Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common Stock	Capital in excess of par value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock	Total Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 7,427	$ 716	$ 11,134	$ (5,695)	$ (362)	$ (1,041)	$ 4,752	$ 2,675
Net income (loss)	422	0	0	303	0	0	303	119
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(32)	0	0	0	(32)	0	(32)	0
Cash dividends - common stock	(472)	0	0	(472)	0	0	(472)	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(224)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(224)
Issuance of common stock from debentures conversion	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	26	2	24	0	0	0	26	0
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	617	0	0	0	0	0	0	617
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(69)	0	115	0	0	0	115	(184)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	272	0	0	0	0	0	0	272
Other	3	0	0	(1)	0	0	1	2
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 7,971	$ 718	$ 11,274	$ (5,863)	$ (394)	$ (1,041)	$ 4,694	$ 3,277