		0		0		0
Total passenger revenue	0		0		0		0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	-88		-96		-274		-272
Freight and mail	0		0		0		0
Other Net and Special Revenue	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Revenues	-88		-96		-274		-272
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	-88		-97		-274		-272
Economic fuel	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Expenses	-88		-97		-274		-272
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		-2		0
Other	0		0		0		0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0		0		-2		0
Income (loss) before income tax	0		1		-2		0
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	0		0		0		0
Passenger, Regional	0		0		0		0
Total passenger revenue	0		0		0		0
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	0		0		0		0
Other Net and Special Revenue	192	[2]	0		192	[2]	0
Total Operating Revenues	192		0		192		0
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	0		0		0		0
Economic fuel	-20	[2]	-21	[2]	-7	[2]	29	[2]
Total Operating Expenses	-20		-21		-7		29
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		0		0
Other	0		0		0		0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0		0		0		0
Income (loss) before income tax	$212		$21		$199		($29)
[1]	The adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocations and does not include certain charges.
[2]	Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue and mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total assets	$5,862		$5,505
Alaska Airlines [Member]	'		'
Total assets	5,731	[1]	5,177	[1]
Horizon [Member]	'		'
Total assets	850		823
Parent [Member]	'		'
Total assets	2,403		1,832
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'		'
Total assets	($3,122)		($2,327)
[1]	There are no assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska.