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Accounting changes and new accounting pronouncements (Details) (Change in Spoilage Estimate [Domain], USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014
Change in Spoilage Estimate [Domain] |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] |  |
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect on Passenger Revenue | $ 47 |
Change in accounting estimate, financial effect on net income |  | $ 25
Change in accounting estimate,financial effect on earnings per share |  | $ 0.04

X
- Definition Represents the increase in earnings both basic and diluted per share, net of profit sharing and income taxes, due to the change in the spoilage estimate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_Changeinaccountingestimatefinancialeffectonearningspershare
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the increase in net income, including the impact of profit sharing and income taxes, resulting from the change in the spoilage estimate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_Changeinaccountingestimatefinancialeffectonnetincome
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the increase in Passenger revenues, excluding the impact of profit sharing or income taxes, resulting from the change in the spoilage estimate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_ChangeinAccountingEstimateFinancialEffectonPassengerRevenue
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration