Contingencies (Security For Judgments Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Contingencies [Abstract]
Security posted for appeal of judgments	$ 63

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