XML 56 R65.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at end of period | $ (738)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax | $ (3)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Fuel derivatives |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (20)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember | (103)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember
Changes in fair value | (1,191)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember | (82)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember
Reclassification to earnings | 34 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember | 165 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember
Balance at end of period | (1,177)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember | (20)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_CommodityContractMember
Interest rate derivatives |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (58)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (108)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Changes in fair value | (10)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 22 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Reclassification to earnings | 23 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | 28 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Balance at end of period | (45)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember | (58)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Defined benefit plan items |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 65 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 26 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Changes in fair value | (24)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 39 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Reclassification to earnings | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Balance at end of period | 41 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember | 65 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 8 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember | (8)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember
Changes in fair value | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember | 16 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember
Reclassification to earnings | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember
Balance at end of period | 8 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember | 8 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember
Deferred tax |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | 2 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember | 74 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember
Changes in fair value | 454 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember | 0 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember
Reclassification to earnings | (21)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember | (72)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember
Balance at end of period | 435 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember | 2 us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Roll Forward] |  |
Balance at beginning of period | (3)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | (119)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Changes in fair value | (771)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | (5)luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Reclassification to earnings | 36 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | 121 luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Balance at end of period | $ (738)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | $ (3)us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember

X
- Definition Change in accumulated gains and losses from sources other than derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangesInFairValueNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Net of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income during the period. Also includes reclassification adjustments related to defined contribution plans and available for sale securities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentToEarningsNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e681-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669686-108580 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount after tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income of accumulated gain (loss) realized from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges and an entity's share of an equity investee's deferred hedging gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e689-108580 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41638-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=us-gaap_CommodityContractMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxChargesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | luv_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |