Earnings from Equity Investment in SABMiller (Narrative) (Details) (SABMiller [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
SABMiller [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gains included in Earnings From Equity Method Investment	$ 342

Gains included in earnings from equity method investment

No definition available.

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