Contingencies (NPM Adjustment Calculation Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2003 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2006 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	$ 337
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2004 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2007 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	388
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2005 [Member] | Year Npm Adjustment Deducted2008 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	181
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2006 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2009 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	154
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2007 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2010 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	185
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2008 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2011 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	252
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2009 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2012 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	206
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2010 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2013 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	208
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2011 [Member] | Year NPM Adjustment May Be Deducted 2014 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
PM USA's approximate share of disputed NPM Adjustment	137
Year NPM Adjustment Calculated 2004 - 2012 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Affiliates possible excess MSA payments	$ 92
Health Care Cost Recovery Actions [Member] | MSA NPM Arbitration Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Partial liability reduction percentage for 2003 NPM adjustment for states that are party to agreement re: arbitration	20.00%