Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Equity [Abstract]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Class of Treasury Stock [Table]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Axis]
Class of Treasury Stock [Domain]
Common Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Axis]
Stock Repurchase Program [Axis]
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Programs [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
June 2011 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
June 2010/June 2011 Stock Repurchase Programs [Member]
June 2010/June 2011 Stock Repurchase Programs [Member]
June 2010 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
June 2010 Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment Information
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]
CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 6 AT LAX [Abstract]
CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 6 AT LAX [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Construction in Progress [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other Assets [Line Items]
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount before reimbursement
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount before reimbursement
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount before reimbursement
LAX airport project estimated total cost
LAX airport project estimated total cost
LAX airport project estimated total cost
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount after reimbursement
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount after reimbursement
LAX airport project companys responsibility amount after reimbursement
LAX airport project portion included in property and equipment
LAX airport project portion included in property and equipment
LAX airport project portion included in property and equipment
LAX airport project reimbursement and credits in other long-term liabilities
LAX Airport Project Reimbursement and Credits in Other Long-term Liabilities
LAX Airport Project Reimbursement and Credits in Other Long-term Liabilities
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Segment [Domain]
Segment [Domain]
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segment [Member]
Reportable Segment [Member]
Alaska Air [Member]
Alaska Air Segment [Member]
Horizon [Member]
Horizon Segment [Member]
Alaska mainline excluding fuel [Member]
Alaska mainline excluding fuel [Member]
Alaska mainline fuel [Member]
Alaska mainline fuel [Member]
Alaska regional [Domain]
Alaska regional
All Other Segments [Member]
All Other Segments [Member]
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Parent Company Results Eliminated In Consolidation [Member]
Parent Company Results Eliminated In Consolidation [Member]
Mainline [Member]
Aircraft Type [Axis]
Aircraft Type [Axis]
Aircraft Type [Domain]
Aircraft Type [Domain]
CRJ 700 [Member]
CRJ 700 [Member]
CRJ-700 [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Passenger Revenue, Mainline
Passenger Revenue, Mainline
Passenger Revenue, Regional
Passenger Revenue, Regional
Passenger Revenue
Passenger Revenue
Other revenue and freight and mail revenue
Other revenue and freight and mail revenue
Other revenue including freight and mail revene
Revenue, Net
Revenue, Net
Operating Expenses
Operating Expenses
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income before income tax
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest
Assets
Assets
Capacity Sold Under CPA Percent
Capacity Sold Under CPA Percent
Capacity Sold Under CPA Percent
Fleet transition costs
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
MILEAGE PLAN [Abstract]
Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]
Mileage Plan Revenue [Table Text Block]
CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 6 AT LAX [Text Block]
CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 6 AT LAX [Text Block]
CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 6 AT LAX [Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
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
Variable rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]
Variable rate notes payable due through 2024 [Member]
B737-800 [Member]
B737-800 [Member]
Q400 [Member]
Q400 [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
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Scheduled debt payments
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment
Number of Debt Agreements
Debt Agreements, Number
Debt Agreements, Number
Prepayment of debt balance
Prepayments of Long Term Debt
Prepaid long term debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Number of Aircraft Delivered
Number of Aircraft Delivered
Prepayment of Long Term Debt, Expected Prepayment Amount
Prepayment of Long Term Debt, Expected Prepayment Amount
Prepayment of Long Term Debt, Expected Prepayment Amount
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Credit Derivatives by Contract Type [Axis]
Credit Derivatives Contract Type [Domain]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Call Option [Member]
Commodity Option [Member]
Swap [Member]
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Price Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net
Price Risk Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net
Derivative Premiums Capitalized
Derivative Premiums Capitalized
Derivative Premiums Capitalized
Capital Leased Assets, Number of B737-800 Aircraft
Capital Leased Assets, Number of Units
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions [Abstract]
Fleet Transition
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]
Information by Category of Debt Security [Axis]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Categories of Investments [Domain]
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Debt Security [Axis]
Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Other Debt Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Additions, Additional Credit Losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]
Available for Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses [Table Text Block]
Available-for-sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses [Table Text Block]
Fair Value of Long Term Debt [Table Text Block]
Fair Value of Long Term Debt [Table Text Block]
Fair Value of Long Term Debt [Table 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 Disclosures [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
Qualified defined benefit [Member]
Qualified defined benefit [Member]
Nonqualified defined benefit [Member]
Nonqualified defined benefit [Member]
Post retirement medical benefits [Member]
Post retirement medical benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Expected return on asets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Actuarial loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses
Net pension expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]
Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain]
Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain]
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Statement, Scenario [Axis]
Statement, Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Marketable securities
Marketable Securities, Current
Total cash and marketable securities
Total Cash And Marketable Securities
The total of cash and cash equivalents and current marketable securities.
Receivables - net
Receivables, Net, Current
Inventories and supplies - net
Inventory, Net
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current
Fuel hedge contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
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
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
Other Liabilities and Credits
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Liabilities, 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, $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: 2011 - 37,758,719 shares; 2010 - 37,010,140 shares
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Capital in excess of par value
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2011 - 2,113,247 shares; 2010 - 1,086,172 shares
Treasury Stock, Value
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities and Equity
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation Plans
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
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 activites:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Fleet transition costs
Restructuring Charges
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Stock-based Compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Increase in air traffic liability
Increase (Decrease) in Air Traffic Liability
Increase in other assets and liabilities – net
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
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]
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
Proceeds from disposition of assets
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities
Construction of Terminal 6 at LAX
Payments for Construction in Process
Restricted deposits and other
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 long-term debt
Long-term debt payments
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Purchase of treasury stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds and tax benefit from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
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 change 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 period
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid during the period for:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest (net of amount capitalized)
Interest Paid, Net
Income taxes
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Relocation credit and assets constructed on account related to Terminal 6 at LAX
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
Schedule Of Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table]
Schedule Of Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table]
Schedule Of Mileage Plan Liabilities [Table]
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]
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Revenue From Mileage Plan [Member]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Mileage Plan [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Deferred Air Traffic Revenue Noncurrent
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Liabilities
Liabilities
Other Revenue, Net
Other Revenue, Net
Total Operating Revenues
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Raw or into-plane fuel cost
Fuel Costs, Gross of Hedging
(Gains) or losses in value and settlements of fuel hedge contracts
Gain (Loss) on Oil and Gas Hedging Activity
Aircraft fuel expense
Fuel Costs
Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Investing Activities
Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Investing Activities
Restricted Investments
Restricted Investments
Other Assets, Misc, Noncurrent
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Report Date [Axis]
Financial Statements Date [Domain]
September 30, 2011 [Member]
September 30, 2011 [Member]
Future Period [Axis]
Future Period [Axis]
Future Period [Member]
Future Period [Member]
Third Quarter 2011 [Member]
Third Quarter 2011 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2011 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2011 [Member]
Remainder Of 2011 [Member]
Remainder Of 2011 [Member]
First Quarter 2012 [Member]
First Quarter 2012 [Member]
Second Quarter 2012 [Member]
Second Quarter 2012 [Member]
Third Quarter 2012 [Member]
Third Quarter 2012 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2012 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2012 [Member]
Full Year 2012 [Member]
Full Year 2012 [Member]
First Quarter 2013 [Member]
First Quarter 2013 [Member]
Second Quarter 2013 [Member]
Second Quarter 2013 [Member]
Third Quarter 2013 [Member]
Third Quarter 2013 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2013 [Member]
Fourth Quarter 2013 [Member]
Full Year 2013 [Member]
Full Year 2013 [Member]
First Quarter 2014 [Member]
First Quarter 2014 [Member]
Second Quarter 2014 [Member]
Second Quarter 2014 [Member]
Third Quarter 2014 [Member]
Third Quarter 2014 [Member]
Full Year 2014 [Member]
Full Year 2014 [Member]
Swap [Member]
Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives
Nonmonetary Notional Amount of Price Risk Derivatives
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Price Per Barrel
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Price Per Barrel
Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Premium Cost Per Barrel
Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Premium Cost Per Barrel
Derivative Nonmonetary Notional Amount Premium Cost Per Barrel
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Estimated Price Per Gallon
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Price Per Gallon
Average jet fuel purchase price per gallon
Derivative, Swap Type, Average Fixed Price
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Mainline
Regional
Total passenger revenue
Freight and mail
Cargo and Freight Revenue
Other - 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
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
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Income
Operating Income (Loss)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest income
Investment Income, Interest
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Interest capitalized
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period
Other - net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total
Income tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
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
Mileage Plan
Frequent Flyer Plan Disclosure [Text Block]
Frequent Flyer Plan Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Common Stock
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]
Balances
Balances (Shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Related to Marketable Securities:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Change in Fair Value
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax
Reclassification to Earnings
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax
Income Tax Effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), 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, before Tax
Income Tax Effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax
Related to 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]
Change in Fair Value
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax
Income Tax Effect
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Total Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Purchase of Treasury Stock (Share)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Purchase of Treasury Stock
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Treasury Stock Issued Under Stock Plans (Share)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued
Treasury Stock Issued Under Stock Plans
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued
Stock Issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan (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 (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
Balances
Balances (Shares)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Disposal of Aircraft [Member]
Disposal of Aircraft [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis]
Type of Restructuring [Domain]
Fleet Transition [Member]
Fleet Transition [Member]
Q200 [Member]
Q200 aircraft [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number Of Aircraft Sold
Number Of Aircraft Sold
Number Of Aircraft Sold
Number Of Aircraft To Be Sold
Number Of Aircraft To Be Sold
Number Of Aircraft To Be Sold
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 Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis]
Total stock based compensation [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain]
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Stock options [Member]
Stock Options [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Restricted stock units [Member]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Performance share units [Member]
Performance Stock Awards [Member]
Performance Stock Awards [Member]
Deferred stock awards [Member]
Deferred Stock Awards [Member]
Deferred Stock Awards [Member]
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Compensation Cost
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value
Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Options, Outstanding, Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options, Exercisable, Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table]
Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurements, 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]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Marketable securities maturing in 2011 percentage
Marketable securities maturing in 2011 percentage
Marketable securities maturing in 2011 percentage
Marketable securities maturing in 2012 percentage
Marketable securities maturing in 2012 percentage
Marketable securities maturing in 2012 percentage
Marketable securities maturing after 2012 percentage
Marketable securities maturing after 2012 percentage
Marketable securities maturing after 2012 percentage
Fair Value, Level 1 to level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Level 1 to level 2 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Level 2 to level 1 Transfers, Amount
Fair Value, Level 2 to level 1 Transfers, Amount
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Secured by aircraft [Member]
Secured by aircraft [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, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Line of credit minumum asset requirement amount
Line of Credit Facility Asset Restrictions Minumum Unrestricted Cash and Marketable Securities Required
Line of credit minumum asset requirement amount
Unrealized Gains in AOCL
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses - Less Than 12 Months
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses
Unrealized Losses - Greater Than 12 Months
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses
Unrealized Losses - Total Unrealized Losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities
Unrealized Losses - Net Unrealized Losses in AOCL
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses
Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) in AOCL
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Fair Value of Securities with Unrealized Losses
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax
Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Price Risk Derivatives [Table Text Block]
Outstanding fuel hedge positions [Table Text Block]
Outstanding fuel hedge positions [Table Text Block]
Outstanding fuel hedge positions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Assets at Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and Entity Information [Table]
Document and Entity Information [Table]
Document and Entity Information [Table]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
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 Period End Date
Document Period End Date
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
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
Treasury Stock (common) at cost
Treasury Stock, Shares