Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	39 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 PM USA [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 PM USA [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 PM USA [Member]
Reclassification impact to consolidated cash flows	$ 0
Cash Dividends Received From Subsidiaries		$ 923	$ 890	$ 1,783	$ 2,702	$ 3,666	$ 3,438	$ 3,711	$ 59	$ 26	$ 55	$ 110	$ 213	$ 179	$ 136