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Fair Value Instruments - Carrying and Estimated Fair Value of Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2006 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Feb. 28, 2005 | Apr. 29, 2009 | Jul. 01, 2009 | May 06, 2008 | Feb. 28, 1997 | Oct. 31, 2009
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Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | $ 2,713 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations | $ 2,842 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.75% Notes due 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  | 5.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2016Member |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.75% Notes due 2016 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 313 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 320 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 | Convertible Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember |  | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |
5.125% Notes due 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  | 5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2017Member |  |  |  |  |
5.125% Notes due 2017 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 316 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2017Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 322 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2017Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2017Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
French Credit Agreements due 2018 - 1.06% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 36 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_CreditAgreementsDue2018Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | 46 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_CreditAgreementsDue2018Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 1.06%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_CreditAgreementsDue2018Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2.75% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2.75% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 300 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 0 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 2.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.315% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  |  | 6.315%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue05062019Member |  |  |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.315% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 178 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue05062019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | 210 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue05062019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 6.315%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue05062019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.84% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.84%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member |  |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.84% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 73 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | 85 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 6.84%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2020 - 5.223% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.223%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member |  |
Term Loan Agreement due 2020 - 5.223% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 372 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | 413 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.223%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pass Through Certificates due 2022 - 6.24% | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 355 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember | 371 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 6.24%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
7.375% Debentures due 2027 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member |
7.375% Debentures due 2027 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 134 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 136 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 7.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | 5.75% Notes due 2016 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 335 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2016Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 | Convertible Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 318 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | 5.125% Notes due 2017 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 338 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2017Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | 2.75% Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 304 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | Pass Through Certificates due 2022 - 6.24% | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 410 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 2 | 7.375% Debentures due 2027 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable, Fair Value | 160 us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | French Credit Agreements due 2018 - 1.06% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 36 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_CreditAgreementsDue2018Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | Fixed-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2018 - 7.02% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 25 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2018Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.315% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable, Fair Value | 178 us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue05062019Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | Term Loan Agreement due 2019 - 6.84% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable, Fair Value | 79 us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | Term Loan Agreement due 2020 - 5.223% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable, Fair Value | 367 us-gaap_LoansPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Level 3 | Floating-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2020 | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Payable, Fair Value | 293 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFloatingRateThrough2020Member / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AirTran Airways | 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember
AirTran Airways | 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 | Convertible Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 113 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember | 115 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_ConvertibleDebtDue2016Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AirTran Airways | Fixed-rate 717 Aircraft Notes payable through 2017 - 10.37% | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 0 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2017Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember | 41 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2017Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 10.37%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2017Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_EnhancedEquipmentTrustCertificateMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AirTran Airways | Fixed-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2018 - 7.02% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | 24 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2018Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | 30 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2018Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 7.02%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFixedRateThrough2018Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
AirTran Airways | Floating-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2020 | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations | $ 300 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFloatingRateThrough2020Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember | $ 340 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_NotesPayableAircraftFloatingRateThrough2020Member / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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