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Contingencies (Engle Progeny Cases Trial Results) (Details) (Engle Progeny Cases [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Oct. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Jan. 21, 2015
Florida/Allen [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | November 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | $ 6,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | $ 6,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced amended award total | 3,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 3,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 6.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 6.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages reduced award total | 7,760,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 7,760,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total against each defendant | 17,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 17,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaAllenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Perrotto [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | November 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 4,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 4,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 1,020,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,020,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPerrottoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Boatright [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | November 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 15,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 85.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 85.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 12,750,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 12,750,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 19,700,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 19,700,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBoatrightMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Kerrivan [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | October 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 15,800,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15,800,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 50.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 50.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 25,300,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 25,300,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 15,700,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15,700,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKerrivanMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Lourie [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | October 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 1,370,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,370,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 27.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 27.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 370,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 370,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 370,318 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLourieMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Berger [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | September 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 6,250,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBergerMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 6,250,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBergerMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 20,760,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBergerMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 20,760,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBergerMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Harris [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | July 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 1,730,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHarrisMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,730,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHarrisMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHarrisMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHarrisMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Griffin [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | June 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 1,270,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,270,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 50.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 50.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 630,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 630,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 640,543 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGriffinMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Burkhart [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | May 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 2,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 750,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 750,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBurkhartMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Bowden [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | March 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 1,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 1,500,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBowdenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Goveia [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | February 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 850,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 850,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 35.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 35.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 297,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 297,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 2,250,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,250,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 2,500,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaGoveiaMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Cuculino [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | January 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 12,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 12,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 40.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 40.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 5,000,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCuculinoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Rizzuto [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | August 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 12,550,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 12,550,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced award total | 11,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 11,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Economic damages | 2,550,000 mo_Economicdamages / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,550,000 mo_Economicdamages / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Economic Damages Reduced Award Total | 1,100,000 mo_EconomicDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,100,000 mo_EconomicDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRizzutoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Skolnick [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | June 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 2,555,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,555,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 766,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 766,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 766,500 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaskolnickMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Starr-Blundell [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | June 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 10.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 10.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 50,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 50,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridastarrBlundellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Ruffo [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | May 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 1,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 12.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 12.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 180,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 180,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 180,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Damages Recorded Costs And Interest |  | 193,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesRecordedCostsAndInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaruffoMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Graham [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | May 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 2,750,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,750,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 10.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 10.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 275,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 275,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 277,750 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridagrahamMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Searcy [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | April 2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 6,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 6,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced award total | 1,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 30.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages reduced award total | 1,670,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,670,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total against each defendant | 10,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 10,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 2,200,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridasearcyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida Buchanan [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | December 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 5,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 37.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 37.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 2,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 2,500,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBuchananMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida Hancock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | August 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 0 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 0 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additur damages imposed by trial court | 110,000 mo_AdditurDamagesImposedByTrialCourt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 110,000 mo_AdditurDamagesImposedByTrialCourt / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 5.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, damages allocated | 700 mo_AdditurAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHancockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Final Court Judgment Date | October 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida Calloway [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | May 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 21,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 21,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced award total | 16,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 16,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 17,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 17,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 1,500,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaCallowayMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | September 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Final Court Judgment Date | August 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Hallgren [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | January 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 2,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 25.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total against each defendant | 750,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 750,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 1,250,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHallgrenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | April 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Kayton (Formerly Tate) [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | July 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 8,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 8,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 64.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 64.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 5,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 16,200,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 16,200,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 5,000,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaKaytonFormerlyTateMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | August 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Putney [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | April 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 15,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15,100,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 15.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 2,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 2,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 1,600,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaPutneyMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | August 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/R. Cohen [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | March 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 10,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 10,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 33.30%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 33.30%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 3,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 3,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 20,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 20,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total against each defendant | 10,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 10,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 2,500,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaRCohenMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | October 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Naugle [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | November 2009 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 56,600,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 56,600,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced award total | 13,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 13,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages reduced amended award total | 12,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 12,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 90.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 90.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award total all defendants | 244,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 244,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages reduced award total | 26,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 26,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages reduced amended award total | 24,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 24,500,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesReducedAmendedAwardTotal / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 5,000,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Amended Final Court Judgment Date | August 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | April 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Final Court Judgment Date | March 2010 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retrial Compensatory Damages Awarded | 3,700,000 mo_RetrialCompensatoryDamagesAwarded / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 3,700,000 mo_RetrialCompensatoryDamagesAwarded / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retrial Punitive Damages Awarded | 7,500,000 mo_RetrialPunitiveDamagesAwarded / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 7,500,000 mo_RetrialPunitiveDamagesAwarded / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaNaugleMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Hess [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | February 2009 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 3,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 3,000,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 42.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 42.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 1,260,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,260,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Punitive damages jury award allocation amount | 5,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Damages Recorded Costs And Interest |  |  | 3,200,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesRecordedCostsAndInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaHessMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Final Court Judgment Date | June 2009 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Tullo [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | April 2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 4,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 4,500,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 45.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 45.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 2,025,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 2,025,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Appeals bond posted by PM USA | 2,000,000 mo_AppealsBondPostedByAffiliate / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, appeal bond date | July 2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Damages Recorded Costs And Interest |  |  |  |  | 3,900,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesRecordedCostsAndInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid |  |  |  | 3,900,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesPaid / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaTulloMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Barbanell [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | August 2009 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 5,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 5,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 36.50%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 36.50%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 1,950,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,950,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency Damages Recorded Costs And Interest |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,600,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesRecordedCostsAndInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |
Loss Contingency Final Court Judgment Date | September 2009 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid |  |  |  |  |  | 3,600,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesPaid / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBarbanellMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |
Florida Lock [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence | October 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest | 1,150,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 1,150,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation percentage allocated to PM USA | 9.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 9.00%mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationPercentage / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Compensatory damages jury award allocation amount | 103,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember | 103,500 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardAllocationAmount / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 140,000 mo_LossContingencyDamagesPaid / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaLockMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |
Florida/Banks [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value | 0 us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBanksMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Florida/Reider [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value | 0 us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesAwardedValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaReiderMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event [Member] | Florida/Brown [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss contingency, period of occurrence |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | January 2015
Compensatory damages jury award total excluding interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,300,000 mo_CompensatoryDamagesJuryAwardTotalExcludingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBrownMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Punitive damages jury award total against each defendant |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 9,000,000 mo_PunitiveDamagesJuryAwardTotalAgainstEachDefendant / dei_LegalEntityAxis = mo_FloridaBrownMember / us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis = mo_EngleProgenyCasesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember

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