No definition available.

Name:	luv_BusinessPartnersCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Reinsurance Receivable, Current

No definition available.

Name:	luv_ReinsuranceReceivableCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	luv_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount, after allowance, receivable from customers, clients, or other third-parties, and receivables classified as other due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount, after allowance for credit loss, of right to consideration from customer for product sold and service rendered in normal course of business, classified as current.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481990/310-10-45-2

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
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Amounts receivable from issuing a card to individuals or businesses that allows someone to make a purchase on borrowed money.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the asset arising from a financial instrument or a contract used to mitigate a specified risk (hedge), and which are expected to be converted into cash or otherwise disposed of within a year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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Carrying amount due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from tax authorities as of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)(a)(4))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(10))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

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Amount, after allowance, of receivables classified as other, due within one year or the operating cycle, if longer.

No definition available.

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