XML 110 R92.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Lump sum payment | $ 277 |  |  |
One-time settlement charge relating to lump sum distributions |  | $ 81 |  |
Amounts charged to expense for defined contribution plans |  | 83 | $ 93 | $ 85
Employer contributions | 270 |  |  |
Pension [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Accumulated benefit obligation | 8,200 | 8,200 | 8,000 |
Projected benefit obligation | 413 | 413 |  |
Accumulated benefit obligation | 364 | 364 |  |
Fair value of plan assets | 124 | 124 |  |
Employer contributions |  | 24 | 531 |
Fair value of plan assets, net | 8,015 | $ 8,015 | $ 7,475 | $ 6,706
Expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 8.00% | 8.00% | 8.00%
Pension [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 7.80% |  |
Pension [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Employer contribution to its pension plans | $ 60 | $ 60 |  |
Expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 8.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 3.00% | 3.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Below grade investments [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 7.00% | 7.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Plan assets, target allocation percentage | 55.00% | 55.00% |  |
Composition of plan assets | 59.00% | 59.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 4.00% | 4.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Plan assets, target allocation percentage | 45.00% | 45.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Below grade investments [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 16.00% | 16.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Corporate Bond Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 30.00% | 30.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | US Treasury And Foreign Government Securities [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Composition of plan assets | 11.00% | 11.00% |  |
Pension [Member] | Change in Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Decrease in pre-tax net periodic benefit cost |  |  | $ 70 |
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Contribution amount | $ 270 |  |  |
Employer contributions |  | $ 270 | 0 |
Expected future employer contributions | 70 | 70 |  |
Fair value of plan assets, net | $ 270 | $ 270 | $ 0 | $ 0
Expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00%
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Plan assets, target allocation percentage | 55.00% | 55.00% |  |
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Plan assets, target allocation percentage | 45.00% | 45.00% |  |
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Common/Collective Trusts [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets, net | $ 150 | $ 150 |  |
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets, net | $ 120 | $ 120 |  |
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] | Change in Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Decrease in pre-tax net periodic benefit cost |  |  | $ 20 |
Scenario, Plan [Member] | Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] |  |  |  |
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 7.80% |  |

X
- Definition Amount of actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered, excluding assumptions about future compensation level. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average rate of return on plan assets, reflecting average rate of earnings expected on existing plan assets and expected contributions, used to determine net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in benefit obligation of defined benefit plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of contribution received by defined benefit plan from employer which increases plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(5)(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2709-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(5)(iv)(01) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of contributions expected to be received by defined benefit plan from employer in next fiscal year following latest fiscal year. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of contributions expected to be received by defined benefit plan from employer in fiscal year. Excludes contributions paid by employer in current fiscal year. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2709-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of assets that have been segregated and restricted to provide pension or postretirement benefits. Assets include, but are not limited to, stocks, bonds, other investments, earnings from investments, and contributions by the employer and employees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2417-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2417-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of projected benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77993564&loc=d3e4179-114921 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of target investment allocation to total plan assets. Includes, but is not limited to, percentage on weighted-average basis if more than one plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(5)(i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit from irrevocable action relieving primary responsibility for benefit obligation and eliminating risk related to obligation and assets used to effect settlement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of payment, which decreases plan assets of defined benefit plan, for irrevocable action relieving primary responsibility for benefit obligation and eliminating risk for obligation and assets used to effect settlement. Transaction constituting settlement includes, but is not limited to, making lump-sum cash payment to participant in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and purchasing nonparticipating annuity contract. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(5)(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(5)(iv)(01) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of fair value of investments (categorized by debt securities, equity securities, real estate and other plan assets) to the fair value of plan assets held. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2446-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of cost for defined contribution plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 70 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170846&loc=d3e28014-114942 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=mo_EmergingMarketsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis=us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingNonInvestmentGradeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=mo_UsTreasuryAndForeignGovernmentSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis=us-gaap_ChangeInAssumptionsForPensionPlansMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=mo_CommonCollectiveTrustsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis=us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |