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Change In Accounting Estimate (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares
Change in Accounting Estimate [Abstract] |
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect on Depreciation Expense, Depreciation Estimate | $ 28
Change in Accounting Estimate, Financial Effect on Net Income, Depreciation Adjustment | $ (15)
Change in Accounting Estimate Financial Effect on Net Income Per Share | $ / shares | $ (0.02)

X
- Definition Represents the increase in depreciation expense resulting from the change in depreciation estimate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | luv_ChangeinAccountingEstimateFinancialEffectonDepreciationExpenseDepreciationEstimate
Namespace Prefix: | luv_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

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

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration