Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Pretax Tobacco and Health charges	$ 5
commitments and contingencies accrued interest	1
NPM Adjustment to Cost Of Sales [Member] \| Smokeable Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Decrease in Cost of Sales	$ 483

Decrease in Cost of Sales associated with a Master Settlement Agreement payment adjustment related to settlement of payment dispute regarding Non-participating Manufacturers (NPM Adjustment)

No definition available.

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