XML 55 R40.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.8.0.1

Revenue - Air Traffic Liability Breakout (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
ATL - PAX Revenue and Ancillary PAX Services	$ 2,631	$ 1,898
ATL - Loyalty Program	2,799	2,667
Air Traffic Liability Total	$ 5,430	$ 4,565	$ 5,139	$ 4,221

X

- Definition

Air Traffic Liability Loyalty Program

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_AirTrafficLiabilityLoyaltyProgram
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Air Traffic Liability Passenger Revenue and Ancillary Passenger Services

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_AirTrafficLiabilityPassengerRevenueandAncillaryPassengerServices
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Air Traffic Liability Total

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	luv_AirTrafficLiabilityTotal
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAndDeferredRevenueAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration