Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Current tax expense (benefit): Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax expense: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total tax expense related to income Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Unrealized gain on marketable securities considered available-for-sale Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Related to employee benefit plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Related to interest rate derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] 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] Non Operating Aircraft [Member] Non Operating Aircraft [Member] Non Operating Aircraft [Member] Assets Leased to Others [Member] Assets Leased to Others [Member] Aircraft Type [Axis] Aircraft [Domain] B737 [Member] B737 [Member] B-737-800 [Member] B737-900ER [Member] B737-900ER [Member] B737 MAX [Member] B737 MAX [Member] B737 MAX [Member] Q400 [Member] Q400 [Member] Q400 [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Aircraft Leases [Member] Aircraft [Member] Aircraft [Member] 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] Engine Maintenance [Member] Engine Maintenance [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Horizon [Member] Horizon Segment [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2018 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] 2014 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2015 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2016 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2017 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2018 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 leased assets (in aircraft) Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Commited to purchase (in aircraft) Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Minimum Quantity Required Operating Leases, Number of Units Operating Leases, Number of Units Operating Leases, Number of Units Option 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, Percent Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent Airline, Capacity Purchase Arrangements, Percent Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss By Type [Axis] Operating Loss By Type [Axis] Operating Loss By Type [Axis] Operating Loss By Type [Domain] Operating Loss By Type [Domain] Operating Loss By Type [Domain] Equity Compensation in Excess of Compensation Recognized [Member] Equity Compensation in Excess of Compensation Recognized [Member] Equity Compensation in Excess of Compensation Recognized [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] 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, Defined Benefit [Member] Nonqualified Defined Benefit [Member] Other Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Postretirement Medical Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [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 Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Anticipated funding in 2013 Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2009-13 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2009-13 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Special Revenue Item, Per Diluted Share Special Revenue Item, Per Diluted Share Special Revenue Item, Per Diluted Share Special Revenue Item, Per Basic Share Special Revenue Item, Per Basic Share Special Revenue Item, Per Basic Share Special Revenue Special Revenue Special Revenue Segment Reporting [Abstract] Operating Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Liabilities from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] Liabilities from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] Liabilities from Mileage Plan Revenue from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] Revenue from Mileage Plan [Table Text Block] Revenue from Mileage Plan Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Special Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] Special Mileage Plan Revenue [Member] Special Revenue [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Original Estimate [Member] Original Estimate [Member] Original Estimate [Member] Revised Estimate [Member] Revised Estimate [Member] Revised Estimate [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Percent of Mileage Breakage Percent of Mileage Breakage Percent of Mileage Breakage Change in Accounting Estimate, Financial Effect Change in Accounting Estimate, Financial Effect Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments Designated as Hedges [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Fuel hedge contracts [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Aircraft Type [Axis] Aircraft Type [Domain] B737-800 [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Net cash received (paid) to for new positions and settlements Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Investing Activities Fuel hedge contracts outstanding (in gallons) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Capital Leased Assets, Number of B737-800 Aircraft Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Table Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Advertising expense Advertising Expense Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest rate swaps agreements [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Current [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Current [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Current [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Noncurrent [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Noncurrent [Member] Fuel Hedge Contracts, Noncurrent [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Balance Sheet Location [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Balance Sheet Location Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Assets, Current Derivative Asset, Current Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Accumulated other comprehensive loss Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] U.S. federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Income before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Expected tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Nondeductible expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount State income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Other—net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [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, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility, minimum asset requirement Line of Credit Facility, Asset Restrictions Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases and Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligtaions [Table Text Block] 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] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft fuel expense [Member] Aircraft Fuel Expense [Member] Aircraft Fuel Expense [Member] Gains (losses) recognized in aircraft rent [Member] Aircraft Rent [Member] Aircraft Rent [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Losses recognized in income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Loss in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss To Be Reclassified Within Next Twelve Months Price Risk Cash Flow Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] 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 Document Type Document Type Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 and losses arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for gains and losses included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Income tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Marketable securities, net of tax 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] Actuarial gains and losses related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax Income tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Employee benefit plans, net of tax 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 and losses arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Income tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Interest rate derivative instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common Stock Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Retirement of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 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] Special Revenue Adjustment Special Revenue Adjustment Special Revenue Adjustment 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 fair values of open fuel hedge contracts Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Changes in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Increase (decrease) in air traffic liability Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Pension Plan Obligations Increase (Decrease) in Pension Plan Obligations Other - net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Pension contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions 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 Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Assets constructed for others (Terminal 6 at LAX) Payments for Construction in Process Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities 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] Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions, net Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds Long-term debt payments Repayments of Long-term Debt Common stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments of Dividends Payments of Dividends Proceeds and tax benefit from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Terminal 6 at LAX reimbursement Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds 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 Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosure: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid during the year for: Caid Paid Refunded [Abstract] Caid Paid Refunded [Abstract] Interest (net of amount capitalized) Interest Paid, Net Income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock, at Cost Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Common Stock Outstanding Other comprehensive loss Common stock repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Common stock repurchase Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Treasury stock issued under stock plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Treasury stock issued under stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Dividends, Cash Dividends, Cash Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock issued under stock plans (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock issued under stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stockholders' Equity Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities [Abstract] Accrued benefit liability-current Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Accrued benefit liability-long term Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liability recognized Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Prior service cost (credit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Net loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Amount recognized in AOCI (pretax) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Travel credits for future travel Travel credits for future travel Travel credits for future travel Negative cash balance Bank Overdrafts Allowance for all non-surplus expendable inventories Inventory Valuation Reserves Fuel inventory Energy Related Inventory Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 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, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] 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 Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Passenger, Mainline Passenger Revenue, Mainline Passenger, Regional Passenger Revenue, Regional Total passenger revenue Passenger Revenue Freight and mail Cargo and Freight Revenue Other - net Other Revenue, Net Total Operating Revenues Revenue, Net Operating Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Wages and benefits Labor and Related Expense Variable incentive pay Other Labor-related Expenses Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses Fuel Costs 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 Other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Fleet transition and restructuring related expenses Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Total Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Other - net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax expense Net Income Basic Earnings Per Share: Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used for computation: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock awards [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Deferred stock awards [Member] Deferred Stock Awards [Member] Deferred Stock Awards [Member] Employee stock purchase plan [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Unrecognized stock-based compensation for non-vested options and awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized stock-based compensation awards weighted-average period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Shares remaining available for future grants of either options or stock awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares authorized under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted-average grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Estimated fair value of options granted (millions) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Estimated Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Estimated Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in Shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, beginning balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Granted, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Fofeited or expired, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, ending balance, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Outstanding, ending balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Outstanding, ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable, Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract] Vested or expected to vest, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested or expected to vest, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested or expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of option exercises Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Cash received from stock option exercises Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Tax benefit related to stock option exercises Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested, ending balance (in shares) 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested, beginning balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Non-vested, beginning balance, Total Instrinsic Value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Total Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Total Intrinsic Value Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested, ending balance, Weighted-Average Price Per Share (in dollars per share) Non-vested, ending balance, Weighted-Average Contractual Life Non-vested, ending balance, Total Instrinsic Value (in dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Excess of tax over book depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other—net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Mileage Plan Deferred Tax Assets, Mileage Plan Deferred Tax Assets, Mileage Plan AMT and other tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Inventory obsolescence Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Deferred gains Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Employee benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Fuel hedge contracts Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Other—net Deferred Tax Assets, Other Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Net Current deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Noncurrent deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Dividends [Abstract] Dividends, Cash Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] B737 Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Aircraft [Member] Buildings [Member] Minor building and land improvements [Member] Minor Building and Land Improvements [Member] Minor Building and Land Improvements [Member] Computer hardware and software [Member] Technology Equipment [Member] Other furniture and equipment [Member] Office Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Total cash and marketable securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Receivables - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $1 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories and supplies - net Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Fuel hedge contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets 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 Fuel Hedge Contracts Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent 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 aircraft rent Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Air traffic liability Deferred Air Traffic Revenue, Current Current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities 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 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, $1 par value Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $1 par value Authorized: 100,000,000 shares, Issued: 2013 - 68,766,691 shares; 2012 - 70,376,543 shares, Outstanding: 2013 - 68,745,953 shares; 2012 - 70,376,543 shares Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2013 - 20,738 shares; 2012 - 0 shares Treasury Stock, Value Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Shareholders' Equity Total Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] DividendIncrease DividendIncrease DividendIncrease Benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid End of year Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Plan assets at fair value Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer End of year Funded status (unfunded) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Percent funded Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Percentage Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Money market funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Equity funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Credit bond index fund [Member] Credit bond index fund [Member] Credit bond index fund Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed Income Funds [Member] Government and credit bond index funds [Member] Government And Credit Bond Fund [Member] Government And Credit Bond Fund [Member] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Non-U.S. [Member] Non United States [Member] Non United States [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] Plan asset allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Percent, an individual equity investment will not exceed of the entire equity portfolio Defined Benefit Plan, Individual Equity Investment Percent of Total Assets, Maximum Allowable Defined Benefit Plan, Individual Equity Investment Percent of Total Assets, Maximum Allowable Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract] Equities, Range Minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Equities, Range Maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Plan Assets Total expense for the defined-contribution plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Prior service credit Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Change in service and interest cost, 1% higher trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Change in service and interes cost, 1% lower trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation, 1% higher trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Change in year-end postretirement benefit obligation, 1% lower trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES [Abstract] CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES - MATURITIES [Abstract] Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table] Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Table] Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Line Items] Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Debt Investment Maturities 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 Marketable securities, Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized 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 Marketable securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Current INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Organization and Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leased Aircraft Return Costs [Policy Text Block] Leased Aircraft Return Costs [Policy Text Block] Leased Aircraft Return Costs [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Frequent Flier Program, Policy [Policy Text Block] Frequent Flier Program, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Policy, Diluted Earnings Per Share Policy, Diluted FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Leased aircraft return costs Leased Aircraft Return Costs Leased Aircraft Return Costs DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block] SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] 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-back securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member] Mortgage-back 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] 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] Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities Derivative instruments, assets Derivative Asset Derivative instruments, liabilities Derivative Liability Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Stockholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2019 - 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 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] $250 million Repurchase Program [Member] $250 million Repurchase Program [Member] $250 million Repurchase Program February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] February 2012 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2010 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2010 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] June 2010 Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Share repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Common stock repurchase (in shares) Common stock repurchase Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] 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] Alaska Regional [Member] Alaska Regional [Member] Alaska Regional [Member] Horizon [Member] Parent [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Special Charges [Member] Special Charges [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating revenues Passenger, Mainline Passenger, Regional Total passenger revenue CPA revenues Revenues Other Net and Special Revenue Other Net and Special Revenue Other Net and Special Revenue Operating expenses Operating expenses, excluding fuel Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel Economic fuel Other Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other Other Nonoperating Income Expense Other Income (loss) before income tax Depreciation Capital expenditures Total assets Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits [Member] Pilot Long-term Disability Benefits [Member] Total liability net of a prefunded trust account Other Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Prefunded trust account Prefunded Trust Account Prefunded Trust Account Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Operational Performance Rewards Program entitles all Air Group employees to maximum quarterly payouts (in dollars per quarter) Quarterly Payout to Employee, Under Employee Incentive Plan, Maximum Quarterly Payout to Employee, Under Employee Incentive Plan, Maximum COMMITMENTS Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] CONTINGENCIES Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] 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, at Carrying Value Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Marketable securities, Cost Basis Marketable securities, Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Marketable securities, Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Cash and marketables securities, Cost Basis Total Cash And Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Total Cash And Marketable Securities, Amortized Cost Basis 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 Other-than-temporary impairments on investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule Of Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Mileage Plan [Table] Schedule of Mileage Plan [Table] Mileage Plan [Axis] Mileage Plan [Axis] Mileage Plan [Axis] Mileage Plan [Member] Mileage Plan [Member] Mileage Plan [Member]. 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] Liabilities Liabilities Deferred revenue from Mileage Plan awards issued but not yet flown Deferred Revenue, Mileage Plan Awards, Issued but not Yet Flown Deferred Revenue, Mileage Plan Awards, Issued but not Yet Flown Passenger revenues Other-net revenues Commission revenue Commission Revenue Commission Revenue Rate of Compensation Increase [Axis] Rate of Compensation Increase [Axis] Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of Compensation Increase [Domain] Rate of Compensation Increase [Domain] [Domain] for Rate of Compensation Increase First Four Years of Employment [Member] First Four Years of Employment [Member] First Four Years of Employment Employment after First Four Years [Member] Employment after First Four Years [Member] Employment after First Four Years Type of Healthcare Costs [Axis] Type of Healthcare Costs [Axis] Type of Healthcare Costs [Axis] Type of Healthcare Costs [Domain] Type of Healthcare Costs [Domain] Type of Healthcare Costs [Domain] Medical, Prescription Drugs and Dental Costs [Member] Medical, Prescription Drugs and Dental Costs [Member] Medical, Prescription Drugs and Dental Costs [Member] Medical Cost [Member] Medical Cost [Member] Medical Cost [Member] Prescription Drug Costs [Member] Prescription Drug Costs [Member] Prescription Drug Costs [Member] Dental Costs [Member] Dental Costs [Member] Dental Costs [Member] Vision Costs [Member] Vision Costs [Member] Vision Costs [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Benefit obligations, Weighted-average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Benefit obligations, Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Net period benefit costs, Weighted-average expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Net period benefit costs, Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Net period benefit costs, Assumed health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Net period benefit costs, Ultimate assumed trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 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 2023 [Member] Variable rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member] Variable rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member] Scheduled debt payments [Member] Scheduled Debt Payments [Member] Scheduled Debt Payments [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Less current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, net of current portion Weighted-average variable-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 Debt payments Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]