Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Additional Information (Detail)

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EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Pilots
Ground_Mechanics
Dec. 31, 2011
Employees
Mar. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Mar. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Postretirement Medical Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Amount contributed to company- sponsored benefit plans     $ 192 $ 28
Estimated future employer contributions to defined benefit plan, current fiscal year     232 443
Number of employees under a national master agreement and various supplemental agreements with local unions affiliated with Teamsters   245,000    
Number of pilots under a collective bargaining agreement with the Independent Pilots Association 2,700      
Majority of ground mechanics not employed under agreements 3,200