Alaska Air (ALK) 10-Q5 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
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	'	132,631,936

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$34	$80
Marketable securities	1,309	1,250
Total cash and marketable securities	1,343	1,330
Receivables - net	178	152
Inventories and supplies - net	64	60
Deferred income taxes	114	113
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	100	107
Total Current Assets	1,799	1,762
Property and Equipment	'	'
Aircraft and other flight equipment	5,100	4,677
Other property and equipment	883	838
Deposits for future flight equipment	511	446
Property and Equipment Total	6,494	5,961
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,250	2,068
Total Property and Equipment - Net	4,244	3,893
Other Assets	193	183
Total Assets	6,236	5,838
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	68	64
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes	201	211
Other accrued liabilities	680	624
Air traffic liability	703	564
Current portion of long-term debt	115	117
Total Current Liabilities	1,767	1,580
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion	710	754
Other Liabilities and Credits	'	'
Deferred income taxes	738	709
Deferred revenue	356	335
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits	124	123
Other liabilities	312	308
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals	1,530	1,475
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 200,000,000 shares, Issued: 2014 - 133,584,527 shares; 2013 - 137,533,382 shares, Outstanding: 2014 - 133,468,522 shares; 2013 - 137,491,906	1	1
Capital in excess of par value	399	606
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2014 - 116,005 shares; 2013 - 41,476 shares	-5	-2
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	-178	-183
Retained earnings	2,012	1,607
Total Shareholders' Equity	2,229	2,029
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$6,236	$5,838

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICALS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
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	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	133,584,527	137,533,382
Common stock, shares outstanding	133,468,522	137,491,906
Treasury Stock, Shares	116,005	41,476

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Revenues	'	'	'	'
Passenger, Mainline	$1,030	$960	$2,858	$2,651
Passenger, Regional	219	208	605	582
Total passenger revenue	1,249	1,168	3,463	3,233
Freight and mail	32	32	88	88
Other - net	184	165	511	433
Special Revenue	0	192	0	192
Total Operating Revenues	1,465	1,557	4,062	3,946
Operating Expenses	'	'	'	'
Wages and benefits	279	285	832	806
Variable incentive pay	30	26	84	68
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses	394	363	1,112	1,115
Aircraft maintenance	58	54	166	187
Aircraft rent	27	29	84	89
Landing fees and other rentals	74	71	207	207
Contracted services	66	54	188	161
Selling expenses	55	47	154	137
Depreciation and amortization	75	67	218	203
Food and beverage service	24	22	68	63
Other	67	69	229	202
Total Operating Expenses	1,149	1,087	3,342	3,238
Operating Income	316	470	720	708
Nonoperating income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	5	5	15	14
Interest expense	-12	-13	-36	-42
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment	5	6	14	15
Other - net	2	-5	20	-4
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	-7	13	-17
Income before income tax	316	463	733	691
Income tax expense	118	174	276	261
Net Income	$198	$289	$457	$430
Basic Earnings Per Share	$1.47	$2.07	$3.35	$3.06
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$1.45	$2.04	$3.31	$3.02
Shares used for computation:	'	'	'	'
Basic shares	134,865,408	139,559,018	136,482,391	140,304,356
Diluted shares	136,158,064	141,383,096	137,824,776	142,213,100
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.13	$0.10	$0.38	$0.10

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Income	$198	$289	$457	$430
Related to marketable securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-4	4	3	-8
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Other-net nonoperating income (expense)	-1	0	-2	-2
Income tax effect	2	-1	0	4
Marketable securities, net of tax	-3	3	1	-6
Related to employee benefit plans:	'	'	'	'
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits	2	11	7	32
Income tax effect	-1	-5	-3	-12
Employee benefit plans, net of tax	1	6	4	20
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	0	-1	-5	9
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Aircraft rent	2	1	5	4
Income tax effect	0	1	0	-5
Interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax	2	1	0	8
Other comprehensive income	0	10	5	22
Comprehensive income	$198	$299	$462	$452

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net Income	$457	$430
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	218	203
Stock-based compensation and other	27	26
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:	'	'
Changes in deferred income taxes	27	121
Increase in air traffic liability	139	93
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	21	-147
Other - net	3	96
Net cash provided by operating activities	892	822
Property and equipment additions:	'	'
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits	-414	-353
Other flight equipment	-92	-16
Other property and equipment	-53	-26
Total property and equipment additions	-559	-395
Purchases of marketable securities	-794	-994
Sales and maturities of marketable securities	739	712
Proceeds from disposition of assets and changes in restricted deposits	-4	-3
Net cash used in investing activities	-618	-680
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	51	0
Long-term debt payments	-97	-139
Common stock repurchases	-242	-83
Payments of Dividends	-51	-14
Other financing activities	19	13
Net cash used in financing activities	-320	-223
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-46	-81
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	80	122
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	34	41
Cash paid during the period for:	'	'
Interest (net of amount capitalized)	26	31
Income taxes	$185	$100

GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI

GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2013. 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, 2014, as well as the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. 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, changes in the competitive environment, and other factors, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the entire year.

	Certain reclassifications, such as changes in our equity structure, have been made to prior year financial statements to conform with classifications used in the current year.

	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014	Cost Basis			Unrealized			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
					Gains
	Cash	$	5		$	—		$	—			$	5

	Cash equivalents	29			—			—				29

	Cash and cash equivalents	34			—			—				34

	U.S. government and agency securities	204			—			(1		)		203

	Foreign government bonds	21			—			—				21

	Asset-backed securities	166			—			—				166

	Mortgage-backed securities	149			1			(1		)		149

	Corporate notes and bonds	747			3			(1		)		749

	Municipal securities	21			—			—				21

	Marketable securities	1,308			4			(3		)		1,309

	Total	$	1,342		$	4		$	(3	)		$	1,343




	December 31, 2013	Cost Basis			Unrealized			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
					Gains
	Cash	$	9		$	—		$	—			$	9

	Cash equivalents	71			—			—				71

	Cash and cash equivalents	80			—			—				80

	U.S. government and agency securities	295			1			(2		)		294

	Foreign government bonds	11			—			—				11

	Asset-backed securities	146			—			—				146

	Mortgage-backed securities	144			1			(2		)		143

	Corporate notes and bonds	628			4			(2		)		630

	Municipal securities	26			—			—				26

	Marketable securities	1,250			6			(6		)		1,250

	Total	$	1,330		$	6		$	(6	)		$	1,330


	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, 2014.

	Activity for marketable securities (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014				2013
Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	341		$	247		$	739			$	712

Gross realized gains	1			—			3				3

Gross realized losses	—			—			(1		)		(1		)

Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):


September 30, 2014	Cost Basis			Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	178		$	178

Due after one year through five years	1,121			1,122

Due after five years through 10 years	8			8

Due after 10 years	1			1

Total	$	1,308		$	1,309

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 historically entered into swap agreements for jet fuel refining margins. Effective in July 2014, the Company no longer enters into refining margin swap agreements.

	As of September 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding fuel hedge contracts covering 236 million gallons of crude oil that will be settled from October 2014 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,
		2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Fuel hedge contracts, current assets	$	3		$	12

	Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets	1			4


	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Other accrued liabilities	(6		)	(7		)
	Other liabilities	(11		)	(10		)
	Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	(17		)	(17		)

	The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was $1 million and $6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was $(4) million and $(3) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	(11	)	$	10		$	(17	)	$	(39	)


	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Losses recognized in aircraft rent	(2		)	(1		)	(5		)	(4		)
	Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	—			(1		)	(5		)	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 the income statement as aircraft rent during the period. The Company expects $6 million to be reclassified from AOCL 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 evaluates the counterparties' potential risk of 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 $9 million and $7 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014
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, 2014	Level 1			Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	203		$	—		$	203

	Foreign government bonds	—			21			21

	Asset-backed securities	—			166			166

	Mortgage-backed securities	—			149			149

	Corporate notes and bonds	—			749			749

	Municipal securities	—			21			21

	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge call options	—			4			4


	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	—			(17		)	(17		)




	December 31, 2013	Level 1			Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	294		$	—		$	294

	Foreign government bonds	—			11			11

	Asset-backed securities	—			146			146

	Mortgage-backed securities	—			143			143

	Corporate notes and bonds	—			630			630

	Municipal securities	—			26			26

	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge call options	—			16			16


	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	—			(17		)	(17		)


	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 bonds, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed 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. 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, 2014.

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,
	2014			2013
Carrying amount	$	633		$	703

Fair value	687			762

MILEAGE_PLAN

MILEAGE PLAN	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]	'
Frequent Flyer Plan Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	MILEAGE PLAN

	Alaska's Mileage Plan liabilities and deferrals on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):


		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Current Liabilities:
	Other accrued liabilities	$	346	$	314

	Other Liabilities and Credits:
	Deferred revenue	348		323

	Other liabilities	21		19

	Total	$	715	$	656


	Alaska's Mileage Plan revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Passenger revenues	$	62	$	54	$	180	$	150

	Other - net revenues	77		74		223		184

	Special mileage plan revenue	—		192		—		192

	Total	$	139	$	320	$	403	$	526

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT

	Long-term debt obligations on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):


		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024	$	633		$	703

	Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025	192			168

	Long-term debt	825			871

	Less current portion	115			117

	Total	$	710		$	754


	Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.7		%	5.7		%
	Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.6		%	1.7		%

	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company made debt payments of $97 million. In addition, the company financed $51 million for the three Q400's that were delivered in Q4 2013.

	At September 30, 2014, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):


		Total
	Remainder of 2014	$	23

	2015	116

	2016	115

	2017	121

	2018	151

	Thereafter	299

	Total	$	825


	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 September 2017, 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, 2014.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified							Nonqualified					Postretirement Medical
		2014				2013			2014		2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	8			$	11		$	—	$	—		$	1		$	1

	Interest cost	21				19			—		—			1			1

	Expected return on assets	(30		)		(27		)	—		—			—			—

	Amortization of prior service cost	—				(1		)	—		—			—			—

	Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	3				11			—		—			(1		)	—

	Total	$	2			$	13		$	—	$	—		$	1		$	2


	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in millions):


		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified			Postretirement Medical
		2014			2013			2014		2013	2014		2013
	Service cost	24			34			—		1	2		3

	Interest cost	61			55			1		1	3		3

	Expected return on assets	(88	)		(82	)		—		—	—		—

	Amortization of prior service cost	(1	)		(1	)		—		—	—		—

	Recognized actuarial loss	10			32			—		—	(2	)	—

	Total	6			38			1		2	3		6

COMMITMENTS

COMMITMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS	'
	COMMITMENTS

	Future minimum fixed payments for commitments (in millions):


	September 30, 2014	Aircraft Leases		Facility Leases		Aircraft Commitments		Capacity Purchase Agreements		Engine Maintenance
	Remainder of 2014	$	11	$	23	$	77	$	13	$	3

	2015	107		90		331		44		10

	2016	84		88		359		32		13

	2017	54		84		382		32		—

	2018	39		36		430		14		—

	Thereafter	52		207		1,044		—		—

	Total	$	347	$	528	$	2,623	$	135	$	26


	Lease Commitments

	At September 30, 2014, the Company had lease contracts for 57 aircraft, which have remaining noncancelable lease terms ranging from 2015 to 2022. Of these aircraft, 14 are non-operating (i.e. not in the Company's fleet) and subleased to third-party carriers. The majority of airport and terminal facilities are also leased. Rent expense for aircraft and facility leases was $74 million and $75 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $215 million and $228 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

	Aircraft Commitments

	As of September 30, 2014, the Company is committed to purchasing 64 B737 aircraft (27 737-900ER aircraft and 37 737 MAX aircraft) and one Q400 aircraft, with deliveries in 2014 through 2022. In addition, the Company has options to purchase 58 additional B737 aircraft and seven Q400 aircraft.

	Subsequent to September 30, 2014. the Company exercised 10 options for 737-900ER aircraft with deliveries in 2016 and 2017.

	Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs)

	At September 30, 2014, 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 one route 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 those due to 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 engines equipped on 737-700 and 737-900 aircraft. This agreement transfers risk to a 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, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

	Dividends

	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared and paid a cash dividend of $0.125 per share, or $17 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.375 per share, or $51 million.

	Common Stock Repurchase

	In September 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a $250 million share repurchase program, which was completed in July 2014. In May 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a $650 million share repurchase program, which began immediately after the $250 million program was completed.
	Share repurchase activity (in millions, except share amounts):


		Three Months Ended September 30,										Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014							2013			2014			2013
		Shares			Amount				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	2014 Repurchase Program - $650 million	3,438,723			$	159			—	$	—	3,438,723	$	159	—	$	—

	2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million	5,268			$	—			1,074,016	$	32	1,819,304	$	83	2,909,580	$	83

	Total	3,443,991			$	159			1,074,016	$	32	5,258,027	$	242	2,909,580	$	83


	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in millions):


		September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Marketable securities	$	1			$	—

	Employee benefit plans	(169		)		(173		)
	Interest rate derivatives	(10		)		(10		)
	Total	$	(178	)		$	(183	)

	Earnings Per Share (EPS)

	Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of 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, 2014 and 2013, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 one route 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 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 resource allocations. Adjustments are further explained below in reconciliation to consolidated GAAP results. Operating segment information is as follows (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Alaska
		Mainline				Regional			Horizon				Consolidating				Air Group Adjusted(a)				Special Items(b)				Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	1,030			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	1,030			$	—			$	1,030

	Regional	—				219			—				—				219				—				219

	Total passenger revenues	1,030				219			—				—				1,249				—				1,249

	CPA revenues	—				—			99				(99		)		—				—				—

	Freight and mail	30				2			—				—				32				—				32

	Other - net	161				22			1				—				184				—				184

	Total operating revenues	1,221				243			100				(99		)		1,465				—				1,465


	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	605				162			85				(97		)		755				—				755

	Economic fuel	338				52			—				—				390				4				394

	Total operating expenses	943				214			85				(97		)		1,145				4				1,149


	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5				—			—				—				5				—				5

	Interest expense	(8		)		—			(4		)		—				(12		)		—				(12		)

	Other	7				—			—				—				7				—				7

		4				—			(4		)		—				—				—				—

	Income (loss) before income tax	$	282			$	29		$	11			$	(2	)		$	320			$	(4	)		$	316



		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




	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Alaska
	Mainline				Regional			Horizon				Consolidating				Air Group Adjusted(a)				Special Items(b)				Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger
Mainline	$	2,858			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	2,858			$	—			$	2,858

Regional	—				605			—				—				605				—				605

Total passenger revenues	2,858				605			—				—				3,463				—				3,463

CPA revenues	—				—			277				(277		)		—				—				—

Freight and mail	84				4			—				—				88				—				88

Other - net	448				59			4				—				511				—				511

Total operating revenues	3,390				668			281				(277		)		4,062				—				4,062


Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,783				464			257				(274		)		2,230				—				2,230

Economic fuel	980				149			—				—				1,129				(17		)		1,112

Total operating expenses	2,763				613			257				(274		)		3,359				(17		)		3,342


Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15				—			—				—				15				—				15

Interest expense	(25		)		(1		)	(10		)		—				(36		)		—				(36		)

Other	34				—			—				—				34				—				34

	24				(1		)	(10		)		—				13				—				13

Income (loss) before income tax	$	651			$	54		$	14			$	(3	)		$	716			$	17			$	733




	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


(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 mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges and accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue.

Total assets were as follows (in millions):


	September 30,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Alaska(a)	$	6,655			$	5,832

Horizon	836				840

Parent company	3,324				2,762

Elimination of inter-company accounts	(4,579		)		(3,596		)
Consolidated	$	6,236			$	5,838


(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, 2014
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.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK1

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	5	$	—	$	—		$	5

	Cash equivalents	29		—		—			29

	Cash and cash equivalents	34		—		—			34

	U.S. government and agency securities	204		—		(1		)	203

	Foreign government bonds	21		—		—			21

	Asset-backed securities	166		—		—			166

	Mortgage-backed securities	149		1		(1		)	149

	Corporate notes and bonds	747		3		(1		)	749

	Municipal securities	21		—		—			21

	Marketable securities	1,308		4		(3		)	1,309

	Total	$	1,342	$	4	$	(3	)	$	1,343




	December 31, 2013	Cost Basis		Unrealized		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
				Gains
	Cash	$	9	$	—	$	—		$	9

	Cash equivalents	71		—		—			71

	Cash and cash equivalents	80		—		—			80

	U.S. government and agency securities	295		1		(2		)	294

	Foreign government bonds	11		—		—			11

	Asset-backed securities	146		—		—			146

	Mortgage-backed securities	144		1		(2		)	143

	Corporate notes and bonds	628		4		(2		)	630

	Municipal securities	26		—		—			26

	Marketable securities	1,250		6		(6		)	1,250

	Total	$	1,330	$	6	$	(6	)	$	1,330

Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Activity for marketable securities (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Proceeds from sales and maturities	$	341	$	247	$	739		$	712

	Gross realized gains	1		—		3			3

	Gross realized losses	—		—		(1		)	(1		)

Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table Text Block]	'
	Maturities for marketable securities (in millions):


	September 30, 2014	Cost Basis		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	178	$	178

	Due after one year through five years	1,121		1,122

	Due after five years through 10 years	8		8

	Due after 10 years	1		1

	Total	$	1,308	$	1,309

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_TABLES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Fuel hedge contracts, current assets	$	3		$	12

	Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets	1			4


	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Other accrued liabilities	(6		)	(7		)
	Other liabilities	(11		)	(10		)
	Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)	(17		)	(17		)
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,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
	Fuel hedge contracts
	Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense	$	(11	)	$	10		$	(17	)	$	(39	)


	Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges
	Interest rate swaps
	Losses recognized in aircraft rent	(2		)	(1		)	(5		)	(4		)
	Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI)	—			(1		)	(5		)	9

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_TABLES

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	203	$	—		$	203

	Foreign government bonds	—		21			21

	Asset-backed securities	—		166			166

	Mortgage-backed securities	—		149			149

	Corporate notes and bonds	—		749			749

	Municipal securities	—		21			21

	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge call options	—		4			4


	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(17		)	(17		)




	December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Total
	Assets
	Marketable securities
	U.S. government and agency securities	$	294	$	—		$	294

	Foreign government bonds	—		11			11

	Asset-backed securities	—		146			146

	Mortgage-backed securities	—		143			143

	Corporate notes and bonds	—		630			630

	Municipal securities	—		26			26

	Derivative instruments
	Fuel hedge call options	—		16			16


	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments
	Interest rate swap agreements	—		(17		)	(17		)

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,
		2014		2013
	Carrying amount	$	633	$	703

	Fair value	687		762

MILEAGE_PLAN_MILEAGE_PLAN_TABL

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014		2013
	Current Liabilities:
	Other accrued liabilities	$	346	$	314

	Other Liabilities and Credits:
	Deferred revenue	348		323

	Other liabilities	21		19

	Total	$	715	$	656

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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Passenger revenues	$	62	$	54	$	180	$	150

	Other - net revenues	77		74		223		184

	Special mileage plan revenue	—		192		—		192

	Total	$	139	$	320	$	403	$	526

LONGTERM_DEBT_TABLES

LONG-TERM DEBT (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014			2013
	Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024	$	633		$	703

	Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025	192			168

	Long-term debt	825			871

	Less current portion	115			117

	Total	$	710		$	754


	Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.7		%	5.7		%
	Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.6		%	1.7		%
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	At September 30, 2014, long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):


		Total
	Remainder of 2014	$	23

	2015	116

	2016	115

	2017	121

	2018	151

	Thereafter	299

	Total	$	825

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_TABLES

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 (in millions):


		Three Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified							Nonqualified					Postretirement Medical
		2014				2013			2014		2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	8			$	11		$	—	$	—		$	1		$	1

	Interest cost	21				19			—		—			1			1

	Expected return on assets	(30		)		(27		)	—		—			—			—

	Amortization of prior service cost	—				(1		)	—		—			—			—

	Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	3				11			—		—			(1		)	—

	Total	$	2			$	13		$	—	$	—		$	1		$	2


	Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in millions):


		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Qualified						Nonqualified			Postretirement Medical
		2014			2013			2014		2013	2014		2013
	Service cost	24			34			—		1	2		3

	Interest cost	61			55			1		1	3		3

	Expected return on assets	(88	)		(82	)		—		—	—		—

	Amortization of prior service cost	(1	)		(1	)		—		—	—		—

	Recognized actuarial loss	10			32			—		—	(2	)	—

	Total	6			38			1		2	3		6

COMMITMENTS_TABLES

COMMITMENTS (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014	Aircraft Leases		Facility Leases		Aircraft Commitments		Capacity Purchase Agreements		Engine Maintenance
	Remainder of 2014	$	11	$	23	$	77	$	13	$	3

	2015	107		90		331		44		10

	2016	84		88		359		32		13

	2017	54		84		382		32		—

	2018	39		36		430		14		—

	Thereafter	52		207		1,044		—		—

	Total	$	347	$	528	$	2,623	$	135	$	26

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_TABLES

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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,
		2014							2013			2014			2013
		Shares			Amount				Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount
	2014 Repurchase Program - $650 million	3,438,723			$	159			—	$	—	3,438,723	$	159	—	$	—

	2012 Repurchase Program - $250 million	5,268			$	—			1,074,016	$	32	1,819,304	$	83	2,909,580	$	83

	Total	3,443,991			$	159			1,074,016	$	32	5,258,027	$	242	2,909,580	$	83

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (in millions):


		September 30,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Marketable securities	$	1			$	—

	Employee benefit plans	(169		)		(173		)
	Interest rate derivatives	(10		)		(10		)
	Total	$	(178	)		$	(183	)

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (TABLES)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014
		Alaska
		Mainline				Regional			Horizon				Consolidating				Air Group Adjusted(a)				Special Items(b)				Consolidated
	Operating revenues
	Passenger
	Mainline	$	1,030			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	1,030			$	—			$	1,030

	Regional	—				219			—				—				219				—				219

	Total passenger revenues	1,030				219			—				—				1,249				—				1,249

	CPA revenues	—				—			99				(99		)		—				—				—

	Freight and mail	30				2			—				—				32				—				32

	Other - net	161				22			1				—				184				—				184

	Total operating revenues	1,221				243			100				(99		)		1,465				—				1,465


	Operating expenses
	Operating expenses, excluding fuel	605				162			85				(97		)		755				—				755

	Economic fuel	338				52			—				—				390				4				394

	Total operating expenses	943				214			85				(97		)		1,145				4				1,149


	Nonoperating income (expense)
	Interest income	5				—			—				—				5				—				5

	Interest expense	(8		)		—			(4		)		—				(12		)		—				(12		)

	Other	7				—			—				—				7				—				7

		4				—			(4		)		—				—				—				—

	Income (loss) before income tax	$	282			$	29		$	11			$	(2	)		$	320			$	(4	)		$	316



		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




	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Alaska
	Mainline				Regional			Horizon				Consolidating				Air Group Adjusted(a)				Special Items(b)				Consolidated
Operating revenues
Passenger
Mainline	$	2,858			$	—		$	—			$	—			$	2,858			$	—			$	2,858

Regional	—				605			—				—				605				—				605

Total passenger revenues	2,858				605			—				—				3,463				—				3,463

CPA revenues	—				—			277				(277		)		—				—				—

Freight and mail	84				4			—				—				88				—				88

Other - net	448				59			4				—				511				—				511

Total operating revenues	3,390				668			281				(277		)		4,062				—				4,062


Operating expenses
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	1,783				464			257				(274		)		2,230				—				2,230

Economic fuel	980				149			—				—				1,129				(17		)		1,112

Total operating expenses	2,763				613			257				(274		)		3,359				(17		)		3,342


Nonoperating income (expense)
Interest income	15				—			—				—				15				—				15

Interest expense	(25		)		(1		)	(10		)		—				(36		)		—				(36		)

Other	34				—			—				—				34				—				34

	24				(1		)	(10		)		—				13				—				13

Income (loss) before income tax	$	651			$	54		$	14			$	(3	)		$	716			$	17			$	733




	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


(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 mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges and accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue.

Total assets were as follows (in millions):


	September 30,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Alaska(a)	$	6,655			$	5,832

Horizon	836				840

Parent company	3,324				2,762

Elimination of inter-company accounts	(4,579		)		(3,596		)
Consolidated	$	6,236			$	5,838


(a)	There are no assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska.

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK2

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$5	'	$5	'	$9	'
Money market funds and other securities	29	'	29	'	71	'
Cash and cash equivalents	34	41	34	41	80	122
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,308	'	1,308	'	1,250	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	4	'	4	6	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	-3	'	-3	-6	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	1,309	'	1,309	'	1,250	'
Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis	1,342	'	1,342	'	1,330	'
Total cash and marketable securities	1,343	'	1,343	'	1,330	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales and maturities	341	247	739	712	'	'
Gross realized gains	1	0	3	3	'	'
Gross realized losses	0	0	-1	-1	'	'
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	204	'	204	'	295	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	0	'	0	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	-1	'	-1	-2	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	203	'	203	'	294	'
Foreign government bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	21	'	21	'	11	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	21	'	21	'	11	'
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	166	'	166	'	146	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	166	'	166	'	146	'
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	149	'	149	'	144	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	1	'	1	1	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	-1	'	-1	-2	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	149	'	149	'	143	'
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	747	'	747	'	628	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	3	'	3	4	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	-1	'	-1	-2	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	749	'	749	'	630	'
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	21	'	21	'	26	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses	'	0	'	0	0	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	$21	'	$21	'	$26	'

CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK3

CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Fair Value	'	'	$1
Cost Basis [Abstract]	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	178	'	'
Due after one year through five years	1,121	'	'
Due after five years through 10 years	8	'	'
Marketable securities, Cost Basis	1,308	1,250	'
Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	178	'	'
Due after one year through five years	1,122	'	'
Due after five years through 10 years	8	'	'
Marketable securities, Fair Value	1,309	1,250	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Amortized Cost Basis	'	'	$1

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_BALANCE

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	($178)	($183)
Posted collateral	9	7
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] \| Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] \| Fuel hedge contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Assets, Current	3	12
Derivative Liabilities, Current	0	0
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	1	4
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] \| Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] \| Other accrued liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Current	-6	-7
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] \| Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] \| Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	-11	-10
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)	-17	-17
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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
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	($11)	$10	($17)	($39)
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)	0	-1	-5	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	($2)	($1)	($5)	($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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net cash received (paid) to for new positions and settlements	$1	$6	($4)	($3)
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)	236,000,000	'	236,000,000	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (DETAILS) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, assets	$4	$16
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
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, assets	4	16
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative instruments, liabilities	-17	-17
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	-17	-17
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	203	294
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	203	294
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	21	11
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	21	11
Asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	166	146
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	166	146
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	149	143
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	149	143
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	749	630
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	749	630
Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	21	26
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	$21	$26

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_LONGTE

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (DETAILS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$633	$703
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$687	$762

MILEAGE_PLAN_MILEAGE_PLAN_DETA

MILEAGE PLAN MILEAGE PLAN (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	$680	'	$680	'	$624
Deferred revenue	356	'	356	'	335
Other liabilities	312	'	312	'	308
Total passenger revenue	1,249	1,168	3,463	3,233	'
Other - net	184	165	511	433	'
Special Revenue	0	192	0	192	'
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	346	'	346	'	314
Deferred revenue	348	'	348	'	323
Other liabilities	21	'	21	'	19
Liabilities	715	'	715	'	656
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Mileage Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total passenger revenue	62	54	180	150	'
Other - net	77	74	223	184	'
Special Revenue	0	192	0	192	'
Total Mileage Plan Revenues	$139	$320	$403	$526	'

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	$825	'	$871
Less current portion	115	'	117
Long-term debt, net of current portion	710	'	754
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate	5.70%	'	5.70%
Weighted-average variable-interest rate	1.60%	'	1.70%
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Remainder of 2014	23	'	'
2015	116	'	'
2016	115	'	'
2017	121	'	'
2018	151	'	'
Thereafter	299	'	'
Long-term Debt	825	'	871
Proceeds from issuance of debt	51	0	'
Scheduled Debt Payments [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt payments	97	'	'
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	633	'	703
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	633	'	703
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	192	'	168
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	$192	'	$168

LONGTERM_DEBT_LINE_OF_CREDIT_D

LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (DETAILS) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (DETAILS) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
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-Sep-17
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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$8	$11	$24	$34
Interest cost	21	19	61	55
Expected return on assets	-30	-27	-88	-82
Amortization of prior service cost	0	-1	-1	-1
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	3	11	10	32
Net pension expense	2	13	6	38
Nonqualified Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0	1
Interest cost	0	0	1	1
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	0	0	0	0
Net pension expense	0	0	1	2
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	1	1	2	3
Interest cost	1	1	3	3
Expected return on assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	-1	0	-2	0
Net pension expense	$1	$2	$3	$6

COMMITMENTS_DETAILS

COMMITMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 06, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

carriers

Aircraft Commitments [Member]

Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]

Engine Maintenance [Member]

Aircraft Leases [Member]

Facility Leases [Member]

B-737 [Member]

B737-900ER [Member]

B737 MAX [Member]

Q400 [Member]

Non Operating Aircraft [Member]

aircraft

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]

Operating Leases, Number of Units

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

Remainder of 2014

$11

$23

2015

107

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

207

Total

347

528

Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]

Remainder of 2014

2015

331

2016

359

2017

382

2018

430

Thereafter

1,044

Total

2,623

135

Rent Expense

$74

$75

$215

$228

Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)

Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft)

Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Carriers

Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent

100.00%

COMMITMENTS_SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_

COMMITMENTS SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (DETAILS) (B-737 [Member])	Oct. 06, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (DETAILS) (B-737 [Member])	aircraft	aircraft
B-737 [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)	10	64

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-14

September 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]

May 2014 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] [Domain]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

$250

$650

Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares

3,443,991

1,074,016

5,258,027

2,909,580

5,268

1,074,016

1,819,304

2,909,580

3,438,723

Stock Repurchased During Period, Value

$159

$32

$242

$83

$32

$83

$159

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE1

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable securities	$1	$0
Employee benefit plans	-169	-173
Interest rate derivatives	-10	-10
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	($178)	($183)

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE2

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, CASH DIVIDEND (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.13	$0.10	$0.38	$0.10
Payments of Dividends	$17	'	$51	$14

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_1

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent	100.00%		'		100.00%		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	$1,030		$960		$2,858		$2,651
Passenger, Regional	219		208		605		582
Total passenger revenue	1,249		1,168		3,463		3,233
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	32		32		88		88
Other - net revenue	184		357		511		625
Total Operating Revenues	1,465		1,557		4,062		3,946
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	755		724		2,230		2,123
Economic fuel	394		363		1,112		1,115
Total Operating Expenses	1,149		1,087		3,342		3,238
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5		5		15		14
Interest expense	-12		-13		-36		-42
Other	7		1		34		11
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0		-7		13		-17
Income (loss) before income tax	316		463		733		691
Air Group Adjusted [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	1,030	[1]	960	[1]	2,858	[1]	2,651	[1]
Passenger, Regional	219	[1]	208	[1]	605	[1]	582	[1]
Total passenger revenue	1,249	[1]	1,168	[1]	3,463	[1]	3,233	[1]
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Freight and mail	32	[1]	32	[1]	88	[1]	88	[1]
Other - net revenue	184	[1]	165	[1]	511	[1]	433	[1]
Total Operating Revenues	1,465	[1]	1,365	[1]	4,062	[1]	3,754	[1]
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	755	[1]	724	[1]	2,230	[1]	2,123	[1]
Economic fuel	390	[1]	383	[1]	1,129	[1]	1,122	[1]
Total Operating Expenses	1,145	[1]	1,107	[1]	3,359	[1]	3,245	[1]
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5	[1]	5	[1]	15	[1]	14	[1]
Interest expense	-12	[1]	-13	[1]	-36	[1]	-42	[1]
Other	7	[1]	1	[1]	34	[1]	11	[1]
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0	[1]	-7	[1]	13	[1]	-17	[1]
Income (loss) before income tax	320	[1]	251	[1]	716	[1]	492	[1]
Alaska Mainline [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	1,030		960		2,858		2,651
Passenger, Regional	0		0		0		0
Total passenger revenue	1,030		960		2,858		2,651
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	30		31		84		85
Other - net revenue	161		145		448		380
Total Operating Revenues	1,221		1,136		3,390		3,116
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	605		588		1,783		1,704
Economic fuel	338		337		980		987
Total Operating Expenses	943		925		2,763		2,691
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	5		5		15		14
Interest expense	-8		-9		-25		-30
Other	7		8		34		19
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	4		4		24		3
Income (loss) before income tax	282		215		651		428
Alaska Regional [Member]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	'		'		'		'
Passenger, Mainline	0		0		0		0
Passenger, Regional	219		208		605		582
Total passenger revenue	219		208		605		582
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	0		0		0		0
Freight and mail	2		1		4		3
Other - net revenue	22		19		59		49
Total Operating Revenues	243		228		668		634
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	162		144		464		440
Economic fuel	52		46		149		135
Total Operating Expenses	214		190		613		575
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		-1		0
Other	0		-8		0		-9
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0		-8		-1		-9
Income (loss) before income tax	29		30		54		50
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	99		88		277		274
Freight and mail	0		0		0		0
Other - net revenue	1		1		4		4
Total Operating Revenues	100		89		281		278
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	85		80		257		253
Economic fuel	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Expenses	85		80		257		253
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	-4		-4		-10		-10
Other	0		1		0		1
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	-4		-3		-10		-9
Income (loss) before income tax	11		6		14		16
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	-99		-88		-277		-274
Freight and mail	0		0		0		0
Other - net revenue	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Revenues	-99		-88		-277		-274
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	-97		-88		-274		-274
Economic fuel	0		0		0		0
Total Operating Expenses	-97		-88		-274		-274
Nonoperating income (expense)	'		'		'		'
Interest income	0		0		0		0
Interest expense	0		0		0		-2
Other	0		0		0		0
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total	0		0		0		-2
Income (loss) before income tax	-2		0		-3		-2
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 revenue	0		192	[2]	0		192	[2]
Total Operating Revenues	0		192		0		192
Operating expenses	'		'		'		'
Operating expenses, excluding fuel	0		0		0		0
Economic fuel	4	[2]	-20	[2]	-17	[2]	-7	[2]
Total Operating Expenses	4	[2]	-20	[2]	-17	[2]	-7	[2]
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	($4)	[2]	$212	[2]	$17	[2]	$199	[2]

[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 mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges and accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_2

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION, ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Total assets	$6,236		$5,838
Alaska Airlines [Member]	'		'
Total assets	6,655	[1]	5,832	[1]
Horizon [Member]	'		'
Total assets	836		840
Parent [Member]	'		'
Total assets	3,324		2,762
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'		'
Total assets	($4,579)		($3,596)

[1]	There are no assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska.