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Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2006 | Oct. 31, 2009 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Feb. 28, 2005 | Apr. 29, 2009 | Jul. 01, 2009 | May 06, 2008 | Feb. 28, 1997
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Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | $ 2,713 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations | $ 2,842 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Less current maturities | 258 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent | 629 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Less debt discount and issuance costs | 21 luv_Debtdiscountandissuancecosts | 22 luv_Debtdiscountandissuancecosts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt less current maturities | 2,434 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations | 2,191 us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital Lease Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 199 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember | 56 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.25% Notes due 2014 | Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 0 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2014Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember | 357 us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2014Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate stated in the debt agreement (in hundredths) | 5.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2014Member / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 | AirTran Airways |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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 |  |  |  |  |  |
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 |  |  |  |  |
5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 | Convertible Debt | AirTran Airways |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed-rate 717 Aircraft Notes payable through 2017 - 10.37% | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate | AirTran Airways |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
French Credit Agreements due 2018 - 1.06% | Notes Payable to Banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2018 - 7.02% | Notes Payable to Banks | AirTran Airways |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Floating-rate 737 Aircraft Notes payable through 2020 | Notes Payable to Banks | AirTran Airways |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pass Through Certificates due 2022 - 6.24% | Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | 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] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total | $ 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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

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- Definition The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of long -term debt instruments that has yet to be amortized. And the remaining balance of debt issuance expenses that were capitalized and are being amortized against income over the lives of the respective debt issues + References No definition available. + Details
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