DOCUMENT_AND_ENTITY_INFORMATIO
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jan. 31, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2014 |
Entity Information [Line Items] | |||
Entity Registrant Name | ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC. | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 766421 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | -19 | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2014 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Amendment Flag | FALSE | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 131,284,654 | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Public Float | $6.40 | ||
Document Period End Date | 31-Dec-14 |
CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Current Assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $107 | $80 |
Marketable securities | 1,110 | 1,250 |
Total cash and marketable securities | 1,217 | 1,330 |
Receivables - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1 and $1 | 259 | 152 |
Inventories and supplies - net | 58 | 60 |
Deferred income taxes | 117 | 113 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 105 | 107 |
Total Current Assets | 1,756 | 1,762 |
Property and Equipment | ||
Aircraft and other flight equipment | 5,165 | 4,677 |
Other property and equipment | 896 | 838 |
Deposits for future flight equipment | 555 | 446 |
Property and Equipment Total | 6,616 | 5,961 |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | 2,317 | 2,068 |
Total Property and Equipment - Net | 4,299 | 3,893 |
Other Assets | 126 | 183 |
Total Assets | 6,181 | 5,838 |
Current Liabilities | ||
Accounts payable | 62 | 64 |
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes | 232 | 211 |
Other accrued liabilities | 629 | 624 |
Air traffic liability | 631 | 564 |
Current portion of long-term debt | 117 | 117 |
Total Current Liabilities | 1,671 | 1,580 |
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion | 686 | 754 |
Other Liabilities and Credits | ||
Deferred income taxes | 750 | 709 |
Deferred revenue | 374 | 335 |
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits | 246 | 123 |
Other liabilities | 327 | 308 |
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals | 1,697 | 1,475 |
Commitments and Contingencies | ||
Shareholders' Equity | ||
Preferred stock, $0.01 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 - 131,556,573 shares; 2013 - 137,533,382 shares, Outstanding: 2014 - 131,481,473 shares; 2013 - 137,491,906 shares | 1 | 1 |
Capital in excess of par value | 296 | 606 |
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2014 - 75,100 shares; 2013 - 41,476 shares | -4 | -2 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | -310 | -183 |
Retained earnings | 2,144 | 1,607 |
Shareholders' Equity Total | 2,127 | 2,029 |
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | $6,181 | $5,838 |
PARENTHETICAL_DATA_TO_THE_CONS
PARENTHETICAL DATA TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $1 | $1 |
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 | 131,556,573 | 137,533,382 |
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding | 131,481,473 | 137,491,906 |
Treasury Stock, Shares | 75,100 | 41,476 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Operating Revenues | |||
Passenger, Mainline | $3,774 | $3,490 | $3,284 |
Passenger, Regional | 805 | 777 | 746 |
Total passenger revenue | 4,579 | 4,267 | 4,030 |
Freight and mail | 114 | 113 | 111 |
Other - net | 675 | 584 | 516 |
Special Revenue | 0 | 192 | 0 |
Total Operating Revenues | 5,368 | 5,156 | 4,657 |
Operating Expenses | |||
Wages and benefits | 1,136 | 1,086 | 1,038 |
Variable incentive pay | 116 | 105 | 88 |
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses | 1,418 | 1,467 | 1,459 |
Aircraft maintenance | 229 | 247 | 222 |
Aircraft rent | 110 | 119 | 116 |
Landing fees and other rentals | 279 | 262 | 243 |
Contracted services | 254 | 221 | 200 |
Selling expenses | 199 | 179 | 168 |
Depreciation and amortization | 294 | 270 | 264 |
Food and beverage service | 93 | 84 | 79 |
Other | 308 | 278 | 248 |
Special Item | -30 | 0 | 0 |
Total Operating Expenses | 4,406 | 4,318 | 4,125 |
Operating Income | 962 | 838 | 532 |
Nonoperating income (expense) | |||
Interest income | 21 | 18 | 19 |
Interest expense | -48 | -56 | -64 |
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment | 20 | 21 | 18 |
Other - net | 20 | -5 | 9 |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | 13 | -22 | -18 |
Income (loss) before income tax | 975 | 816 | 514 |
Income tax expense | 370 | 308 | 198 |
Net Income | $605 | $508 | $316 |
Basic Earnings Per Share: | $4.47 | $3.63 | $2.23 |
Diluted Earnings Per Share: | $4.42 | $3.58 | $2.20 |
Shares used for computation: | |||
Basic | 135,445 | 139,910 | 141,416 |
Diluted | 136,801 | 141,878 | 143,568 |
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $0.50 | $0.20 | $0 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) | Total | Common Stock | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Treasury Stock, at Cost | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Retained Earnings |
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||||||
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2011 | $1,174 | $1 | $877 | ($125) | ($390) | $811 |
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2011 | 141,900,000 | |||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||
Net Income | 316 | 316 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss | -46 | -46 | ||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | -3,371,902 | -3,372,000 | ||||
Common stock repurchase | -60 | 0 | 60 | 0 | ||
Stock-based compensation | 15 | 0 | 15 | 0 | ||
Treasury stock issued under stock plans (in shares) | 0 | |||||
Treasury stock issued under stock plans | 0 | 0 | -125 | 125 | ||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | 314,000 | |||||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares) | 1,912,000 | |||||
Stock issued under stock plans | 18 | 0 | 18 | 0 | ||
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2012 | 1,421 | 1 | 729 | 0 | -436 | 1,127 |
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012 | 140,754,000 | |||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||
Net Income | 508 | 508 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss | 253 | 253 | ||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | -4,984,186 | -4,984,000 | ||||
Common stock repurchase | -159 | 0 | -157 | -2 | ||
Stock-based compensation | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0 | ||
Treasury stock issued under stock plans (in shares) | 0 | |||||
Treasury stock issued under stock plans | -28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | 342,000 | |||||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares) | 1,380,000 | |||||
Stock issued under stock plans | 12 | 0 | 12 | 0 | ||
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2013 | 2,029 | 1 | 606 | -2 | -183 | 1,607 |
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2013 | 137,491,906 | 137,492,000 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | ||||||
Net Income | 605 | 605 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss | -127 | -127 | ||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | -7,316,731 | -7,317,000 | ||||
Common stock repurchase | -348 | 0 | -346 | -2 | ||
Stock-based compensation | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0 | ||
Dividends, Cash | -68 | -68 | ||||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares) | 299,000 | |||||
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
Stock issued under stock plans (in shares) | 1,007,000 | |||||
Stock issued under stock plans | 11 | 0 | 11 | 0 | ||
Stockholders' Equity at Dec. 31, 2014 | $2,127 | $1 | $296 | ($4) | ($310) | $2,144 |
Common Stock Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2014 | 131,481,473 | 131,481,000 |
CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONS (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Net Income | $605 | $508 | $316 |
Related to marketable securities: | |||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period | 2 | -9 | 9 |
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Other-net nonoperating income (expense) | -2 | -2 | -7 |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 0 | 4 | -1 |
Marketable securities, net of tax | 0 | -7 | 1 |
Related to employee benefit plans: | |||
Actuarial gains/(losses) related to pension and other post retirement benefit plans | -210 | 358 | -107 |
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits | 9 | 42 | 39 |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 76 | -150 | 25 |
Employee benefit plans, net of tax | -125 | 250 | -43 |
Related to interest rate derivative instruments: | |||
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period | -8 | 10 | -10 |
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Aircraft rent | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Income tax benefit (expense) | 0 | -6 | 0 |
Interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax | -2 | 10 | -4 |
Other comprehensive loss | -127 | 253 | -46 |
Comprehensive income | $478 | $761 | $270 |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||
Net Income | $605 | $508 | $316 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Special Revenue Adjustment | 0 | -192 | 0 |
Depreciation and amortization | 294 | 270 | 264 |
Stock-based compensation and other | 6 | 32 | 10 |
Changes in certain assets and liabilities: | |||
Changes in deferred income taxes | -114 | -146 | -94 |
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable | -110 | -19 | 9 |
Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability | 67 | 29 | 45 |
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue | 40 | 84 | 33 |
Increase (Decrease) in Pension Plan Obligations | -18 | 62 | 71 |
Other - net | 32 | 148 | 25 |
Pension contribution | 0 | 87 | 114 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,030 | 981 | 753 |
Property and equipment additions: | |||
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits | -498 | -487 | -455 |
Other flight equipment | -131 | -41 | -24 |
Other property and equipment | -65 | -38 | -39 |
Total property and equipment additions | -694 | -566 | -518 |
Assets constructed for others (Terminal 6 at LAX) | 0 | 0 | -56 |
Purchases of marketable securities | -949 | -1,218 | -1,130 |
Sales and maturities of marketable securities | 1,092 | 1,089 | 1,048 |
Proceeds from disposition of assets and changes in restricted deposits | 10 | -3 | 11 |
Net cash used in investing activities | -541 | -698 | -645 |
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt | 51 | 0 | 0 |
Long-term debt payments | -119 | -161 | -275 |
Common stock repurchases | -348 | -159 | -60 |
Payments of Dividends | -68 | -28 | 0 |
Proceeds and tax benefit from issuance of common stock | 27 | 24 | 31 |
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds, Financing Activities | 0 | 2 | 178 |
Other financing activities | -5 | -3 | 38 |
Net cash used in financing activities | -462 | -325 | -88 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 27 | -42 | 20 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 80 | 122 | 102 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 107 | 80 | 122 |
Cash paid during the year for: | |||
Interest (net of amount capitalized) | 28 | 35 | 46 |
Income taxes | $326 | $149 | $78 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | NOTE 1. GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | |||||||||||
Organization and Basis of Presentation | ||||||||||||
The 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 significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and their preparation requires the use of management’s estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. | ||||||||||||
Certain reclassifications, such as changes in our equity structure, have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year. | ||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates market value. The Company reduces cash balances when funds are disbursed. Due to the time delay in funds clearing the banks, the Company normally maintains a negative balance in its cash disbursement accounts, which is reported as a current liability. The amount of the negative cash balance was $7 million and $11 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in accounts payable, with the change in the balance during the year included in other financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. | ||||||||||||
The Company has restricted cash balances primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs, or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. | ||||||||||||
Marketable Securities | ||||||||||||
Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. All cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and realized gains and losses are recorded using the specific identification method. Changes in market value, excluding other-than-temporary impairments, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL). | ||||||||||||
Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. The Company uses a systematic methodology that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, management evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, our intent and ability to hold, or plans to sell, the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded to Other-net in the consolidated statements of operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established. | ||||||||||||
Receivables | ||||||||||||
Receivables are due on demand and consist primarily of airline traffic (including credit card) receivables, Mileage Plan™ partners, amounts due from other airlines related to interline agreements, government tax authorities, and other miscellaneous amounts due to the Company, and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on known troubled accounts and historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. | ||||||||||||
Inventories and Supplies—net | ||||||||||||
Expendable aircraft parts, materials and supplies are stated at average cost and are included in inventories and supplies—net. An obsolescence allowance for expendable parts is accrued based on estimated lives of the corresponding fleet type and salvage values. The allowance for all non-surplus expendable inventories was $34 million and $30 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Inventory and supplies—net also includes fuel inventory of $21 million and $23 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts inventories are included in flight equipment. | ||||||||||||
Property, Equipment and Depreciation | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: | ||||||||||||
Aircraft and related flight equipment: | ||||||||||||
Boeing 737 aircraft | 20 years | |||||||||||
Bombardier Q400 | 15 years | |||||||||||
Buildings | 25-30 years | |||||||||||
Minor building and land improvements | 10 years | |||||||||||
Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements | Shorter of lease term or | |||||||||||
estimated useful life | ||||||||||||
Computer hardware and software | 3-5 years | |||||||||||
Other furniture and equipment | 5-10 years | |||||||||||
Salvage values used for aircraft are 10% of the fair value, but as aircraft near the end of their useful lives, we update the salvage value estimates based on current market conditions and expected use of the aircraft. “Related flight equipment” includes rotable and repairable spare inventories, which are depreciated over the associated fleet life unless otherwise noted. | ||||||||||||
Capitalized interest is based on the Company’s weighted-average borrowing rate, is added to the cost of the related asset, and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. | ||||||||||||
Maintenance and repairs, other than engine maintenance on some B737-700 and -900 engines, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications that extend the life or improve the usefulness of aircraft are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated period of use. Maintenance on some B737-700 and -900 engines is covered under power-by-the-hour agreements with third parties, whereby the Company pays a determinable amount, and transfers risk, to a third party. The Company expenses the contract amounts based on engine usage. | ||||||||||||
The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company groups assets for purposes of such reviews at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is considered when estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. If the asset or asset group is not considered recoverable, a write-down equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value will be recorded. | ||||||||||||
Internally Used Software Costs | ||||||||||||
The Company capitalizes costs to develop internal-use software that are incurred in the application development stage. Amortization commences when the software is ready for its intended use and the amortization period is the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years. Capitalized costs primarily include contract labor and payroll costs of the individuals dedicated to the development of internal-use software. | ||||||||||||
Deferred Revenue | ||||||||||||
Deferred revenue results primarily from the sale of Mileage Plan™ miles to third-parties. This revenue is recognized when award transportation is provided or over the term of the applicable agreement. | ||||||||||||
Operating Leases | ||||||||||||
The Company leases aircraft, airport and terminal facilities, office space, and other equipment under operating leases. Some of these lease agreements contain rent escalation clauses or rent holidays. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||||||||||||
Leased Aircraft Return Costs | ||||||||||||
Cash payments associated with returning leased aircraft are accrued when it is probable that a cash payment will be made and that amount is reasonably estimable. Any accrual is based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage and the provisions included in the lease agreement, although the actual amount due to any lessor upon return will not be known with certainty until lease termination. | ||||||||||||
As leased aircraft are returned, any payments are charged against the established accrual. The accrual is part of other current and long-term liabilities, and was $1 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Revenue Recognition | ||||||||||||
Passenger revenue is recognized when the passenger travels. Tickets sold but not yet used are reported as air traffic liability until travel or date of expiration. Air traffic liability includes approximately $33 million and $26 million related to travel credits for future travel, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These credits are recognized into revenue either when the passenger travels or the date of expiration, which is twelve months from issuance. Commissions to travel agents and related fees are expensed when the related revenue is recognized. Passenger traffic commissions and related fees not yet recognized are included as a prepaid expense. Taxes collected from passengers, including transportation excise taxes, airport and security fees and other fees, are recorded on a net basis within passenger revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized as revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are based on the Company’s historical data. | ||||||||||||
Freight and mail revenues are recognized when service is provided. | ||||||||||||
Other - net revenues are primarily related to the Mileage Plan™ and they are recognized as described in the “Mileage Plan” paragraph below. Other - net also includes certain ancillary or non-ticket revenues, such as checked-bag fees, reservations fees, ticket change fees, on-board food and beverage sales, and to a much lesser extent commissions from car and hotel vendors, and from the sales of travel insurance. These items are recognized as revenue when the related services are provided. Boardroom (airport lounge) memberships are recognized as revenue over the membership period. | ||||||||||||
Mileage Plan | ||||||||||||
Alaska operates a frequent flier program (“Mileage Plan™”) that provides travel awards to members based on accumulated mileage. For miles earned by flying on Alaska or Horizon and through airline partners, the estimated cost of providing award travel is recognized as a selling expense and accrued as a liability as miles are earned and accumulated. | ||||||||||||
Alaska also sells services, including miles for transportation, to non-airline partners, such as hotels, car rental agencies, and a major bank that offers Alaska Airlines affinity credit cards. The Company defers passenger revenue related to air transportation and certificates for discounted companion travel until the transportation is delivered. The deferred proceeds are recognized as passenger revenue for awards redeemed and flown on Alaska or Horizon, and as Other-net revenue for awards redeemed and flown on other airlines (less the cost paid to the other airlines based on contractual agreements). For the elements that represent use of the Alaska Airlines brand and access to frequent flier member lists and advertising, it is recognized as commission income in the period that those elements are sold and included in Other - net revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||||||||||||
Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ deferred revenue and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | $ | 343 | $ | 314 | ||||||||
Other Liabilities and Credits: | ||||||||||||
Deferred revenue | 367 | 323 | ||||||||||
Other liabilities | 20 | 19 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 730 | $ | 656 | ||||||||
The amounts recorded in other accrued liabilities relate primarily to deferred revenue expected to be realized within one year, which includes Mileage Plan™ awards that have been issued but not yet flown for $33 million and $31 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Passenger revenues | $ | 246 | $ | 208 | $ | 183 | ||||||
Other-net revenues | 295 | 256 | 209 | |||||||||
Special mileage plan revenue(a) | — | 192 | — | |||||||||
Total Mileage Plan revenues | $ | 541 | $ | 656 | $ | 392 | ||||||
(a) | Refer to Note 11 for further information. | |||||||||||
Other—net revenue includes commission revenues of $261 million, $213 million, and $143 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Selling Expenses | ||||||||||||
Selling expenses include credit card fees, global distribution systems charges, the estimated cost of Mileage Plan™ travel awards earned through air travel, advertising, promotional costs, commissions, and incentives. Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense was $49 million, $28 million, and $26 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Derivative Financial Instruments | ||||||||||||
The Company's operations are significantly impacted by changes in aircraft fuel prices and interest rates. In an effort to manage our exposure to these risks, the Company periodically enters into fuel and interest rate derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet and changes in the fair value is recognized in AOCL or in the consolidated statements of operations, depending on the nature of the instrument. | ||||||||||||
The Company does not hold or issue derivative fuel hedge contracts for trading purposes and does not apply hedge accounting. For cash flow hedges related to our interest rate swaps, the effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in the fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in interest expense. | ||||||||||||
Fair Value Measurements | ||||||||||||
Accounting standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: | ||||||||||||
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | ||||||||||||
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. | ||||||||||||
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. | ||||||||||||
The Company has elected not to use the Fair Value Option for non-financial instruments, and accordingly those assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost. For financial instruments, those assets and liabilities are carried at fair value and are determined based on the market approach or income approach depending upon the level of inputs used. | ||||||||||||
Income Taxes | ||||||||||||
The Company uses the asset and liability approach for accounting and reporting income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance would be established, if necessary, for the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the accounting standards. | ||||||||||||
Stock-Based Compensation | ||||||||||||
Accounting standards require companies to recognize as expense the fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees as of the grant date. These standards apply to all stock awards that the Company grants to employees as well as the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which features a look-back provision and allows employees to purchase stock at a 15% discount. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded in wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||||||||||||
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. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, antidilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material. | ||||||||||||
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 | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES | NOTE 2. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES | |||||||||||||||
Components for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 4 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4 | ||||||||
Cash equivalents | 103 | — | — | 103 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 107 | — | — | 107 | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency securities | 166 | — | — | 166 | ||||||||||||
Foreign government bonds | 25 | — | — | 25 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities | 130 | — | — | 130 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 127 | — | (1 | ) | 126 | |||||||||||
Corporate notes and bonds | 644 | 3 | (2 | ) | 645 | |||||||||||
Municipal securities | 18 | — | — | 18 | ||||||||||||
Marketable securities | 1,110 | 3 | (3 | ) | 1,110 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,217 | $ | 3 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 1,217 | |||||||
December 31, 2013 | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
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 December 31, 2014. | ||||||||||||||||
Activity for marketable securities (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales and maturities | $ | 1,092 | $ | 1,089 | $ | 1,048 | ||||||||||
Gross realized gains | 4 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||||||
Gross realized losses | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Cost Basis | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 141 | $ | 140 | ||||||||||||
Due after one year through five years | 958 | 959 | ||||||||||||||
Due after five years through 10 years | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||||
Due after 10 years | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,110 | $ | 1,110 | ||||||||||||
DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS | NOTE 3. 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. | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had fuel hedge contracts outstanding covering 246 million gallons of crude oil that will be settled from January 2015 to June 2016. Refer to the contractual obligations and commitments section of Item 7 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): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts, current assets | $ | 3 | $ | 12 | ||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | (6 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||
Other liabilities | (13 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) | (19 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||
The net cash received (paid) for new positions and settlements was $(9) million, $5 million, and $(19) million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings and AOCL (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense | $ | (18 | ) | $ | (44 | ) | $ | (62 | ) | |||
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft rent | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) | (8 | ) | 10 | (10 | ) | |||||||
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 non-performance by counterparties to these derivative instruments. To mitigate exposure, the Company periodically reviews the risk of counterparty 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 $3 million, $7 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The collateral was provided to a 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 | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS | |||||||||||
Fair Value of Financial Instruments on a Recurring Basis | ||||||||||||
Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | |||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Marketable securities | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency securities | $ | 166 | $ | — | $ | 166 | ||||||
Foreign government bonds | — | 25 | 25 | |||||||||
Asset-backed securities | — | 130 | 130 | |||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | — | 126 | 126 | |||||||||
Corporate notes and bonds | — | 645 | 645 | |||||||||
Municipal securities | — | 18 | 18 | |||||||||
Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Call options | — | 7 | 7 | |||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swap agreements | — | (19 | ) | (19 | ) | |||||||
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 contracts | ||||||||||||
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 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 non-performance 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 interest forward rates at period end, multiplied by the total notional value. | ||||||||||||
The Company has no other financial assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 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 costs which approximate fair value. | ||||||||||||
Debt: The carrying amounts of the Company's variable-rate debt approximate fair values. For fixed-rate debt, the Company uses the income approach to determine the estimated fair value, by discounting cash flows 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): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Carrying Amount | $ | 614 | $ | 703 | ||||||||
Fair value | 666 | 762 | ||||||||||
ASSETS_CONSTRUCTED_FOR_OTHERS_
ASSETS CONSTRUCTED FOR OTHERS ASSETS CONSTRUCTED FOR OTHERS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] | |
Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block] | NOTE 5. ASSETS CONSTRUCTED FOR OTHERS |
In March 2012, the Company placed into service assets constructed for others (Terminal 6 at LAX), including a new baggage system, additional gates, new common use systems, expansion of security screening checkpoints, and a new ticket lobby, all of which were constructed for the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Company is considered to be the owners of the assets constructed for others and did not qualify for sale and leaseback accounting when the non-proprietary assets were transferred to the City of Los Angeles due to the Company's continuing involvement with the project. The assets are depreciated over the life of the lease based on the straight-line method, while the liability is amortized on the effective interest method based on the lease rental payments. At December 31, 2014, the net asset was $178 million, and the liability was $174 million. | |
Future minimum payments related to the Terminal 6 lease are included in facility leases described in the "Commitments and Contingencies" note. |
LONGTERM_DEBT
LONG-TERM DEBT | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||
LONG-TERM DEBT | NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT | |||||||
Long-term debt obligations (in millions): | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 | $ | 614 | $ | 703 | ||||
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 | 189 | 168 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 803 | 871 | ||||||
Less current portion | 117 | 117 | ||||||
$ | 686 | $ | 754 | |||||
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate | 5.7 | % | 5.7 | % | ||||
Weighted-average variable-interest rate | 1.6 | % | 1.7 | % | ||||
All of the Company’s borrowings are secured by aircraft. | ||||||||
During 2014, the Company issued $51 million in debt and made debt payments of $119 million. As of December 31, 2014, none of the Company's borrowings were restricted by financial covenants. | ||||||||
Long-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter (in millions): | ||||||||
Total | ||||||||
2015 | $ | 117 | ||||||
2016 | 115 | |||||||
2017 | 121 | |||||||
2018 | 151 | |||||||
2019 | 114 | |||||||
Thereafter | 185 | |||||||
Total principal payments | $ | 803 | ||||||
Bank Line 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 was in compliance with this covenant at December 31, 2014. |
INCOME_TAXES
INCOME TAXES | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
INCOME TAXES | NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES | |||||||||||
Deferred Income Taxes | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts for tax purposes. Primarily due to differences in depreciation rates for federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes, the Company has generated a net deferred tax liability. | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Excess of tax over book depreciation | $ | 1,042 | $ | 919 | ||||||||
Other—net | 22 | 21 | ||||||||||
Gross deferred tax liabilities | 1,064 | 940 | ||||||||||
Mileage Plan | (206 | ) | (185 | ) | ||||||||
Inventory obsolescence | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred gains | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||
Employee benefits | (166 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | (5 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||||
Other—net | (24 | ) | (30 | ) | ||||||||
Gross deferred tax assets | (431 | ) | (344 | ) | ||||||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | 633 | 596 | ||||||||||
Current deferred tax asset | (117 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||||||
Noncurrent deferred tax liability | 750 | 709 | ||||||||||
Net deferred tax liability | $ | 633 | $ | 596 | ||||||||
The Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will be realizable and thus no valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2014. This conclusion is based on the expected future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, anticipated future taxable income, and the potential for future tax planning strategies to generate taxable income, if needed. The Company will continue to reassess the need for a valuation allowance during each future reporting period. | ||||||||||||
Components of Income Tax Expense | ||||||||||||
The components of income tax expense were as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense: | ||||||||||||
Federal | $ | 229 | 145 | $ | 83 | |||||||
State | 27 | 17 | 11 | |||||||||
Total current | 256 | 162 | 94 | |||||||||
Deferred tax expense: | ||||||||||||
Federal | 103 | 131 | 94 | |||||||||
State | 11 | 15 | 10 | |||||||||
Total deferred | 114 | 146 | 104 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 370 | $ | 308 | $ | 198 | ||||||
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense reconciles to the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal rate of 35% to income before income tax and accounting change as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Income before income tax | $ | 975 | $ | 816 | $ | 514 | ||||||
Expected tax expense | 341 | 286 | 180 | |||||||||
Nondeductible expenses | 4 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||
State income taxes | 25 | 21 | 14 | |||||||||
Other—net | — | (3 | ) | 1 | ||||||||
Actual tax expense | $ | 370 | $ | 308 | $ | 198 | ||||||
Effective tax rate | 37.9 | % | 37.7 | % | 38.5 | % | ||||||
Uncertain Tax Positions | ||||||||||||
The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Alaska, Oregon, and California as “major” tax jurisdictions. A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows: | ||||||||||||
Jurisdiction | Period | |||||||||||
Federal | 2011 to 2013 | |||||||||||
Alaska | 2011 to 2013 | |||||||||||
California | 2010 to 2013 | |||||||||||
Oregon | 2007 to 2013 | |||||||||||
The 2002 to 2007 Oregon tax returns are subject to examination only to the extent of net operating loss carryforwards from those years that were utilized in 2010 and later years. | ||||||||||||
At December 31, 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits is recorded as a liability, all of which impact the effective tax rate. Unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions were not material as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. No interest or penalties related to these tax positions were accrued as of December 31, 2014. |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | NOTE 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS | |||||||||||
Four defined-benefit and five defined-contribution retirement plans cover various employee groups of Alaska and Horizon. The defined-benefit plans provide benefits based on an employee’s term of service and average compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. The qualified defined-benefit pension plans are closed to new entrants. | ||||||||||||
Accounting standards require recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined-benefit pension and other postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the consolidated financial statements and requires recognition of the funded status in AOCL. | ||||||||||||
Qualified Defined-Benefit Pension Plans | ||||||||||||
The Company’s pension plans are funded as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). | ||||||||||||
The defined-benefit plan assets consist primarily of marketable equity and fixed-income securities. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for these plans. | ||||||||||||
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Discount rate | 4.20% | 4.85% | ||||||||||
Rate of compensation increases(a) | 2.85% to 3.91% | 2.90% to 3.93% | ||||||||||
(a) | Varies by plan and related work group. | |||||||||||
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Discount rate | 4.85% | 3.95% | 4.65% | |||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | 6.75% | 7.25% | 7.25% | |||||||||
Rate of compensation increases(a) | 2.90% to 3.93% | 3.05% to 4.02% | 2.94% to 4.17% | |||||||||
(a) | Varies by plan and related work group. | |||||||||||
The discount rate was determined using current rates earned on high-quality, long-term bonds with maturities that correspond with the estimated cash distributions from the pension plans. At December 31, 2014, the Company selected a discount rate using a pool of higher-yielding bonds estimated to be more reflective of settlement rates, as management has taken steps to ultimately terminate or settle plans that are frozen and move toward freezing benefits in active plans in the future. In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Company assesses the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the portfolio is invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class is then weighted based on the target asset allocation to develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the portfolio. | ||||||||||||
Plan assets are invested in common commingled trust funds invested in equity and fixed income securities. The asset allocation of the funds in the qualified defined-benefit plans, by asset category, is as follows: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Asset category: | ||||||||||||
Money market fund | — | % | 3 | % | ||||||||
Domestic equity securities | 33 | % | 39 | % | ||||||||
Non-U.S. equity securities | 14 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||
Fixed income securities | 53 | % | 41 | % | ||||||||
Plan assets | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
The Company’s investment policy focuses on achieving maximum returns at a reasonable risk for pension assets over a full market cycle. The Company uses a fund manager and invests in various asset classes to diversify risk. | ||||||||||||
Target allocations for the primary asset classes based on current funded status are approximately: | ||||||||||||
Domestic equities: | 27% - 38% | |||||||||||
Non-U.S. equities: | 11% - 19% | |||||||||||
Fixed income: | 48% - 58% | |||||||||||
The Company determines the strategic allocation between equity and fixed income based on current funded status and other characteristics of the plan. As the funded status improves, the Company increases the fixed income allocation of the portfolio, and decreases the equity allocation. Actual asset allocations are reviewed regularly and periodically rebalanced as appropriate. | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014, all assets were invested in common commingled trust funds. The Company uses the net asset values of these funds to determine fair value as allowed using the practical expediency method outlined in the accounting standards. | ||||||||||||
Plan asset by fund category and fair value hierarchy level (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Level | ||||||||||
Fund type: | ||||||||||||
Money market fund | $ | — | $ | 45 | 1 | |||||||
U.S. equity market fund | 634 | 684 | 2 | |||||||||
Non-U.S. equity fund | 272 | 301 | 2 | |||||||||
Credit bond index fund | 190 | 127 | 2 | |||||||||
Government/credit bond index fund | 821 | 612 | 2 | |||||||||
Plan assets | $ | 1,917 | $ | 1,769 | ||||||||
The following table sets forth the status of the qualified defined-benefit pension plans (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation (PBO) | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 1,709 | $ | 1,873 | ||||||||
Service cost | 33 | 46 | ||||||||||
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | ||||||||||
Plan settlement | — | — | ||||||||||
Actuarial (gain) loss | 298 | (226 | ) | |||||||||
Benefits paid | (71 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 2,050 | $ | 1,709 | ||||||||
Plan assets at fair value | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 1,769 | $ | 1,538 | ||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 219 | 205 | ||||||||||
Employer contributions | — | 83 | ||||||||||
Plan settlements | — | — | ||||||||||
Benefits paid | (71 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 1,917 | $ | 1,769 | ||||||||
Funded status (unfunded) | $ | (133 | ) | $ | 60 | |||||||
Percent funded | 94 | % | 104 | % | ||||||||
The accumulated benefit obligation for the combined qualified defined-benefit pension was $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||
The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Plan assets-long term (within long term Other Assets) | $ | — | $ | 60 | ||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 133 | — | ||||||||||
Total liability recognized | $ | 133 | $ | — | ||||||||
The amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Prior service credit | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (14 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | 514 | 331 | ||||||||||
Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) | $ | 502 | $ | 317 | ||||||||
The expected amortization of prior service credit and net loss from AOCL in 2015 is $1 million and $26 million, respectively, for the qualified defined-benefit pension plans. | ||||||||||||
Net pension expense for the qualified defined-benefit plans included the following components (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 33 | $ | 46 | $ | 38 | ||||||
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | 73 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (117 | ) | (111 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 13 | 43 | 40 | |||||||||
Net pension expense | $ | 9 | $ | 50 | $ | 57 | ||||||
Historically, the Company’s practice has been to contribute to the qualified defined-benefit pension plans an amount equal to the greater of 1) the minimum required by law, 2) the Pension Protection Act (PPA) target liability, or 3) the service cost as actuarially calculated. There are no current funding requirements for the Company’s plans in 2015. The Company expects to contribute between $30 million and $35 million to the qualified defined-benefit pension plans during 2015. The Company expects to contribute approximately $4 million to the nonqualified defined-benefit pension plans during 2015. | ||||||||||||
Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the qualified defined-benefit pension plans from the assets of those plans (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 78 | ||||||||||
2016 | 86 | |||||||||||
2017 | 93 | |||||||||||
2018 | 93 | |||||||||||
2019 | 104 | |||||||||||
2020 - 2024 | 600 | |||||||||||
Nonqualified Defined-Benefit Pension Plan | ||||||||||||
Alaska also maintains an unfunded, noncontributory defined-benefit plan for certain elected officers. This plan uses a December 31 measurement date. The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and the net period benefit cost for the nonqualified defined-benefit pension plan are similar to those used to calculate the qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The plan's unfunded status, PBO, accumulated benefit obligation is immaterial. The net pension expense in prior year and expected future expense is also immaterial. | ||||||||||||
Postretirement Medical Benefits | ||||||||||||
The Company allows certain retirees to continue their medical, dental, and vision benefits by paying all or a portion of the active employee plan premium until eligible for Medicare, currently age 65. This results in a subsidy to retirees, because the premiums received by the Company are less than the actual cost of the retirees’ claims. The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) for this subsidy is unfunded. This liability was determined using an assumed discount rate of 4.20% and 4.85% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company does not believe the U.S. Health Care Reform: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act will have a significant impact on the Company's cost for postretirement medical benefits. | ||||||||||||
During 2014, the Company made changes to the postretirement medical benefits for non-union personnel and certain labor groups to sunset the postretirement medical benefits beginning in 2015. As a result of these changes, the Company recognized a partial curtailment gain of $25 million during December 31, 2014. The curtailment gain included $5 million associated with an embedded sick leave subsidy. This subsidy was used to establish a new compensated absence liability. The net impact of the curtailment gain of $20 million is included in special items in the income statement. | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 89 | $ | 117 | ||||||||
Service cost | 3 | 5 | ||||||||||
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Curtailment gain | (25 | ) | — | |||||||||
Actuarial loss (gain) | 12 | (35 | ) | |||||||||
Benefits paid | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 81 | $ | 89 | ||||||||
Plan assets at fair value | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Employer contributions | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||
Benefits paid | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Funded status (unfunded) | $ | (81 | ) | $ | (89 | ) | ||||||
The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-current | $ | 4 | $ | 3 | ||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 77 | 86 | ||||||||||
Total liability recognized | $ | 81 | $ | 89 | ||||||||
AMOUNTS NOT YET REFLECTED IN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST AND INCLUDED IN AOCL: | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Prior service cost | $ | — | $ | 1 | ||||||||
Net gain | (32 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||||||
Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) | $ | (32 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | ||||||
The Company uses a December 31 measurement date to assess obligations associated with the subsidy of retiree medical costs. Net periodic benefit cost for the postretirement medical plans included the following components (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 3 | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | ||||||
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Curtailment gain | (25 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit (gain) cost | $ | (20 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | 10 | |||||
This is an unfunded plan. The Company expects to contribute approximately $4 million to the postretirement medical benefits plan in 2015, which is equal to the expected benefit payments. | ||||||||||||
Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the postretirement medical benefits plan (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 4 | ||||||||||
2016 | 4 | |||||||||||
2017 | 5 | |||||||||||
2018 | 5 | |||||||||||
2019 | 5 | |||||||||||
2020 - 2024 | 28 | |||||||||||
The assumed health care cost trend rates to determine the expected 2015 benefits cost are 7.7%, 7.7%, 5.0% and 4.0% for medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision costs, respectively. The assumed trend rate declines steadily through 2028 where the ultimate assumed trend rates are 4.7% for medical, prescription drugs and dental, and 4.0% for vision. | ||||||||||||
A 1% higher or lower trend rate in health care costs has the following effect on the Company’s postretirement medical plans (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Change in service and interest cost | ||||||||||||
1% higher trend rate | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | ||||||
1% lower trend rate | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation | ||||||||||||
1% higher trend rate | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | $ | 14 | ||||||
1% lower trend rate | (8 | ) | (9 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||
Defined-Contribution Plans | ||||||||||||
The defined-contribution plans are deferred compensation plans under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of these plans require Company contributions. Total expense for the defined-contribution plans was $54 million, $44 million, and $43 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||
The Company also has a noncontributory, unfunded defined-contribution plan for certain elected officers of the Company who are ineligible for the nonqualified defined-benefit pension plan. Amounts recorded as liabilities under the plan are not material to the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013. | ||||||||||||
Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits | ||||||||||||
Alaska maintains a long-term disability plan for its pilots. The long-term disability plan does not have a service requirement. Therefore, the liability is calculated based on estimated future benefit payments associated with pilots that were assumed to be disabled on a long-term basis as of December 31, 2014 and does not include any assumptions for future disability. The liability includes the discounted expected future benefit payments and medical costs. The total liability was $16 million and $12 million, which was recorded net of a prefunded trust account of $2 million and $1 million, and included in long-term other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||
Employee Incentive-Pay Plans | ||||||||||||
Alaska and Horizon have employee incentive plans that pay employees based on certain financial and operational metrics. These metrics are set and approved annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The aggregate expense under these plans in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $116 million, $105 million, and $88 million, respectively. The plans are summarized below: | ||||||||||||
• | Performance-Based Pay (PBP) is a program that rewards all employees. The program is based on four separate metrics related to Air Group profitability, safety, achievement of unit-cost goals, and employee engagement as measured by customer satisfaction. | |||||||||||
• | The Operational Performance Rewards Program entitles all Air Group employees to quarterly payouts of up to $300 per person if certain operational and customer service objectives are met. |
COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||
COMMITMENTS | NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |||||||||||||||||||
Future minimum fixed payments for commitments as of December 31, 2014 (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft Leases | Facility Leases | Aircraft Commitments | Capacity Purchase Agreements | Engine Maintenance | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 111 | $ | 95 | $ | 516 | $ | 51 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||
2016 | 102 | 93 | 496 | 56 | — | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 72 | 89 | 471 | 60 | — | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 57 | 41 | 430 | 42 | — | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 46 | 40 | 393 | 31 | — | |||||||||||||||
Thereafter | 164 | 196 | 653 | 245 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 552 | $ | 554 | $ | 2,959 | $ | 485 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||
Lease Commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2014, the Company had lease contracts for 64 aircraft, which have remaining noncancelable lease terms ranging from 2015 to 2028. Of these aircraft, 14 are subleased to a third-party carrier, and seven aircraft are E-175 regional jets, of which five aircraft will begin operations under a CPA with SkyWest during 2015. The majority of airport and terminal facilities are also leased. Rent expense was $288 million, $290 million, and $275 million, in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft Commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2014, the Company is committed to purchasing 73 B737 aircraft (36 B737-900ER aircraft and 37 B737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries in 2015 through 2022) and three Q400 aircraft, with deliveries in 2015 through 2017. In addition, the Company has options to purchase an additional 48 B737 aircraft and five Q400 aircraft, and options to increase capacity with 16 E-175 aircraft through our CPA with SkyWest. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Capacity Purchase Agreements (CPAs) | ||||||||||||||||||||
In November 2014, Alaska amended its CPA with SkyWest, which includes a 12-year lease for seven Embraer E-175s. The seven aircraft have delivery dates ranging from June 2015 to February 2016. The future minimum lease payments related to the aircraft in the amended contract are included in the aircraft leases column and the minimum lease payments associated with operating the flights are included in the capacity purchase agreements column of the commitments table. | ||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2014, Alaska had CPAs with three carriers, including the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Horizon. Horizon sells 100% of its capacity under a CPA with Alaska. In addition, Alaska has a CPA with PenAir to fly certain routes in the state of Alaska. Under these agreements, Alaska pays the carriers an amount which is based on a determination of their cost of operating those flights and other factors intended to approximate market rates for those services. Future payments (excluding Horizon) are based on 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 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||
CONTINGENCIES | Contingencies | |||||||||||||||||||
The Company is a party to routine litigation matters incidental to its business and with respect to which no material liability is expected. Management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters is not likely to materially affect the Company's financial position or results of operations. This forward-looking statement is based on management's current understanding of the relevant law and facts, and it is subject to various contingencies, including the potential costs and risks associated with litigation and the actions of arbitrators, judges and juries. |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY | NOTE 10. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock Changes | |||||||||||||||||||||
During the second quarter of 2014, shareholders voted to increase the number of authorized shares from 100 million to 200 million shares, and reduce the par value of common stock from $1 per share to $0.01 per share, and the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split by means of a stock distribution. The additional shares were distributed on July 9, 2014, to the shareholders of record on June 23, 2014. All historical share and per share information has been recast to reflect the changes in the Company's equity structure. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends | |||||||||||||||||||||
During 2014, the Board of Directors declared dividends of $0.50 per share. The Company paid dividends of $68 million to shareholders of record during 2014. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Subsequent to year-end, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on March 10, 2015 to shareholders of record as of February 24, 2015. This is a 60% increase from the most recent quarterly dividends of $0.125 per share. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock Repurchase | |||||||||||||||||||||
In May 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a $650 million share repurchase program, which does not have a set expiration date. In September 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a $250 million share repurchase program, which was completed in July 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 shares): | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||
2014 $650 million Repurchase Program | 5,497,427 | $ | 265 | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
2012 $250 million Repurchase Program | 1,819,304 | 83 | 4,984,186 | 159 | 405,020 | 8 | |||||||||||||||
2012 $50 million Repurchase Program | — | — | — | — | 2,874,202 | 50 | |||||||||||||||
2011 $50 million Repurchase Program | — | — | — | — | 92,680 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Total | 7,316,731 | $ | 348 | 4,984,186 | $ | 159 | 3,371,902 | $ | 60 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of Treasury Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||
In 2014, the Company retired 7,283,107 common shares that had been held in treasury. At December 31, 2014, the Company held 75,100 shares in treasury. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL) | |||||||||||||||||||||
AOCL consisted of the following (in millions, net of tax): | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Related to marketable securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Related to employee benefit plans | (298 | ) | (173 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Related to interest rate derivatives | (12 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
$ | (310 | ) | $ | (183 | ) |
SPECIAL_ITEMS_SPECIAL_ITEMS
SPECIAL ITEMS SPECIAL ITEMS | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
SPECIAL ITEMS [Abstract] | |
Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block] | NOTE 11. SPECIAL ITEMS |
Special Mileage Plan Revenue | |
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company modified its 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. 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 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 amount recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $192 million. | |
Also 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 of historical data, which refined its estimate of the amount of breakage in the mileage population. This new refinement 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. | |
Special Items | |
Refer to Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans for detailed information about the one-time benefit related to the curtailment of certain postretirement benefit plans. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded a one-time gain of $10 million associated with the settlement of a legal matter. |
STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS | NOTE 12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS | ||||||||||||
The table below summarizes the components of total stock-based compensation (in millions): | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Stock options | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | |||||||
Stock awards | 10 | 10 | 11 | ||||||||||
Deferred stock awards | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 16 | $ | 16 | $ | 15 | |||||||
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 5 | |||||||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards and the weighted-average period the expense will be recognized (in millions): | |||||||||||||
Amount | Weighted- | ||||||||||||
Average | |||||||||||||
Period | |||||||||||||
Stock options | $ | 2 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Stock awards | 8 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation | $ | 10 | 0.7 | ||||||||||
The Company has various equity incentive plans under which it may grant stock awards to directors, officers and employees. The Company also has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). | |||||||||||||
The Company is authorized to issue 36 million shares of common stock under these plans, of which 16,914,785 shares remain available for future grants of either options or stock awards as of December 31, 2014. | |||||||||||||
Stock Options | |||||||||||||
Stock options to purchase common stock are granted at the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. The stock options granted have terms of up to ten years. | |||||||||||||
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants: | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Expected volatility | 65 | % | 67 | % | 55 | % | |||||||
Expected term | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years | ||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.87 | % | 1.1 | % | 1.08 | % | |||||||
Expected dividend yield | 1.25 | — | — | ||||||||||
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share | $ | 21.7 | $ | 14.74 | $ | 8.62 | |||||||
Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | |||||||
The expected market price volatility is based on the historical volatility. The expected term is based on the estimated period of time until exercise based on historical experience. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected dividend yield is based on the estimated weighted average dividend yield over the expected term. The expected forfeiture rates are based on historical experience. | |||||||||||||
The tables below summarize stock option activity: | |||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- | Weighted- | Aggregate | ||||||||||
Average | Average | Intrinsic | |||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Value (in | |||||||||||
Price | Life (Years) | millions) | |||||||||||
Per Share | |||||||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2013 | 1,143,684 | $ | 14.25 | 6.6 | $ | 26 | |||||||
Granted | 143,050 | 40.01 | |||||||||||
Exercised | (573,140 | ) | 11.39 | ||||||||||
Forfeited or expired | (5,906 | ) | 38.76 | ||||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2014 | 707,688 | $ | 21.57 | 6.4 | $ | 27 | |||||||
Exercisable, December 31, 2014 | 243,726 | $ | 12.32 | 5.4 | $ | 12 | |||||||
Vested or expected to vest, December 31, 2014 | 706,748 | $ | 21.56 | 6.4 | $ | 27 | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Intrinsic value of option exercises | $ | 20 | $ | 19 | $ | 11 | |||||||
Cash received from stock option exercises | 6 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||||
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises | 7 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||
Fair value of options vested | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
Stock Awards | |||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of the vest period. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. The RSUs “cliff vest” after three years, or the period from the date of grant to the employee’s retirement eligibility, and expense is recognized accordingly. Performance Share Units (PSUs) are awarded to certain executives to receive shares of common stock if specific performance goals and market conditions are achieved. There are several tranches of PSUs which vest when performance goals and market conditions are met. | |||||||||||||
The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock awards: | |||||||||||||
Number | Weighted- | Weighted- | Aggregate | ||||||||||
of Units | Average | Average | Intrinsic | ||||||||||
Grant | Contractual | Value (in | |||||||||||
Date Fair | Life (Years) | millions) | |||||||||||
Value | |||||||||||||
Non-vested, December 31, 2013 | 1,278,430 | $ | 19.58 | 0.6 | $ | 47 | |||||||
Granted | 400,650 | 31.85 | |||||||||||
Vested | (630,390 | ) | 16.53 | ||||||||||
Forfeited | (21,300 | ) | 19.48 | ||||||||||
Non-vested, December 31, 2014 | 1,027,390 | $ | 26.19 | 0.6 | $ | 61 | |||||||
Deferred Stock Awards | |||||||||||||
Deferred Stock Units (DSUs) are awarded to members of its Board of Directors as part of their retainers. The underlying common shares are issued upon retirement from the Board, but require no future service period. As a result, the entire intrinsic value of the awards is expensed on the date of grant. | |||||||||||||
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) | |||||||||||||
The ESPP allows employees to purchase common stock at 85% of the stock price on the first day of the offering period or the specified purchase date, whichever is lower. Employees may contribute up to 10% of their base earnings during the offering period to purchase stock. Employees purchased 298,283, 171,227, and 157,373 shares in 2014, 2013, and 2012 under the ESPP. |
OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Segment Information | NOTE 13. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Air Group has two operating airlines - Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Each is a regulated airline with separate management teams. 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 - The Boeing 737 part of Alaska's business. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska Regional - Alaska's shorter distance network. 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 CPAs. Additionally, Alaska Regional includes a small allocation of corporate overhead such as IT, finance and other administrative costs incurred by Alaska and on behalf of the regional operations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon - Horizon operates regional aircraft. All of Horizon's capacity is sold to Alaska under a CPA. Expenses included those typically borne by regional airlines such as crew costs, ownership costs, and maintenance costs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 reconciling to consolidated GAAP results. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,774 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,774 | $ | — | $ | 3,774 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 805 | — | — | 805 | — | 805 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,774 | 805 | — | — | 4,579 | — | 4,579 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 371 | (371 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 109 | 5 | — | 114 | — | 114 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 592 | 78 | 5 | 675 | 675 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 4,475 | 888 | 376 | (371 | ) | 5,368 | — | 5,368 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,417 | 623 | 349 | (371 | ) | 3,018 | (30 | ) | 2,988 | |||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,251 | 190 | — | — | 1,441 | (23 | ) | 1,418 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,668 | 813 | 349 | (371 | ) | 4,459 | (53 | ) | 4,406 | |||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 20 | — | — | 1 | 21 | — | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (32 | ) | — | (12 | ) | (4 | ) | (48 | ) | — | (48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 39 | (1 | ) | 2 | — | 40 | — | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
27 | (1 | ) | (10 | ) | (3 | ) | 13 | — | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 834 | $ | 74 | $ | 17 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 922 | $ | 53 | $ | 975 | |||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,490 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,490 | $ | — | $ | 3,490 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 777 | — | — | 777 | — | 777 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,490 | 777 | — | — | 4,267 | — | 4,267 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 368 | (368 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 109 | 4 | — | 113 | — | 113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 513 | 66 | 5 | 584 | 192 | 776 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 4,112 | 847 | 373 | (368 | ) | 4,964 | 192 | 5,156 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,293 | 585 | 341 | (368 | ) | 2,851 | — | 2,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,294 | 181 | — | — | 1,475 | (8 | ) | 1,467 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,587 | 766 | 341 | (368 | ) | 4,326 | (8 | ) | 4,318 | |||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 18 | — | — | — | 18 | — | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (38 | ) | — | (14 | ) | (4 | ) | (56 | ) | — | (56 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 25 | (12 | ) | 2 | 1 | 16 | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | (3 | ) | (22 | ) | — | (22 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 530 | $ | 69 | $ | 20 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 616 | $ | 200 | $ | 816 | |||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,284 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,284 | $ | — | $ | 3,284 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 746 | — | — | 746 | — | 746 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,284 | 746 | — | — | 4,030 | — | 4,030 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 369 | (369 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 107 | 4 | — | — | 111 | — | 111 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 448 | 61 | 7 | — | 516 | — | 516 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 3,839 | 811 | 376 | (369 | ) | 4,657 | — | 4,657 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,131 | 566 | 338 | (369 | ) | 2,666 | — | 2,666 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,238 | 183 | — | — | 1,421 | 38 | 1,459 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,369 | 749 | 338 | (369 | ) | 4,087 | 38 | 4,125 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 19 | — | — | — | 19 | — | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (47 | ) | — | (16 | ) | (1 | ) | (64 | ) | — | (64 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 24 | — | 2 | 1 | 27 | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(4 | ) | — | (14 | ) | — | (18 | ) | — | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 466 | $ | 62 | $ | 24 | $ | — | $ | 552 | $ | (38 | ) | $ | 514 | |||||||||||||
(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 income and charges. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(b) | Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges, non-cash curtailment gain, and a one-time gain related to a legal matter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 243 | 223 | $ | 217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 51 | 47 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent company | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 294 | $ | 270 | $ | 264 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 659 | $ | 494 | $ | 477 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 35 | 72 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 694 | $ | 566 | $ | 518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets at end of period: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 6,772 | $ | 5,832 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 818 | 840 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent company | 3,552 | 2,762 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elimination of inter-company accounts | (4,961 | ) | (3,596 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 6,181 | $ | 5,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | There are no depreciation expenses, capital expenditures or assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska Regional. |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI1
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (POLICIES) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Organization and Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Organization and Basis of Presentation | |
The 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 significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and their preparation requires the use of management’s estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. | ||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents | |
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, such as money market funds, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. They are carried at cost, which approximates market value. The Company reduces cash balances when funds are disbursed. Due to the time delay in funds clearing the banks, the Company normally maintains a negative balance in its cash disbursement accounts, which is reported as a current liability. The amount of the negative cash balance was $7 million and $11 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in accounts payable, with the change in the balance during the year included in other financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. | ||
The Company has restricted cash balances primarily used to guarantee various letters of credit, self-insurance programs, or other contractual rights. Restricted cash consists of highly liquid securities with original maturities of three months or less. They are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. | ||
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Marketable Securities | |
Investments with original maturities of greater than three months and remaining maturities of less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities beyond one year may be classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. All cash equivalents and short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and realized gains and losses are recorded using the specific identification method. Changes in market value, excluding other-than-temporary impairments, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL). | ||
Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other-than-temporary. The Company uses a systematic methodology that considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, management evaluates, among other factors, general market conditions, credit quality of debt instrument issuers, the duration and extent to which the fair value is less than cost, our intent and ability to hold, or plans to sell, the investment. Once a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge is recorded to Other-net in the consolidated statements of operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established. | ||
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Receivables | |
Receivables are due on demand and consist primarily of airline traffic (including credit card) receivables, Mileage Plan™ partners, amounts due from other airlines related to interline agreements, government tax authorities, and other miscellaneous amounts due to the Company, and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on known troubled accounts and historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. | ||
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories and Supplies—net | |
Expendable aircraft parts, materials and supplies are stated at average cost and are included in inventories and supplies—net. An obsolescence allowance for expendable parts is accrued based on estimated lives of the corresponding fleet type and salvage values. The allowance for all non-surplus expendable inventories was $34 million and $30 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Inventory and supplies—net also includes fuel inventory of $21 million and $23 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Repairable and rotable aircraft parts inventories are included in flight equipment. | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property, Equipment and Depreciation | |
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: | ||
Aircraft and related flight equipment: | ||
Boeing 737 aircraft | 20 years | |
Bombardier Q400 | 15 years | |
Buildings | 25-30 years | |
Minor building and land improvements | 10 years | |
Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements | Shorter of lease term or | |
estimated useful life | ||
Computer hardware and software | 3-5 years | |
Other furniture and equipment | 5-10 years | |
Salvage values used for aircraft are 10% of the fair value, but as aircraft near the end of their useful lives, we update the salvage value estimates based on current market conditions and expected use of the aircraft. “Related flight equipment” includes rotable and repairable spare inventories, which are depreciated over the associated fleet life unless otherwise noted. | ||
Capitalized interest is based on the Company’s weighted-average borrowing rate, is added to the cost of the related asset, and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. | ||
Maintenance and repairs, other than engine maintenance on some B737-700 and -900 engines, are expensed when incurred. Major modifications that extend the life or improve the usefulness of aircraft are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated period of use. Maintenance on some B737-700 and -900 engines is covered under power-by-the-hour agreements with third parties, whereby the Company pays a determinable amount, and transfers risk, to a third party. The Company expenses the contract amounts based on engine usage. | ||
The Company evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the total carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. The Company groups assets for purposes of such reviews at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows of the asset group are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is considered when estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. If the asset or asset group is not considered recoverable, a write-down equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value will be recorded. | ||
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Internally Used Software Costs | |
The Company capitalizes costs to develop internal-use software that are incurred in the application development stage. Amortization commences when the software is ready for its intended use and the amortization period is the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years. Capitalized costs primarily include contract labor and payroll costs of the individuals dedicated to the development of internal-use software. | ||
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] | Deferred Revenue | |
Deferred revenue results primarily from the sale of Mileage Plan™ miles to third-parties. This revenue is recognized when award transportation is provided or over the term of the applicable agreement. | ||
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Operating Leases | |
The Company leases aircraft, airport and terminal facilities, office space, and other equipment under operating leases. Some of these lease agreements contain rent escalation clauses or rent holidays. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||
Leased Aircraft Return Costs [Policy Text Block] | Leased Aircraft Return Costs | |
Cash payments associated with returning leased aircraft are accrued when it is probable that a cash payment will be made and that amount is reasonably estimable. Any accrual is based on the time remaining on the lease, planned aircraft usage and the provisions included in the lease agreement, although the actual amount due to any lessor upon return will not be known with certainty until lease termination. | ||
As leased aircraft are returned, any payments are charged against the established accrual. The accrual is part of other current and long-term liabilities, and was $1 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. | ||
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition | |
Passenger revenue is recognized when the passenger travels. Tickets sold but not yet used are reported as air traffic liability until travel or date of expiration. Air traffic liability includes approximately $33 million and $26 million related to travel credits for future travel, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These credits are recognized into revenue either when the passenger travels or the date of expiration, which is twelve months from issuance. Commissions to travel agents and related fees are expensed when the related revenue is recognized. Passenger traffic commissions and related fees not yet recognized are included as a prepaid expense. Taxes collected from passengers, including transportation excise taxes, airport and security fees and other fees, are recorded on a net basis within passenger revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. Due to complex pricing structures, refund and exchange policies, and interline agreements with other airlines, certain amounts are recognized as revenue using estimates regarding both the timing of the revenue recognition and the amount of revenue to be recognized. These estimates are based on the Company’s historical data. | ||
Freight and mail revenues are recognized when service is provided. | ||
Other - net revenues are primarily related to the Mileage Plan™ and they are recognized as described in the “Mileage Plan” paragraph below. Other - net also includes certain ancillary or non-ticket revenues, such as checked-bag fees, reservations fees, ticket change fees, on-board food and beverage sales, and to a much lesser extent commissions from car and hotel vendors, and from the sales of travel insurance. These items are recognized as revenue when the related services are provided. Boardroom (airport lounge) memberships are recognized as revenue over the membership period. | ||
Frequent Flier Program, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Mileage Plan | |
Alaska operates a frequent flier program (“Mileage Plan™”) that provides travel awards to members based on accumulated mileage. For miles earned by flying on Alaska or Horizon and through airline partners, the estimated cost of providing award travel is recognized as a selling expense and accrued as a liability as miles are earned and accumulated. | ||
Alaska also sells services, including miles for transportation, to non-airline partners, such as hotels, car rental agencies, and a major bank that offers Alaska Airlines affinity credit cards. The Company defers passenger revenue related to air transportation and certificates for discounted companion travel until the transportation is delivered. The deferred proceeds are recognized as passenger revenue for awards redeemed and flown on Alaska or Horizon, and as Other-net revenue for awards redeemed and flown on other airlines (less the cost paid to the other airlines based on contractual agreements). For the elements that represent use of the Alaska Airlines brand and access to frequent flier member lists and advertising, it is recognized as commission income in the period that those elements are sold and included in Other - net revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] | Selling Expenses | |
Selling expenses include credit card fees, global distribution systems charges, the estimated cost of Mileage Plan™ travel awards earned through air travel, advertising, promotional costs, commissions, and incentives. Advertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. | ||
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Derivative Financial Instruments | |
The Company's operations are significantly impacted by changes in aircraft fuel prices and interest rates. In an effort to manage our exposure to these risks, the Company periodically enters into fuel and interest rate derivative instruments. These derivative instruments are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet and changes in the fair value is recognized in AOCL or in the consolidated statements of operations, depending on the nature of the instrument. | ||
The Company does not hold or issue derivative fuel hedge contracts for trading purposes and does not apply hedge accounting. For cash flow hedges related to our interest rate swaps, the effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in the fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in interest expense. | ||
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value Measurements | |
Accounting standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standards also establish a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: | ||
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. | ||
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. | ||
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. | ||
The Company has elected not to use the Fair Value Option for non-financial instruments, and accordingly those assets and liabilities are carried at amortized cost. For financial instruments, those assets and liabilities are carried at fair value and are determined based on the market approach or income approach depending upon the level of inputs used. | ||
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes | |
The Company uses the asset and liability approach for accounting and reporting income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance would be established, if necessary, for the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence, are not expected to be realized. The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the accounting standards. | ||
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation | |
Accounting standards require companies to recognize as expense the fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees as of the grant date. These standards apply to all stock awards that the Company grants to employees as well as the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which features a look-back provision and allows employees to purchase stock at a 15% discount. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded in wages and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations. | ||
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] | 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. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, antidilutive stock options excluded from the calculation of EPS were not material. | ||
New Accounting Pronouncements, 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. |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI2
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] | Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives less an estimated salvage value, which are as follows: | |||||||||||
Aircraft and related flight equipment: | ||||||||||||
Boeing 737 aircraft | 20 years | |||||||||||
Bombardier Q400 | 15 years | |||||||||||
Buildings | 25-30 years | |||||||||||
Minor building and land improvements | 10 years | |||||||||||
Capitalized leases and leasehold improvements | Shorter of lease term or | |||||||||||
estimated useful life | ||||||||||||
Computer hardware and software | 3-5 years | |||||||||||
Other furniture and equipment | 5-10 years | |||||||||||
Salvage values used for aircraft are 10% of the fair value, but as aircraft near the end of their useful lives, we update the salvage value estimates based on current market conditions and expected use of the aircraft. “Related flight equipment” includes rotable and repairable spare inventories, which are depreciated over the associated fleet life unless otherwise noted. | ||||||||||||
Liabilities from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] | Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ deferred revenue and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Current Liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | $ | 343 | $ | 314 | ||||||||
Other Liabilities and Credits: | ||||||||||||
Deferred revenue | 367 | 323 | ||||||||||
Other liabilities | 20 | 19 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 730 | $ | 656 | ||||||||
Revenue from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] | Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ revenue included in the consolidated statements of operations (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Passenger revenues | $ | 246 | $ | 208 | $ | 183 | ||||||
Other-net revenues | 295 | 256 | 209 | |||||||||
Special mileage plan revenue(a) | — | 192 | — | |||||||||
Total Mileage Plan revenues | $ | 541 | $ | 656 | $ | 392 | ||||||
CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK1
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 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): | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 4 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4 | ||||||||
Cash equivalents | 103 | — | — | 103 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 107 | — | — | 107 | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency securities | 166 | — | — | 166 | ||||||||||||
Foreign government bonds | 25 | — | — | 25 | ||||||||||||
Asset-backed securities | 130 | — | — | 130 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 127 | — | (1 | ) | 126 | |||||||||||
Corporate notes and bonds | 644 | 3 | (2 | ) | 645 | |||||||||||
Municipal securities | 18 | — | — | 18 | ||||||||||||
Marketable securities | 1,110 | 3 | (3 | ) | 1,110 | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,217 | $ | 3 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 1,217 | |||||||
December 31, 2013 | Cost Basis | Unrealized Gains | Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
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): | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sales and maturities | $ | 1,092 | $ | 1,089 | $ | 1,048 | ||||||||||
Gross realized gains | 4 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||||||
Gross realized losses | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||||
Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table Text Block] | Maturities for marketable securities (in millions): | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Cost Basis | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 141 | $ | 140 | ||||||||||||
Due after one year through five years | 958 | 959 | ||||||||||||||
Due after five years through 10 years | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||||||
Due after 10 years | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,110 | $ | 1,110 | ||||||||||||
DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_TABLES
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 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): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts, current assets | $ | 3 | $ | 12 | ||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts, noncurrent assets | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | (6 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||
Other liabilities | (13 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||||
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) | (19 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] | Pretax effect of derivative instruments on earnings and AOCL (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense | $ | (18 | ) | $ | (44 | ) | $ | (62 | ) | |||
Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft rent | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||
Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) | (8 | ) | 10 | (10 | ) | |||||||
FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_TABLES
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] | Fair values of financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheet (in millions): | |||||||||||
December 31, 2014 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | |||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Marketable securities | ||||||||||||
U.S. government and agency securities | $ | 166 | $ | — | $ | 166 | ||||||
Foreign government bonds | — | 25 | 25 | |||||||||
Asset-backed securities | — | 130 | 130 | |||||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | — | 126 | 126 | |||||||||
Corporate notes and bonds | — | 645 | 645 | |||||||||
Municipal securities | — | 18 | 18 | |||||||||
Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | ||||||||||||
Call options | — | 7 | 7 | |||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swap agreements | — | (19 | ) | (19 | ) | |||||||
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 contracts | ||||||||||||
Call options | — | 16 | 16 | |||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | ||||||||||||
Interest rate swap agreements | — | (17 | ) | (17 | ) | |||||||
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): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Carrying Amount | $ | 614 | $ | 703 | ||||||||
Fair value | 666 | 762 | ||||||||||
LONGTERM_DEBT_TABLES
LONG-TERM DEBT (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] | Long-term debt obligations (in millions): | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 | $ | 614 | $ | 703 | ||||
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 | 189 | 168 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 803 | 871 | ||||||
Less current portion | 117 | 117 | ||||||
$ | 686 | $ | 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] | ong-term debt principal payments for the next five years and thereafter (in millions): | |||||||
Total | ||||||||
2015 | $ | 117 | ||||||
2016 | 115 | |||||||
2017 | 121 | |||||||
2018 | 151 | |||||||
2019 | 114 | |||||||
Thereafter | 185 | |||||||
Total principal payments | $ | 803 | ||||||
INCOME_TAXES_TABLES
INCOME TAXES (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] | Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Excess of tax over book depreciation | $ | 1,042 | $ | 919 | ||||||||
Other—net | 22 | 21 | ||||||||||
Gross deferred tax liabilities | 1,064 | 940 | ||||||||||
Mileage Plan | (206 | ) | (185 | ) | ||||||||
Inventory obsolescence | (20 | ) | (18 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred gains | (10 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||
Employee benefits | (166 | ) | (85 | ) | ||||||||
Fuel hedge contracts | (5 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||||
Other—net | (24 | ) | (30 | ) | ||||||||
Gross deferred tax assets | (431 | ) | (344 | ) | ||||||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | 633 | 596 | ||||||||||
Current deferred tax asset | (117 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||||||
Noncurrent deferred tax liability | 750 | 709 | ||||||||||
Net deferred tax liability | $ | 633 | $ | 596 | ||||||||
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] | The components of income tax expense were as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense: | ||||||||||||
Federal | $ | 229 | 145 | $ | 83 | |||||||
State | 27 | 17 | 11 | |||||||||
Total current | 256 | 162 | 94 | |||||||||
Deferred tax expense: | ||||||||||||
Federal | 103 | 131 | 94 | |||||||||
State | 11 | 15 | 10 | |||||||||
Total deferred | 114 | 146 | 104 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 370 | $ | 308 | $ | 198 | ||||||
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] | Income tax expense reconciles to the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal rate of 35% to income before income tax and accounting change as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Income before income tax | $ | 975 | $ | 816 | $ | 514 | ||||||
Expected tax expense | 341 | 286 | 180 | |||||||||
Nondeductible expenses | 4 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||
State income taxes | 25 | 21 | 14 | |||||||||
Other—net | — | (3 | ) | 1 | ||||||||
Actual tax expense | $ | 370 | $ | 308 | $ | 198 | ||||||
Effective tax rate | 37.9 | % | 37.7 | % | 38.5 | % | ||||||
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] | A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows: | |||||||||||
Jurisdiction | Period | |||||||||||
Federal | 2011 to 2013 | |||||||||||
Alaska | 2011 to 2013 | |||||||||||
California | 2010 to 2013 | |||||||||||
Oregon | 2007 to 2013 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_TABLES
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | ||||||||||||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] | Plan asset by fund category and fair value hierarchy level (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Level | ||||||||||
Fund type: | ||||||||||||
Money market fund | $ | — | $ | 45 | 1 | |||||||
U.S. equity market fund | 634 | 684 | 2 | |||||||||
Non-U.S. equity fund | 272 | 301 | 2 | |||||||||
Credit bond index fund | 190 | 127 | 2 | |||||||||
Government/credit bond index fund | 821 | 612 | 2 | |||||||||
Plan assets | $ | 1,917 | $ | 1,769 | ||||||||
The asset allocation of the funds in the qualified defined-benefit plans, by asset category, is as follows: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Asset category: | ||||||||||||
Money market fund | — | % | 3 | % | ||||||||
Domestic equity securities | 33 | % | 39 | % | ||||||||
Non-U.S. equity securities | 14 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||
Fixed income securities | 53 | % | 41 | % | ||||||||
Plan assets | 100 | % | 100 | % | ||||||||
Target allocations for the primary asset classes based on current funded status are approximately: | ||||||||||||
Domestic equities: | 27% - 38% | |||||||||||
Non-U.S. equities: | 11% - 19% | |||||||||||
Fixed income: | 48% - 58% | |||||||||||
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] | The following table sets forth the status of the qualified defined-benefit pension plans (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation (PBO) | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 1,709 | $ | 1,873 | ||||||||
Service cost | 33 | 46 | ||||||||||
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | ||||||||||
Plan settlement | — | — | ||||||||||
Actuarial (gain) loss | 298 | (226 | ) | |||||||||
Benefits paid | (71 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 2,050 | $ | 1,709 | ||||||||
Plan assets at fair value | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 1,769 | $ | 1,538 | ||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 219 | 205 | ||||||||||
Employer contributions | — | 83 | ||||||||||
Plan settlements | — | — | ||||||||||
Benefits paid | (71 | ) | (57 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 1,917 | $ | 1,769 | ||||||||
Funded status (unfunded) | $ | (133 | ) | $ | 60 | |||||||
Percent funded | 94 | % | 104 | % | ||||||||
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] | The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Plan assets-long term (within long term Other Assets) | $ | — | $ | 60 | ||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 133 | — | ||||||||||
Total liability recognized | $ | 133 | $ | — | ||||||||
The amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Prior service credit | $ | (12 | ) | $ | (14 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | 514 | 331 | ||||||||||
Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) | $ | 502 | $ | 317 | ||||||||
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | Net pension expense for the qualified defined-benefit plans included the following components (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 33 | $ | 46 | $ | 38 | ||||||
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | 73 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (117 | ) | (111 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Recognized actuarial loss | 13 | 43 | 40 | |||||||||
Net pension expense | $ | 9 | $ | 50 | $ | 57 | ||||||
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] | Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the qualified defined-benefit pension plans from the assets of those plans (in millions): | |||||||||||
2015 | $ | 78 | ||||||||||
2016 | 86 | |||||||||||
2017 | 93 | |||||||||||
2018 | 93 | |||||||||||
2019 | 104 | |||||||||||
2020 - 2024 | 600 | |||||||||||
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | ||||||||||||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ||||||||||||
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] | The Company does not believe the U.S. Health Care Reform: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act will have a significant impact on the Company's cost for postretirement medical benefits. | |||||||||||
During 2014, the Company made changes to the postretirement medical benefits for non-union personnel and certain labor groups to sunset the postretirement medical benefits beginning in 2015. As a result of these changes, the Company recognized a partial curtailment gain of $25 million during December 31, 2014. The curtailment gain included $5 million associated with an embedded sick leave subsidy. This subsidy was used to establish a new compensated absence liability. The net impact of the curtailment gain of $20 million is included in special items in the income statement. | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | 89 | $ | 117 | ||||||||
Service cost | 3 | 5 | ||||||||||
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||
Curtailment gain | (25 | ) | — | |||||||||
Actuarial loss (gain) | 12 | (35 | ) | |||||||||
Benefits paid | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | 81 | $ | 89 | ||||||||
Plan assets at fair value | ||||||||||||
Beginning of year | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Employer contributions | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||
Benefits paid | (2 | ) | (2 | ) | ||||||||
End of year | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Funded status (unfunded) | $ | (81 | ) | $ | (89 | ) | ||||||
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] | The amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-current | $ | 4 | $ | 3 | ||||||||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 77 | 86 | ||||||||||
Total liability recognized | $ | 81 | $ | 89 | ||||||||
AMOUNTS NOT YET REFLECTED IN NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST AND INCLUDED IN AOCL: | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||
Prior service cost | $ | — | $ | 1 | ||||||||
Net gain | (32 | ) | (48 | ) | ||||||||
Amount recognized in AOCL (pretax) | $ | (32 | ) | $ | (47 | ) | ||||||
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] | Net periodic benefit cost for the postretirement medical plans included the following components (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 3 | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | ||||||
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | (3 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Curtailment gain | (25 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit (gain) cost | $ | (20 | ) | $ | 8 | $ | 10 | |||||
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] | Future benefits expected to be paid over the next ten years under the postretirement medical benefits plan (in millions): | |||||||||||
2015 | $ | 4 | ||||||||||
2016 | 4 | |||||||||||
2017 | 5 | |||||||||||
2018 | 5 | |||||||||||
2019 | 5 | |||||||||||
2020 - 2024 | 28 | |||||||||||
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] | A 1% higher or lower trend rate in health care costs has the following effect on the Company’s postretirement medical plans (in millions): | |||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Change in service and interest cost | ||||||||||||
1% higher trend rate | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 2 | ||||||
1% lower trend rate | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||
Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation | ||||||||||||
1% higher trend rate | $ | 9 | $ | 10 | $ | 14 | ||||||
1% lower trend rate | (8 | ) | (9 | ) | (12 | ) |
COMMITMENTS_TABLES
COMMITMENTS (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 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 as of December 31, 2014 (in millions): | |||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft Leases | Facility Leases | Aircraft Commitments | Capacity Purchase Agreements | Engine Maintenance | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 111 | $ | 95 | $ | 516 | $ | 51 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||
2016 | 102 | 93 | 496 | 56 | — | |||||||||||||||
2017 | 72 | 89 | 471 | 60 | — | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 57 | 41 | 430 | 42 | — | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 46 | 40 | 393 | 31 | — | |||||||||||||||
Thereafter | 164 | 196 | 653 | 245 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 552 | $ | 554 | $ | 2,959 | $ | 485 | $ | 10 | ||||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_TABLES
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block] | Share repurchase activity (in millions, except shares): | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||
2014 $650 million Repurchase Program | 5,497,427 | $ | 265 | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
2012 $250 million Repurchase Program | 1,819,304 | 83 | 4,984,186 | 159 | 405,020 | 8 | |||||||||||||||
2012 $50 million Repurchase Program | — | — | — | — | 2,874,202 | 50 | |||||||||||||||
2011 $50 million Repurchase Program | — | — | — | — | 92,680 | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Total | 7,316,731 | $ | 348 | 4,984,186 | $ | 159 | 3,371,902 | $ | 60 | ||||||||||||
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] | AOCL consisted of the following (in millions, net of tax): | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Related to marketable securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Related to employee benefit plans | (298 | ) | (173 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Related to interest rate derivatives | (12 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
$ | (310 | ) | $ | (183 | ) |
STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] | The table below summarizes the components of total stock-based compensation (in millions): | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Stock options | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | |||||||
Stock awards | 10 | 10 | 11 | ||||||||||
Deferred stock awards | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||
Employee stock purchase plan | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 16 | $ | 16 | $ | 15 | |||||||
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | $ | 5 | |||||||
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] | Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards and the weighted-average period the expense will be recognized (in millions): | ||||||||||||
Amount | Weighted- | ||||||||||||
Average | |||||||||||||
Period | |||||||||||||
Stock options | $ | 2 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Stock awards | 8 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation | $ | 10 | 0.7 | ||||||||||
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] | The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants: | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Expected volatility | 65 | % | 67 | % | 55 | % | |||||||
Expected term | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years | ||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 1.87 | % | 1.1 | % | 1.08 | % | |||||||
Expected dividend yield | 1.25 | — | — | ||||||||||
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share | $ | 21.7 | $ | 14.74 | $ | 8.62 | |||||||
Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) | $ | 3 | $ | 3 | $ | 2 | |||||||
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] | The tables below summarize stock option activity: | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- | Weighted- | Aggregate | ||||||||||
Average | Average | Intrinsic | |||||||||||
Exercise | Contractual | Value (in | |||||||||||
Price | Life (Years) | millions) | |||||||||||
Per Share | |||||||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2013 | 1,143,684 | $ | 14.25 | 6.6 | $ | 26 | |||||||
Granted | 143,050 | 40.01 | |||||||||||
Exercised | (573,140 | ) | 11.39 | ||||||||||
Forfeited or expired | (5,906 | ) | 38.76 | ||||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2014 | 707,688 | $ | 21.57 | 6.4 | $ | 27 | |||||||
Exercisable, December 31, 2014 | 243,726 | $ | 12.32 | 5.4 | $ | 12 | |||||||
Vested or expected to vest, December 31, 2014 | 706,748 | $ | 21.56 | 6.4 | $ | 27 | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Intrinsic value of option exercises | $ | 20 | $ | 19 | $ | 11 | |||||||
Cash received from stock option exercises | 6 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||||
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises | 7 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||
Fair value of options vested | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] | The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock awards: | ||||||||||||
Number | Weighted- | Weighted- | Aggregate | ||||||||||
of Units | Average | Average | Intrinsic | ||||||||||
Grant | Contractual | Value (in | |||||||||||
Date Fair | Life (Years) | millions) | |||||||||||
Value | |||||||||||||
Non-vested, December 31, 2013 | 1,278,430 | $ | 19.58 | 0.6 | $ | 47 | |||||||
Granted | 400,650 | 31.85 | |||||||||||
Vested | (630,390 | ) | 16.53 | ||||||||||
Forfeited | (21,300 | ) | 19.48 | ||||||||||
Non-vested, December 31, 2014 | 1,027,390 | $ | 26.19 | 0.6 | $ | 61 | |||||||
OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (TABLES) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] | Operating segment information is as follows (in millions): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,774 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,774 | $ | — | $ | 3,774 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 805 | — | — | 805 | — | 805 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,774 | 805 | — | — | 4,579 | — | 4,579 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 371 | (371 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 109 | 5 | — | 114 | — | 114 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 592 | 78 | 5 | 675 | 675 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 4,475 | 888 | 376 | (371 | ) | 5,368 | — | 5,368 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,417 | 623 | 349 | (371 | ) | 3,018 | (30 | ) | 2,988 | |||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,251 | 190 | — | — | 1,441 | (23 | ) | 1,418 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,668 | 813 | 349 | (371 | ) | 4,459 | (53 | ) | 4,406 | |||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 20 | — | — | 1 | 21 | — | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (32 | ) | — | (12 | ) | (4 | ) | (48 | ) | — | (48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 39 | (1 | ) | 2 | — | 40 | — | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
27 | (1 | ) | (10 | ) | (3 | ) | 13 | — | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 834 | $ | 74 | $ | 17 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 922 | $ | 53 | $ | 975 | |||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2013 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,490 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,490 | $ | — | $ | 3,490 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 777 | — | — | 777 | — | 777 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,490 | 777 | — | — | 4,267 | — | 4,267 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 368 | (368 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 109 | 4 | — | 113 | — | 113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 513 | 66 | 5 | 584 | 192 | 776 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 4,112 | 847 | 373 | (368 | ) | 4,964 | 192 | 5,156 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,293 | 585 | 341 | (368 | ) | 2,851 | — | 2,851 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,294 | 181 | — | — | 1,475 | (8 | ) | 1,467 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,587 | 766 | 341 | (368 | ) | 4,326 | (8 | ) | 4,318 | |||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 18 | — | — | — | 18 | — | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (38 | ) | — | (14 | ) | (4 | ) | (56 | ) | — | (56 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 25 | (12 | ) | 2 | 1 | 16 | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||
5 | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | (3 | ) | (22 | ) | — | (22 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 530 | $ | 69 | $ | 20 | $ | (3 | ) | $ | 616 | $ | 200 | $ | 816 | |||||||||||||
Alaska | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2012 | Mainline | Regional | Horizon | Consolidating | Air Group Adjusted(a) | Special Items(b) | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline | $ | 3,284 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,284 | $ | — | $ | 3,284 | ||||||||||||||
Regional | — | 746 | — | — | 746 | — | 746 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenues | 3,284 | 746 | — | — | 4,030 | — | 4,030 | |||||||||||||||||||||
CPA revenues | — | — | 369 | (369 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Freight and mail | 107 | 4 | — | — | 111 | — | 111 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other-net | 448 | 61 | 7 | — | 516 | — | 516 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 3,839 | 811 | 376 | (369 | ) | 4,657 | — | 4,657 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,131 | 566 | 338 | (369 | ) | 2,666 | — | 2,666 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Economic fuel | 1,238 | 183 | — | — | 1,421 | 38 | 1,459 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,369 | 749 | 338 | (369 | ) | 4,087 | 38 | 4,125 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 19 | — | — | — | 19 | — | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (47 | ) | — | (16 | ) | (1 | ) | (64 | ) | — | (64 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 24 | — | 2 | 1 | 27 | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(4 | ) | — | (14 | ) | — | (18 | ) | — | (18 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | 466 | $ | 62 | $ | 24 | $ | — | $ | 552 | $ | (38 | ) | $ | 514 | |||||||||||||
(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 income and charges. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(b) | Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges, non-cash curtailment gain, and a one-time gain related to a legal matter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 243 | 223 | $ | 217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 51 | 47 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent company | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 294 | $ | 270 | $ | 264 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 659 | $ | 494 | $ | 477 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 35 | 72 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 694 | $ | 566 | $ | 518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets at end of period: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alaska(a) | $ | 6,772 | $ | 5,832 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Horizon | 818 | 840 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent company | 3,552 | 2,762 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elimination of inter-company accounts | (4,961 | ) | (3,596 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 6,181 | $ | 5,838 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | There are no depreciation expenses, capital expenditures or assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska Regional. |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI3
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Negative cash balance | $7 | $11 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI4
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - INVENTORIES AND SUPPLIES - NET (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Allowance for all non-surplus expendable inventories | $34 | $30 |
Fuel inventory | $21 | $23 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI5
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND DEPRECIATION (DETAILS) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 30 years |
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 25 years |
Minor building and land improvements [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 10 years |
Computer hardware and software [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 5 years |
Computer hardware and software [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 3 years |
Other furniture and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 10 years |
Other furniture and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 5 years |
B737 | Aircraft [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 20 years |
Q400 [Member] | Aircraft [Member] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Estimated useful life | 15 years |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI6
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - LEASED AIRCRAFT RETURN COSTS (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Leased aircraft return costs | $1 | $15 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI7
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - REVENUE RECOGNITION (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ||
Travel credits for future travel | $33 | $26 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI8
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - MILEAGE PLAN (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Mileage Plan [Line Items] | |||
Other accrued liabilities | $629 | $624 | |
Other liabilities | 327 | 308 | |
Deferred revenue | 374 | 335 | |
Deferred revenue from Mileage Plan awards issued but not yet flown | 33 | 31 | |
Passenger revenues | 4,579 | 4,267 | 4,030 |
Other-net revenues | 675 | 584 | 516 |
Special Revenue | 0 | 192 | 0 |
Total Operating Revenues | 5,368 | 5,156 | 4,657 |
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member] | |||
Mileage Plan [Line Items] | |||
Passenger revenues | 246 | 208 | 183 |
Other-net revenues | 295 | 256 | 209 |
Special Revenue | 0 | 192 | 0 |
Total Operating Revenues | 541 | 656 | 392 |
Commission revenue | 261 | 213 | 143 |
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member] | |||
Mileage Plan [Line Items] | |||
Other accrued liabilities | 343 | 314 | |
Other liabilities | 20 | 19 | |
Deferred revenue | 367 | 323 | |
Liabilities | $730 | $656 |
GENERAL_AND_SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFI9
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - SELLING EXPENSES (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||
Advertising expense | $49 | $28 | $26 |
Recovered_Sheet1
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (DETAILS) (Employee stock purchase plan [Member]) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2014 | |
Employee stock purchase plan [Member] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date | 15.00% |
CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK2
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | ||||
Cash | $4 | $9 | ||
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value | 103 | 71 | ||
Cash equivalents | 103 | 71 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 107 | 80 | 122 | 102 |
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 1,110 | 1,250 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 3 | 6 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | -3 | -6 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 1,110 | 1,250 | ||
Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis | 1,217 | 1,330 | ||
Total cash and marketable securities | 1,217 | 1,330 | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract] | ||||
Proceeds from sales and maturities | 1,092 | 1,089 | 1,048 | |
Gross realized gains | 4 | 4 | 9 | |
Gross realized losses | -2 | -2 | -2 | |
U.S. government and agency securities | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 166 | 295 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 0 | 1 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | 0 | -2 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 166 | 294 | ||
Foreign government bonds | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 25 | 11 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 25 | 11 | ||
Asset-backed securities | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 130 | 146 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 130 | 146 | ||
Mortgage-backed securities | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 127 | 144 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 0 | 1 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | -1 | -2 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 126 | 143 | ||
Corporate notes and bonds | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 644 | 628 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 3 | 4 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | -2 | -2 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 645 | 630 | ||
Municipal securities | ||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] | ||||
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 18 | 26 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses | 0 | 0 | ||
Marketable securities, Fair Value | $18 | $26 |
CASH_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_MARK3
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Cost Basis [Abstract] | ||
Due in one year or less | $141 | |
Due after one year through five years | 958 | |
Due after five years through 10 years | 10 | |
Marketable securities, Cost Basis | 1,110 | 1,250 |
Fair Value [Abstract] | ||
Due in one year or less | 140 | |
Due after one year through five years | 959 | |
Due after five years through 10 years | 10 | |
Marketable securities, Fair Value | 1,110 | 1,250 |
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value | $1 | $1 |
DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_BALANCE
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | |||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ($310) | ($183) | |
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash | 3 | 7 | 15 |
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel Hedge Contracts, Current [Member] | |||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Assets, Current | 3 | 12 | |
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] | Fuel Hedge Contracts, Noncurrent [Member] | |||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent | 4 | 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 | -13 | -10 | |
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | |||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $19 | $17 |
DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_INCOME_
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - INCOME STATEMENT (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Derivative Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss To Be Reclassified Within Next Twelve Months | $6 | ||
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] | |||
Losses recognized in income | -18 | -44 | -62 |
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] | Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | |||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss | -8 | 10 | -10 |
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] | |||
Losses recognized in income | ($6) | ($6) | ($6) |
DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_FAIR_VA
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF HEDGE POSITIONS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Net cash received (paid) to for new positions and settlements | ($9) | $5 | ($19) |
B737-800 [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Capital Leased Assets, Number of B737-800 Aircraft | 6 | ||
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Fuel hedge contracts outstanding (in gallons) | 246,000,000 |
FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_FAIR_V
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | $1,110 | $1,250 |
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Derivative instruments, assets | 7 | 16 |
Fuel hedge contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [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] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Derivative instruments, assets | 7 | 16 |
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Derivative instruments, liabilities | -19 | -17 |
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [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] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Derivative instruments, liabilities | -19 | -17 |
U.S. government and agency securities | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 166 | 294 |
U.S. government and agency securities | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 166 | 294 |
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 166 | |
Marketable securities | 294 | |
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Foreign government bonds | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 25 | 11 |
Foreign government bonds | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 25 | 11 |
Foreign government bonds | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Foreign government bonds | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 25 | 11 |
Asset-backed securities | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 130 | 146 |
Asset-backed securities | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 130 | 146 |
Asset-backed securities | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Asset-backed securities | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 130 | 146 |
Mortgage-backed securities | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 126 | 143 |
Mortgage-backed securities | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 126 | 143 |
Mortgage-backed securities | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Mortgage-backed securities | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 126 | 143 |
Corporate notes and bonds | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 645 | 630 |
Corporate notes and bonds | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 645 | 630 |
Corporate notes and bonds | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Corporate notes and bonds | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 645 | 630 |
Municipal securities | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Available-for-sale Securities, Current | 18 | 26 |
Municipal securities | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 18 | 26 |
Municipal securities | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | 0 | 0 |
Municipal securities | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Marketable securities | $18 | $26 |
FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_LONGTE
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - LONG-TERM DEBT (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Carrying Amount [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | $614 | $703 |
Fair Value [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Long-term debt | $666 | $762 |
ASSETS_CONSTRUCTED_FOR_OTHERS_1
ASSETS CONSTRUCTED FOR OTHERS (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | |
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] | |
Other property and equipment | $178 |
Other Liabilities | $174 |
LONGTERM_DEBT_SCHEDULE_OF_LONG
LONG-TERM DEBT - SCHEDULE OF LONG-TERM DEBT (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Long-term Debt | $803 | $871 | |
Less current portion | 117 | 117 | |
Long-term debt, net of current portion | 686 | 754 | |
Weighted-average variable-interest rate | 5.70% | 5.70% | |
Weighted-average variable-interest rate | 1.60% | 1.70% | |
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt | 51 | 0 | 0 |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |||
2015 | 117 | ||
2016 | 115 | ||
2017 | 121 | ||
2018 | 151 | ||
2019 | 114 | ||
Thereafter | 185 | ||
Long-term Debt | 803 | 871 | |
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Long-term Debt | 614 | 703 | |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |||
Long-term Debt | 614 | 703 | |
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Long-term Debt | 189 | 168 | |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |||
Long-term Debt | 189 | 168 | |
Scheduled debt payments [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Debt payments | $119 |
LONGTERM_DEBT_LINE_OF_CREDIT_D
LONG-TERM DEBT - LINE OF CREDIT (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 |
credit_facility | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities | 2 |
Line of Credit Facility, minimum asset requirement | $500 |
Secured by aircraft [Member] | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity | 100 |
Secured by other [Member] | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity | $100 |
INCOME_TAXES_DEFERRED_TAX_ASSE
INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Excess of tax over book depreciation | $1,042 | $919 |
Otherbnet | 22 | 21 |
Gross deferred tax liabilities | 1,064 | 940 |
Mileage Plan | -206 | -185 |
Inventory obsolescence | -20 | -18 |
Deferred gains | -10 | -12 |
Employee benefits | -166 | -85 |
Fuel hedge contracts | -5 | -14 |
Otherbnet | -24 | -30 |
Gross deferred tax assets | 431 | 344 |
Net deferred tax liabilities | 633 | 596 |
Current deferred tax asset | -117 | -113 |
Noncurrent deferred tax liability | $750 | $709 |
INCOME_TAXES_COMPONENTS_OF_TAX
INCOME TAXES - COMPONENTS OF TAX EXPENSE (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Current tax expense (benefit): | |||
Federal | $229 | $145 | $83 |
State | 27 | 17 | 11 |
Total current | 256 | 162 | 94 |
Deferred tax expense: | |||
Federal | 103 | 131 | 94 |
State | 11 | 15 | 10 |
Total deferred | 114 | 146 | 104 |
Total tax expense related to income | $370 | $308 | $198 |
INCOME_TAXES_EFFECTIVE_INCOME_
INCOME TAXES - EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RECONCILIATION (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
U.S. federal tax rate | 35.00% | 35.00% | 35.00% |
Income before income tax | $975 | $816 | $514 |
Expected tax expense | 341 | 286 | 180 |
Nondeductible expenses | 4 | 4 | 3 |
State income taxes | 25 | 21 | 14 |
Otherbnet | 0 | -3 | 1 |
Total tax expense related to income | $370 | $308 | $198 |
Effective tax rate | 37.90% | 37.70% | 38.50% |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_ASSUMPT
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - ASSUMPTIONS (DETAILS) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Benefit obligations, Weighted-average discount rate | 4.20% | 4.85% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate | 2028 | ||
Medical Cost [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Assumed health care cost trend rate | 7.70% | ||
Prescription Drug Costs [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Assumed health care cost trend rate | 7.70% | ||
Dental Costs [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Assumed health care cost trend rate | 5.00% | ||
Vision Costs [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Assumed health care cost trend rate | 4.00% | ||
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Benefit obligations, Weighted-average discount rate | 4.20% | 4.85% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average discount rate | 4.85% | 3.95% | 4.65% |
Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average expected return on assets | 6.75% | 7.25% | 7.25% |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Minimum [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase | 2.85% | 2.90% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Rate of compensation increase | 2.90% | 3.05% | 2.94% |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | Maximum [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase | 3.91% | 3.93% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Rate of compensation increase | 3.93% | 4.02% | 4.17% |
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | Medical, Prescription Drugs and Dental Costs [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Ultimate assumed trend rate | 4.70% | ||
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | Vision Costs [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Net period benefit costs, Ultimate assumed trend rate | 4.00% |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_PLAN_AS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PLAN ASSETS (DETAILS) (Qualified Defined Benefit [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Plan asset allocations | 100.00% | 100.00% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 1,917 | $1,769 | $1,538 |
Money market funds [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Plan asset allocations | 0.00% | 3.00% | |
Money market funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 0 | 45 | |
Equity funds [Member] | U.S. | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Plan asset allocations | 33.00% | 39.00% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Equities, Range Minimum | 27.00% | ||
Equities, Range Maximum | 38.00% | ||
Equity funds [Member] | U.S. | Level 2 [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 634 | 684 | |
Equity funds [Member] | Non-U.S. [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Plan asset allocations | 14.00% | 17.00% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Equities, Range Minimum | 11.00% | ||
Equities, Range Maximum | 19.00% | ||
Equity funds [Member] | Non-U.S. [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 272 | 301 | |
Credit bond index fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 190 | 127 | |
Fixed Income Funds [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Plan asset allocations | 53.00% | 41.00% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Equities, Range Minimum | 48.00% | ||
Equities, Range Maximum | 58.00% | ||
Government and credit bond index funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] | |||
Plan Assets | 821 | $612 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_FUNDED_
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUNDED STATUS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |||
Benefit obligation | |||
Beginning of year | $1,709 | $1,873 | |
Service cost | 33 | 46 | 38 |
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | 73 |
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation | 0 | 0 | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 298 | -226 | |
Benefits paid | -71 | -57 | |
End of year | 2,050 | 1,709 | 1,873 |
Accumulated benefit obligation | 1,909 | 1,603 | |
Plan assets at fair value | |||
Beginning of year | 1,769 | 1,538 | |
Actual return on plan assets | 219 | 205 | |
Employer contributions | 0 | 83 | |
Benefits paid | -71 | -57 | |
End of year | 1,917 | 1,769 | 1,538 |
Funded status (unfunded) | -133 | 60 | |
Percent funded | 94.00% | 104.00% | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets | 0 | 0 | |
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |||
Benefit obligation | |||
Beginning of year | 89 | 117 | |
Service cost | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments | -25 | 0 | |
Actuarial (gain) loss | 12 | -35 | |
Benefits paid | -2 | -2 | |
End of year | 81 | 89 | 117 |
Plan assets at fair value | |||
Beginning of year | 0 | 0 | |
Employer contributions | 2 | 2 | |
Benefits paid | -2 | -2 | |
End of year | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Funded status (unfunded) | -81 | -89 | |
Sick Leave [Domain] | Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |||
Benefit obligation | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments | -5 | ||
Special Charges [Member] | Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |||
Benefit obligation | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments | ($20) |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_AMOUNTS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (DETAILS) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | $246 | $123 |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent | 0 | 60 |
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 133 | 0 |
Total liability recognized | 133 | 0 |
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] | ||
Prior service cost (credit) | -12 | -14 |
Net gain | 514 | 331 |
Amount recognized in AOCI (pretax) | 502 | 317 |
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | ||
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
Accrued benefit liability-current | 4 | 3 |
Accrued benefit liability-long term | 77 | 86 |
Total liability recognized | 81 | 89 |
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] | ||
Prior service cost (credit) | 0 | 1 |
Net gain | -32 | -48 |
Amount recognized in AOCI (pretax) | ($32) | ($47) |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_EXPECTE
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EXPECTED AMORTIZATION FROM AOCI (DETAILS) (Qualified Defined Benefit [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Prior service credit | ($1) |
Net loss | $26 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_NET_PEN
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - NET PENSION EXPENSE (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Service cost | $33 | $46 | $38 |
Interest cost | 81 | 73 | 73 |
Expected return on assets | -117 | -111 | -93 |
Amortization of prior service cost | -1 | -1 | -1 |
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | 13 | 43 | 40 |
Net periodic benefit cost | 9 | 50 | 57 |
Nonqualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | 4 | ||
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||
Service cost | 3 | 5 | 5 |
Interest cost | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Amortization of prior service cost | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | -3 | -2 | -1 |
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments | -25 | 0 | 0 |
Net periodic benefit cost | -20 | 8 | 10 |
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | $4 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_FUTURE_
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - FUTURE BENEFITS EXPECTED TO BE PAID (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
2015 | $78 |
2016 | 86 |
2017 | 93 |
2018 | 93 |
2019 | 104 |
2020 - 2024 | 600 |
Nonqualified Defined Benefit [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | 4 |
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | 4 |
2015 | 4 |
2016 | 4 |
2017 | 5 |
2018 | 5 |
2019 | 5 |
2020 - 2024 | 28 |
Minimum [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | 30 |
Maximum [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |
Anticipated funding in next fiscal year | $35 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_1_HIGHE
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - 1% HIGHER OR LOWER TREND RATE IN HEALTH CARE (DETAILS) (Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Change in service and interest cost, 1% higher trend rate | $1 | $1 | $2 |
Change in service and interes cost, 1% lower trend rate | -1 | -1 | -1 |
Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation, 1% higher trend rate | 9 | 10 | 14 |
Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation, 1% lower trend rate | ($8) | ($9) | ($12) |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_DEFINED
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Total expense for the defined-contribution plans | $54 | $44 | $43 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_PILOT_L
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - PILOT LONG-TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS (DETAILS) (Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits [Member], USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits [Member] | ||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | ||
Total liability net of a prefunded trust account | $16 | $12 |
Prefunded trust account | $2 | $1 |
EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_EMPLOYE
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE-PAY PLANS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||
Variable incentive pay | $116 | $105 | $88 |
Operational Performance Rewards Program entitles all Air Group employees to maximum quarterly payouts (in dollars per quarter) | 300 |
COMMITMENTS_DETAILS
COMMITMENTS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Jun. 01, 2015 |
aircraft | aircraft | |||
carriers | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Rent expense | $288 | $290 | $275 | |
Number of Aircraft under New Capacity Purchase Agreement | 7 | |||
Capacity purchase arrangements, Carriers | 3 | |||
Horizon [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Capacity purchase arrangements, Percent | 100.00% | |||
Aircraft Commitments [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
2015 | 516 | |||
2016 | 496 | |||
2017 | 471 | |||
2018 | 430 | |||
2019 | 393 | |||
Thereafter | 653 | |||
Total | 2,959 | |||
Capacity Purchase Agreements[Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
2015 | 51 | |||
2016 | 56 | |||
2017 | 60 | |||
2018 | 42 | |||
2019 | 31 | |||
Thereafter | 245 | |||
Total | 485 | |||
Engine Maintenance [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
2015 | 10 | |||
2016 | 0 | |||
2017 | 0 | |||
2018 | 0 | |||
2019 | 0 | |||
Thereafter | 0 | |||
Total | 10 | |||
Aircraft Leases [Member] | ||||
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
2015 | 111 | |||
2016 | 102 | |||
2017 | 72 | |||
2018 | 57 | |||
2019 | 46 | |||
Thereafter | 164 | |||
Total | 552 | |||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | 64 | |||
Facility Leases [Member] | ||||
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
2015 | 95 | |||
2016 | 93 | |||
2017 | 89 | |||
2018 | 41 | |||
2019 | 40 | |||
Thereafter | 196 | |||
Total | $554 | |||
B-737 [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | 73 | |||
Option to purchase additional (in aircraft) | 48 | |||
B737-900ER [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | 36 | |||
B737 MAX [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | 37 | |||
Q400 [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Commited to purchase (in aircraft) | 3 | |||
Option to purchase additional (in aircraft) | 5 | |||
E-175 [Domain] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Option to Lease Additional | 16 | |||
Non Operating Aircraft [Member] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Operating Leases, Number of Units | 14 | |||
E-175 [Domain] | ||||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | ||||
Operating leases, number of leased assets (in aircraft) | 7 | 5 |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_COMMON_STO
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | 1-May-14 | Sep. 01, 2012 | Feb. 01, 2012 | Jun. 01, 2011 |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |||||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | 7,316,731 | 4,984,186 | 3,371,902 | ||||
Common stock repurchase | $348 | $159 | $60 | ||||
2014 $650 million Repurchase Program | |||||||
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |||||||
Share repurchase program, authorized amount | 650 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | 5,497,427 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase | 265 | ||||||
2012 $250 million Repurchase Program | |||||||
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |||||||
Share repurchase program, authorized amount | 250 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | 1,819,304 | 4,984,186 | 405,020 | ||||
Common stock repurchase | 83 | 159 | 8 | ||||
2012 $50 million Repurchase Program | |||||||
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |||||||
Share repurchase program, authorized amount | 50 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | 2,874,202 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase | 50 | ||||||
2011 $50 million Repurchase Program | |||||||
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |||||||
Share repurchase program, authorized amount | 50 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase (in shares) | 92,680 | ||||||
Common stock repurchase | $2 |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, OTHER (Details) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | ||
Common Stock Outstanding | 131,481,473 | 137,491,906 |
Retirement of treasury stock | 7,283,107 | |
Treasury Stock, Shares | 75,100 | 41,476 |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE1
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | ||
Unrealized gain on marketable securities considered available-for-sale | $0 | $0 |
Related to employee benefit plans | -298 | -173 |
Related to interest rate derivatives | -12 | -10 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ($310) | ($183) |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE2
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, DIVIDENDS (Details) (USD $) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 13, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Dividends [Abstract] | |||||
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $0.20 | $0.13 | $0.50 | $0.20 | $0 |
Payments of Dividends | $68 | $28 | $0 | ||
Dividends, Cash | $68 |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE3
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (USD $) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
Feb. 24, 2015 | Feb. 13, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | ||||||
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $0.20 | $0.13 | $0.50 | $0.20 | $0 | |
DividendIncrease | 60.00% |
SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_SHAREHOLDE4
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY, STOCK CHANGES (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Stock Split [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, shares authorized | 200,000,000 | 200,000,000 |
Common stock, par value | $0.01 | $0.01 |
prestocksplit [Domain] | ||
Stock Split [Line Items] | ||
Common stock, shares authorized | 100,000,000 | |
Common stock, par value | $1 |
SPECIAL_ITEMS_SPECIAL_ITEMS_De
SPECIAL ITEMS SPECIAL ITEMS (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Special Revenue | $0 | $192 | $0 |
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results | 44 | ||
Special Item | -30 | 0 | 0 |
Original Estimate [Member] | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description | 12.00% | ||
Revised Estimate [Member] | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Change in Accounting Estimate, Description | 17.40% | ||
LegalSettlement [Member] | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Special Item | ($10) |
STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_1
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Stock-based compensation | $16 | $16 | $15 |
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards | 10 | ||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period | 8 months 12 days | ||
Shares remaining available for future grants of either options or stock awards (in shares) | 36,000,000 | ||
Shares authorized under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) | 16,914,785 | ||
Stock options [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Stock-based compensation | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards | 2 | ||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period | 9 months 3 days | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] | |||
Expected volatility | 65.00% | 67.00% | 55.00% |
Expected term | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
Risk-free interest rate | 1.87% | 1.10% | 1.08% |
Expected dividend yield | 1.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $21.70 | $14.74 | $8.62 |
Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] | |||
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | 1,143,684 | ||
Granted (in Shares) | 143,050 | ||
Exercised (in shares) | -573,140 | ||
Forfeited or expired (in shares) | -5,906 | ||
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | 707,688 | 1,143,684 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Outstanding, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $14.25 | ||
Outstanding, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 6 years 5 months | 6 years 7 months 6 days | |
Outstanding, beginning balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | 26 | ||
Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $40.01 | ||
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $11.39 | ||
Fofeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $38.76 | ||
Outstanding, ending balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $21.57 | $14.25 | |
Outstanding, ending balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 6 years 5 months | 6 years 7 months 6 days | |
Outstanding, ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | 27 | 26 | |
Exercisable, Outstanding (in shares) | 243,726 | ||
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $12.32 | ||
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 5 years 4 months 24 days | ||
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | 12 | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract] | |||
Vested or expected to vest, Shares | 706,748 | ||
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $21.56 | ||
Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 6 years 5 months | ||
Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | 27 | ||
Intrinsic value of option exercises | 20 | 19 | 11 |
Cash received from stock option exercises | 6 | 8 | 7 |
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises | 7 | 7 | 4 |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Stock awards [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Stock-based compensation | 10 | 10 | 11 |
Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards | 8 | ||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period | 7 months 6 days | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] | |||
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares) | 1,278,430 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 400,650 | ||
Vested (in shares) | -630,390 | ||
Forfeited (in shares) | -21,300 | ||
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares) | 1,027,390 | 1,278,430 | |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Non-vested, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $19.58 | ||
Non-vested, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 7 months 6 days | 7 months 6 days | |
Non-vested, beginning balance, Total Instrinsic Value (in dollars) | 47 | ||
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $31.85 | ||
Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $16.53 | ||
Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $19.48 | ||
Non-vested, ending balance, Weighted-Average Price Per Share (in dollars per share) | $26.19 | $19.58 | |
Non-vested, ending balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life | 7 months 6 days | 7 months 6 days | |
Non-vested, ending balance, Total Instrinsic Value (in dollars) | 61 | 47 | |
Deferred stock awards [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Stock-based compensation | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Employee stock purchase plan [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Stock-based compensation | $2 | $2 | $1 |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 298,283 | 171,227 | 157,373 |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent | 85.00% | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate | 10.00% |
OPERATING_SEGMENT_INFORMATION_1
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (DETAILS) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | $3,774 | $3,490 | $3,284 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 805 | 777 | 746 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 4,579 | 4,267 | 4,030 | |||
CPA revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Freight and mail | 114 | 113 | 111 | |||
Other Net and Special Revenue | 675 | 776 | 516 | |||
Total Operating Revenues | 5,368 | 5,156 | 4,657 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,988 | 2,851 | 2,666 | |||
Economic fuel | 1,418 | 1,467 | 1,459 | |||
Total Operating Expenses | 4,406 | 4,318 | 4,125 | |||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 21 | 18 | 19 | |||
Interest expense | -48 | -56 | -64 | |||
Other | 40 | 16 | 27 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | 13 | -22 | -18 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | 975 | 816 | 514 | |||
Income before income tax | 975 | 816 | 514 | |||
Depreciation | 294 | 270 | 264 | |||
Capital expenditures | 694 | 566 | 518 | |||
Total assets | 6,181 | 5,838 | ||||
Air Group Adjusted [Member] | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 3,774 | [1] | 3,490 | [1] | 3,284 | [1] |
Passenger, Regional | 805 | [1] | 777 | [1] | 746 | [1] |
Total passenger revenue | 4,579 | [1] | 4,267 | [1] | 4,030 | [1] |
CPA revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Freight and mail | 114 | [1] | 113 | [1] | 111 | [1] |
Other Net and Special Revenue | 675 | [1] | 584 | [1] | 516 | [1] |
Total Operating Revenues | 5,368 | [1] | 4,964 | [1] | 4,657 | [1] |
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 3,018 | [1] | 2,851 | [1] | 2,666 | [1] |
Economic fuel | 1,441 | [1] | 1,475 | [1] | 1,421 | [1] |
Total Operating Expenses | 4,459 | [1] | 4,326 | [1] | 4,087 | [1] |
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 21 | [1] | 18 | [1] | 19 | [1] |
Interest expense | -48 | [1] | -56 | [1] | -64 | [1] |
Other | 40 | [1] | 16 | [1] | 27 | [1] |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | 13 | [1] | -22 | [1] | -18 | [1] |
Income (loss) before income tax | 922 | [1] | 616 | [1] | 552 | [1] |
Alaska Airlines [Member] | ||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Depreciation | 243 | [2] | 223 | [2] | 217 | [2] |
Capital expenditures | 659 | [2] | 494 | [2] | 477 | [2] |
Total assets | 6,772 | [2] | 5,832 | [2] | ||
Alaska Mainline [Member] | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 3,774 | 3,490 | 3,284 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 3,774 | 3,490 | 3,284 | |||
CPA revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Freight and mail | 109 | 109 | 107 | |||
Other Net and Special Revenue | 592 | 513 | 448 | |||
Total Operating Revenues | 4,475 | 4,112 | 3,839 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 2,417 | 2,293 | 2,131 | |||
Economic fuel | 1,251 | 1,294 | 1,238 | |||
Total Operating Expenses | 3,668 | 3,587 | 3,369 | |||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 20 | 18 | 19 | |||
Interest expense | -32 | -38 | -47 | |||
Other | 39 | 25 | 24 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | 27 | 5 | -4 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | 834 | 530 | 466 | |||
Alaska Regional [Member] | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 805 | 777 | 746 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 805 | 777 | 746 | |||
CPA revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Freight and mail | 5 | 4 | 4 | |||
Other Net and Special Revenue | 78 | 66 | 61 | |||
Total Operating Revenues | 888 | 847 | 811 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 623 | 585 | 566 | |||
Economic fuel | 190 | 181 | 183 | |||
Total Operating Expenses | 813 | 766 | 749 | |||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Other | -1 | -12 | 0 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | -1 | -12 | 0 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | 74 | 69 | 62 | |||
Horizon [Member] | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
CPA revenues | 371 | 368 | 369 | |||
Freight and mail | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Other Net and Special Revenue | 5 | 5 | 7 | |||
Total Operating Revenues | 376 | 373 | 376 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | 349 | 341 | 338 | |||
Economic fuel | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total Operating Expenses | 349 | 341 | 338 | |||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Interest expense | -12 | -14 | -16 | |||
Other | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | -10 | -12 | -14 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | 17 | 20 | 24 | |||
Depreciation | 51 | 47 | 47 | |||
Capital expenditures | 35 | 72 | 41 | |||
Total assets | 818 | 840 | ||||
Parent [Member] | ||||||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Depreciation | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total assets | 3,552 | 2,762 | ||||
Intersegment Eliminations | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
CPA revenues | -371 | -368 | -369 | |||
Freight and mail | 0 | |||||
Other Net and Special Revenue | 0 | |||||
Total Operating Revenues | -371 | -368 | -369 | |||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | -371 | -368 | -369 | |||
Economic fuel | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total Operating Expenses | -371 | -368 | -369 | |||
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||
Interest expense | -4 | -4 | -1 | |||
Other | 0 | 1 | 1 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | -3 | -3 | 0 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | -3 | -3 | 0 | |||
Total assets | -4,961 | -3,596 | ||||
Special Charges [Member] | ||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||
Passenger, Mainline | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Passenger, Regional | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Total passenger revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
CPA revenues | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Freight and mail | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Other Net and Special Revenue | [3] | 192 | 0 | |||
Total Operating Revenues | 0 | [3] | 192 | 0 | ||
Operating expenses | ||||||
Operating expenses, excluding fuel | -30 | 0 | 0 | [3] | ||
Economic fuel | -23 | [3] | -8 | [3] | 38 | [3] |
Total Operating Expenses | -53 | [3] | -8 | [3] | 38 | [3] |
Nonoperating income (expense) | ||||||
Interest income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Income (loss) before income tax | $53 | [3] | $200 | [3] | ($38) | [3] |
[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 income and charges. | |||||
[2] | There are no depreciation expenses, capital expenditures or assets associated with purchased capacity flying at Alaska Regional. | |||||
[3] | Includes accounting adjustments related to Special mileage plan revenue, mark-to-market fuel-hedge accounting charges, non-cash curtailment gain, and a one-time gain related to a legal matter. |