XML 119 R92.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | 49 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2020
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | $ 3,566 | $ 8,781 | $ 8,264 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 4,618 | 5,840 | 5,685 |
Special items - merger-related costs |  | 6 | 44 | 87 | $ 370
Economic fuel |  | 723 | 1,878 | 1,936 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 5,341 | 7,718 | 7,621 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | 31 | 42 | 38 |
Interest expense |  | (98) | (78) | (91) |
Interest capitalized |  | 11 | 15 | 18 |
Other - net |  | 17 | (26) | (23) |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | (65) | (47) | (58) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | (1,840) | 1,016 | 585 |
Depreciation |  | 420 | 423 | 398 |
Total property and equipment additions |  | (206) | (696) | (960) |
Total assets |  | 14,046 | 12,993 |  | 14,046
Air Group Adjusted [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | 3,566 | 8,781 | 8,264 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 4,547 | 5,796 | 5,553 |
Economic fuel |  | 731 | 1,884 | 1,914 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 5,278 | 7,680 | 7,467 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | (39) | (47) | (58) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | (1,751) | 1,054 | 739 |
Horizon [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | 386 | 451 | 512 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 323 | 385 | 465 |
Economic fuel |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 323 | 385 | 465 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | (22) | (28) | (20) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | 41 | 38 | 27 |
Depreciation |  | 74 | 86 | 82 |
Total property and equipment additions |  | (12) | (91) | (389) |
Total assets |  | 1,170 | 1,266 |  | 1,170
Consolidating & Other |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | (383) | (445) | (508) |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | (399) | (464) | (513) |
Economic fuel |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | (399) | (464) | (513) |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | 2 | 2 | (2) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | 18 | 21 | 3 |
Total assets |  | (6,878) | (7,480) |  | (6,878)
Special Charges [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 71 | 44 | 132 |
Economic fuel |  | (8) | (6) | 22 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 63 | 38 | 154 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | (26) | 0 | 0 |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | (89) | (38) | (154) |
Alaska Mainline [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | 2,829 | 7,381 | 7,063 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 3,630 | 4,778 | 4,577 |
Economic fuel |  | 569 | 1,589 | 1,652 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 4,199 | 6,367 | 6,229 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | (19) | (21) | (25) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | (1,389) | 993 | 809 |
Depreciation | [1] | 346 | 337 | 316 |
Total property and equipment additions | [1] | (194) | (605) | (571) |
Total assets | [1] | 19,754 | 19,207 |  | $ 19,754
Alaska Regional [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Total Operating Revenues |  | 734 | 1,394 | 1,197 |
Operating expenses |  |  |  |  |
Operating expenses, excluding fuel |  | 993 | 1,097 | 1,024 |
Economic fuel |  | 162 | 295 | 262 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 1,155 | 1,392 | 1,286 |
Non-operating Income (Expense) |  |  |  |  |
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total |  | 0 | 0 | (11) |
Income (loss) before income tax |  | (421) | 2 | (100) |
Passenger Revenue [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 3,019 | 8,095 | 7,631 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 3,019 | 8,095 | 7,631 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Horizon [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Consolidating & Other |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Special Charges [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 2,350 | 6,750 | 6,474 |
Passenger Revenue [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 669 | 1,345 | 1,157 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Horizon [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 386 | 450 | 508 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Consolidating & Other |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | (386) | (450) | (508) |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Special Charges [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Capacity Purchase Agreements [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 374 | 465 | 434 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 374 | 465 | 434 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Horizon [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Consolidating & Other |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Special Charges [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 309 | 419 | 397 |
Mileage Plan Services, Other [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 65 | 46 | 37 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 173 | 221 | 199 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Air Group Adjusted [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 173 | 221 | 199 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Horizon [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 1 | 4 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Consolidating & Other |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 3 | 5 | 0 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Special Charges [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Mainline [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | 170 | 212 | 192 |
Cargo and Freight [Member] | Alaska Regional [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Operating revenues |  |  |  |  |
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax |  | $ 0 | $ 3 | $ 3 |
[1] | INCOME TAXES Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts for tax purposes. The Company has a net deferred tax liability, primarily due to differences in depreciation rates for federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax (assets) and liabilities comprise the following (in millions):
| 2020 |  | 2019
Excess of tax over book depreciation | $ | 1,126 |  |  | $ | 1,233 |
Intangibles - net | 15 |  |  | 16 |
Operating lease assets | 342 |  |  | 416 |
Other - net | 106 |  |  | 58 |
Deferred tax liabilities | 1,589 |  |  | 1,723 |
Mileage Plan™ | (385) |  |  | (337) |
Inventory obsolescence | (17) |  |  | (15) |
Employee benefits | (215) |  |  | (179) |
Net operating losses | (27) |  |  | (13) |
Operating lease liabilities | (381) |  |  | (417) |
Leasehold maintenance | (73) |  |  | — |
Other - net | (103) |  |  | (48) |
Deferred tax assets | (1,201) |  |  | (1,009) |
Valuation allowance | 19 |  |  | 1 |
Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | 407 |  |  | $ | 715 |
The CARES Act, among other things, permits federal Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income for taxable years beginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to each of the five preceding taxable years to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. The Company also carried back a portion of NOLs incurred in 2018 as allowed by the CARES Act and has received a refund for those losses. At December 31, 2020, the Company had federal NOLs of approximately $644 million, the majority of which will be carried back under the CARES Act to be applied against previous years' taxable income. The Company has recorded a receivable of $225 million associated with the federal carry back. The remaining NOL, which resulted from the 2016 Virgin America merger, must be carried forward and will expire in 2036. The Company also has state NOLs of approximately $562 million that expire beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2040. Of these state NOLs, approximately $85 million may be used to offset previous years’ state taxable income due to states’ conformity to the Internal Revenue Code or state specific carryback provisions. Virgin America experienced multiple “ownership changes” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the most recent being its acquisition by the Company. Section 382 of the Code imposes an annual limitation on the utilization of pre-ownership change NOLs. Any unused annual limitation may, subject to certain limits, be carried over to later years. The combined Company’s ability to use the NOLs will also depend on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce the related deferred income tax assets to an amount which will, more likely than not, be realized. The Company has determined it is more likely than not that a portion of the state NOL carryforward will not be realized and, therefore, has provided a valuation allowance of $19 million for that portion as of December 31, 2020. The Company has likewise concluded it is more likely than not that all of its federal and the remaining state deferred income tax assets will be realized and thus no additional valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company reassesses the need for a valuation allowance each reporting period. Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in millions):
| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Current income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |  |
Federal | $ | (212) |  |  | $ | 26 |  |  | $ | (5) |
State | (11) |  |  | 13 |  |  | 9 |
Total current income tax expense (benefit) | (223) |  |  | 39 |  |  | 4 |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit): |  |  |  |  |
Federal | (246) |  |  | 175 |  |  | 125 |
State | (47) |  |  | 33 |  |  | 19 |
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (293) |  |  | 208 |  |  | 144 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | (516) |  |  | $ | 247 |  |  | $ | 148 |
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Income tax expense (benefit) reconciles to the amount computed by applying the 2020 U.S. federal rate of 21% to income (loss) before income tax and for deferred taxes as follows (in millions):
| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Income (loss) before income tax | $ | (1,840) |  |  | $ | 1,016 |  |  | $ | 585 |
Expected tax expense (benefit) | (386) |  |  | 213 |  |  | 123 |
Nondeductible expenses | 9 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 9 |
State income tax expense (benefit) | (62) |  |  | 36 |  |  | 21 |
Tax law changes | (93) |  |  | (9) |  |  | (7) |
Valuation allowance | 18 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Other - net | (2) |  |  | (2) |  |  | 2 |
Actual tax expense (benefit) | $ | (516) |  |  | $ | 247 |  |  | $ | 148 |
Effective tax rate | 28.0 | % |  | 24.3 | % |  | 25.3 | %
As a result of tax changes signed into law during 2017, with final regulations issued in 2019, the Company recorded a current tax benefit of $9 million in 2019. The Company recorded a current tax benefit of $93 million in 2020 as a result of provisions outlined in the CARES Act. Uncertain Tax Positions The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax returns in Alaska, Oregon and California as “major” tax jurisdictions. A summary of the Company's jurisdictions and the periods that are subject to examination are as follows:
Jurisdiction | Period
Federal | 2007 to 2019
Alaska | 2015 to 2019
California | 2007 to 2019
Oregon | 2003 to 2019
Certain tax years are open to the extent of net operating loss carryforwards. Changes in the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits during 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in millions):
| 2020 |  | 2019 |  | 2018
Balance at January 1, | $ | 40 |  |  | $ | 40 |  |  | $ | 43 |
Additions related to prior years | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |
Releases related to prior years | (1) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (4) |
Additions related to current year activity | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | 2 |
Releases due to settlements | (4) |  |  | — |  |  | (1) |
Releases due to lapse of statute of limitations | (1) |  |  | (1) |  |  | (1) |
Balance at December 31, | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | 40 |  |  | $ | 40 |
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $35 million of accrued tax contingencies, of which $29 million, if fully recognized, would increase the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company has accrued interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit, of $6 million, $7 million, and $6 million. In 2020, the Company recognized a benefit of $1 million, compared to the recognition of expense of $1 million in 2019, and $1 million in 2018, for interest and penalties, net of federal income tax benefit. At December 31, 2020, the Company has unrecognized tax benefits recorded as a liability and some reducing deferred tax assets. The Company reduced $5 million of reserves for uncertain tax positions in 2020, primarily due to settlements on state income taxes and statute lapses on reserved amounts. These uncertain tax positions could change as a result of the Company's ongoing audits, settlement of issues, new audits and status of other taxpayer court cases. The Company cannot predict the timing of these actions. Due to the positions being taken in various jurisdictions, the amounts currently accrued are the Company's best estimate as of December 31, 2020.

X
- Definition Operating Expenses, Excluding Fuel + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | alk_OperatingExpensesExcludingFuel
Namespace Prefix: | alk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75031198&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (bb) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121559654&loc=d3e5710-111685 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116870748&loc=SL6758485-165988 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868678&loc=d3e1043-128460 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fuel costs incurred that are directly related to goods produced and sold and services rendered during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.2(a),(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FuelCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit) and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and addition of income (loss) from equity method investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 31 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8924-108599 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of interest costs capitalized disclosed as an adjusting item to interest costs incurred. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalizedAdjustment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119993939&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (210.5-03(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income on nonoperating securities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Amount of income (expense) related to nonoperating activities, classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130543-203045 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130545-203045 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 924 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 11.L) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472922&loc=d3e499488-122856 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75031198&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395209&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_AirGroupAdjustedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_HorizonMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_ConsolidatingAndOtherMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_SpecialChargesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_AlaskaMainlineMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=alk_AlaskaRegionalMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=alk_PassengerRevenueMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=alk_CapacityPurchaseAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=alk_MileagePlanServicesOtherMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_CargoAndFreightMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |