Contingencies (Security For Judgments Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Security posted for appeal of judgments	$ 37

Various forms of security posted to obtain stays of judgments for cases pending appeal

No definition available.

Name:	mo_SecurityPostedToObtainStaysOfJudgmentsPendingAppeal
Namespace Prefix:	mo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration