Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	27 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Altria Group, Inc. [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 PM USA [Member]	Mar. 31, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 PM USA [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 PM USA [Member]
Reclassification impact to consolidated cash flows	$ 0
Cash Dividends Received From Subsidiaries		$ 923	$ 890	$ 3,666	$ 3,438	$ 59	$ 26	$ 213	$ 179