Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Aircraft Type [Axis]
Aircraft Type [Axis]
Aircraft [Domain]
Aircraft [Domain]
B-737-800 [Member]
B-737-800 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Credit Facilities 1 and 2 [Member]
Credit Facilities 1 and 2 [Member]
Credit Facilities 1 and 2 [Member]
Credit Facility 1 [Member]
Credit Facility 1 [Member]
Credit Facility 1 [Member]
Credit Facility 2 [Member]
Credit Facility 2 [Member]
Credit Facility 2 [Member]
Credit Facility 3 [Member]
Credit Facility 3 [Member]
Credit Facility 3 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Axis]
Lender Name [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Secured by aircraft [Member]
Secured by aircraft [Member]
Secured by aircraft [Member]
Secured by other [Member]
Secured by other [Member]
Secured by other [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility, Number of Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Number of Aircraft Securing Credit Facility
Number of Aircraft Securing Credit Facility
Number of Aircraft Securing Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions, Unrestricted Cash and Marketable Securities
Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions, Unrestricted Cash and Marketable Securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract]
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
MILEAGE PLAN
Mileage Plan Disclosure [Text Block]
Mileage Plan Disclosure [Text Block]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend declared per share (usd per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Payments of Dividends
Payments of Dividends
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table]
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Alaska Regional [Member]
Alaska Regional [Member]
Alaska Regional [Member]
Horizon [Member]
Horizon [Member]
Horizon Segment [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain]
Aircraft [Member]
Aircraft [Member]
Aircraft [Member]
Non Operating Aircraft [Member]
Non Operating Aircraft [Member]
Non Operating Aircraft [Member]
B-737 [Member]
B737-900ER [Member]
B737-900ER [Member]
B737 MAX [Member]
B-737-Max [Member]
Q400 [Member]
Q400 [Member]
Q400 [Member]
CRJ-700 [Member]
CRJ-700 [Member]
E175 [Member]
E175 [Member]
E175 [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Facility Leases [Member]
Building [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain]
Aircraft Commitments [Member]
Capital Addition Purchase Commitments [Member]
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member]
Capacity [Member]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2016
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2017
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Total
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2016
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year
2017
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years
2018
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years
2019
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years
2020
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years
Thereafter
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years
Total
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation
Operating Leases, Number of Units (in Aircraft)
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Optional Additional Units
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Optional Additional Units
Rent Expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Committed to Purchase (in Aircraft)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Minimum Quantity Required
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Not Intended to Take Delivery
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Not Intended to Take Delivery
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Not Intended to Take Delivery
Options to Purchase Additional (in Aircraft)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Option to Purchase Additional
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Option to Purchase Additional
Capacity purchase arrangements (carriers)
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Carriers
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Carriers
Capacity purchase arrangements
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent
Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent
Business Combinations [Abstract]
PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF VIRGIN AMERICA INC.
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Foreign government bonds [Member]
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Asset-backed securities [Member]
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Corporate notes and bonds [Member]
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Municipal securities [Member]
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash
Cash
Money market funds and other securities
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract]
Marketable securities, Cost Basis
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax
Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax
Marketable securities, Fair Value
Available-for-sale Securities, Current
Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis
Total Cash And Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Total Cash And Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Cash and marketable securities, Unrealized Gains
Cash and Available for Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Before Tax
Cash and Available for Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain Before Tax
Cash and marketable securities, Unrealized Losses
Cash and Available for Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss Before Tax
Cash and Available for Sale Securities Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss Before Tax
Total cash and marketable securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Activity [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales and maturities
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds
Gross realized gains
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains
Gross realized losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss)
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Fixed-rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]
Fixed rate notes payable due through 2024
Variable-rate notes payable due through 2025 [Member]
Variable rate notes payable due through 2025 [Member]
Variable rate notes payable due through 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total
Long-term Debt
Less debt issuance costs
Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Less current portion
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities
Long-term debt, less current portion
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Weighted-average fixed-interest rate
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate
Weighted-average variable-interest rate
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
U.S. government and agency securities [Member]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Fuel hedge contracts [Member]
Commodity Contract [Member]
Interest rate swaps agreements [Member]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities
Available-for-sale Securities
Derivative instruments, assets
Derivative Asset
Derivative instruments, liabilities
Derivative Liability
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net Income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Stock-based compensation and other
Share-based Compensation
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Changes in deferred tax provision
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes
Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability
Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue
Other - net
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Property and equipment additions:
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets [Abstract]
Aircraft and aircraft purchase deposits
Payments for Flight Equipment
Other flight equipment
Payments to Acquire Other Productive Assets
Other property and equipment
Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment
Total property and equipment additions, including capitalized interest
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities
Proceeds from disposition of assets and changes in restricted deposits
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Long-term debt payments
Common stock repurchases
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Dividends paid
Other financing activities
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
Supplemental disclosure:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid during the period for:
Caid Paid Refunded [Abstract]
Caid Paid Refunded [Abstract]
Interest (net of amount capitalized)
Interest Paid, Net
Income taxes paid (received)
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Non-cash transactions:
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Air Group Adjusted [Member]
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Alaska Airlines [Member]
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Alaska Mainline [Member]
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Special Revenue and Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Airlines
Number of Airlines
Number of Airlines
Number of Operating Segments
Number of Operating Segments
Operating revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Passenger, Mainline
Passenger Revenue, Mainline
Passenger, Regional
Passenger Revenue, Regional
Total passenger revenue
Passenger Revenue
CPA revenues
Capacity Purchase Agreement Revenue
Capacity Purchase Agreement Revenue
Freight and mail
Cargo and Freight Revenue
Other - net revenue
Other Net and Special Revenue
Other Net and Special Revenue
Total Operating Revenues
Revenue, Net
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Operating expenses, excluding fuel
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel
Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel
Economic fuel
Fuel Costs
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest income
Investment Income, Interest
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Other
Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other
Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income before income tax
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2016
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2017
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2019
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Total
Long-term Debt, Gross
Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class
Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Virgin America Inc. [Member]
Virgin America Inc. [Member]
Virgin America Inc. [Member]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition share price
Business Acquisition, Share Price in Agreement
Business Acquisition, Share Price in Agreement
Approximate Acquisition purchase price
Business Combination, Acquisition Price in Agreement
Business Combination, Acquisition Price in Agreement
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
2015 1 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
May 2014 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
650 million dollar Repurchase Program [Member]
650 million dollar Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (shares)
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Stock repurchased during period (shares)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Stock repurchased during period
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Related to marketable securities:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Other-net nonoperating income (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Income tax effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax
Total
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Related to employee benefit plans:
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification of net pension expense into Wages and benefits
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax
Income tax effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Total
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax
Related to interest rate derivative instruments:
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax
Reclassification of (gains) losses into Aircraft rent
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax
Income tax effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax
Total
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type
Document Type
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Marketable securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Employee benefit plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax
Interest rate derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax
Total
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Mileage Plan Liabilities
Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Liabilities
Mileage Plan Revenue
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]
COMMITMENTS
Commitments Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain]
Qualified Defined Benefit [Member]
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Expected return on assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)
Net pension expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating Revenues
Passenger, Mainline
Passenger, Regional
Other - net
Other Revenue, Net
Operating Expenses
Wages and benefits
Labor and Related Expense
Variable incentive pay
Other Labor-related Expenses
Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses
Aircraft maintenance
Aircraft Maintenance, Materials, and Repairs
Aircraft rent
Aircraft Rental
Landing fees and other rentals
Landing Fees and Other Rentals
Contracted services
Professional and Contract Services Expense
Selling expenses
Selling Expense
Food and beverage service
Food and Beverage, Cost of Sales
Regional Carrier Expense
Regional Carrier Expense
Regional Carrier Expense
Other
Other Cost and Expense, Operating
Operating Income
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest expense
Interest capitalized
Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment
Other - net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net Income
Basic Earnings Per Share (usd per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted Earnings Per Share (usd per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Shares used for computation:
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic shares (shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Diluted shares (shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Marketable Securities, Current
Receivables - net
Receivables, Net, Current
Inventories and supplies - net
Inventory, Net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Total Current Assets
Assets, Current
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Aircraft and other flight equipment
Flight Equipment, Gross
Other property and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross
Deposits for future flight equipment
Deposits on Flight Equipment
Property and Equipment Total
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Total Property and Equipment - Net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Other Assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total Assets
Assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Air traffic liability
Deferred Air Traffic Revenue, Current
Other accrued liabilities
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Current portion of long-term debt
Debt, Current
Total Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion
Other Liabilities and Credits
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent
Deferred revenue
Deferred Revenue
Obligation for pension and postretirement medical benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other Liabilities and Credits Totals
Liabilities, Noncurrent
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 200,000,000 shares, Issued: 2016 - 128,901,410 shares; 2015 - 128,442,099 shares, Outstanding: 2016 - 123,913,223 shares; 2015 - 125,175,325 shares
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Capital in excess of par value
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2016 - 4,988,187 shares; 2015 - 3,266,774 shares
Treasury Stock, Value
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Total Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities and Equity
Stockholders' Equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, par value (usd per share)
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized
Preferred stock, shares issued (shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding
Common stock, par value (usd per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares issued (shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Treasury Stock, Shares (shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis
Due after one year through five years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis
Due after five years through 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis
Due after 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Amortized Cost Basis
Marketable securities, Cost Basis
Fair Value [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value
Due after one year through five years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Two Through Five, Fair Value
Due after five years through 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value
Due after 10 years
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Rolling after Year Ten, Fair Value
Marketable securities, Fair Value
Schedule Of Mileage Plan [Table]
Schedule of Mileage Plan [Table]
Schedule of Mileage Plan [Table]
Mileage Plan [Axis]
Mileage Plan [Axis]
Mileage Plan [Axis]
Mileage Plan [Domain]
Mileage Plan [Domain]
Mileage Plan [Domain]
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]
Liabilities From Mileage Plan [Member]
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue
Other liabilities
Total
Liabilities
Passenger revenues
Other - net revenues
Total Mileage Plan Revenues
Mileage Plan Revenue
Mileage Plan Revenue
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Parent [Member]
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Total assets
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]
Measurement Basis [Axis]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Fair Value Measurement [Domain]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Carrying Amount [Member]
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]