<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.19.3</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>575</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>435</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>226</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>19</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEarnings</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveEarnings</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>106000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Revenues from Contracts with Customers</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/RevenuesFromContractsWithCustomers</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues from Contracts with Customers</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCosts</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Earnings (Losses) Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/EarningsLossesPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (Losses) Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLosses</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/Contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidating Financial Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/NewAccountingGuidanceNotYetAdopted</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/NewAccountingGuidanceNotYetAdopted</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCosts</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities Investments in Equity Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities Investments in Equity Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/EarningsLossesPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/EarningsLossesPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLosses</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReporting</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2320301 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/Contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2322301 - Disclosure - New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/NewAccountingGuidanceNotYetAdoptedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/NewAccountingGuidanceNotYetAdopted</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401404 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Share Repurchase Table) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationShareRepurchaseTableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Share Repurchase Table) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403401 - Disclosure - Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/RevenuesFromContractsWithCustomersNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/RevenuesFromContractsWithCustomers</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Pre-tax Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsPreTaxAssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Pre-tax Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Movement in Restructuring Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsMovementInRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Movement in Restructuring Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment, Exit and Implementation Costs (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/AssetImpairmentExitAndImplementationCostsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets by Segment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetScheduleOfGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsBySegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Schedule of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets by Segment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Other Intangible Assets Disclosure) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetOtherIntangibleAssetsDisclosureDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Other Intangible Assets Disclosure) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407404 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Changes in Goodwill and Net Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetChangesInGoodwillAndNetCarryingAmountOfIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Changes in Goodwill and Net Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407405 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities (Summary of Investments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesSummaryOfInvestmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities (Summary of Investments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities (Earnings in Equity Securities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesEarningsInEquitySecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities (Earnings in Equity Securities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in ABI Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentInAbiNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in ABI Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408405 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in JUUL Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentInJuulNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in JUUL Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408406 - Disclosure - Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in Cronos Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentInCronosNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Equity Securities (Investment in Cronos Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/InvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesInvestmentsInEquitySecuritiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Fair Value Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsFairValueUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Fair Value Using Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409404 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Beginning and Ending Balances of Fixed-price Preemptive Rights and Warrants) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsBeginningAndEndingBalancesOfFixedPricePreemptiveRightsAndWarrantsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Beginning and Ending Balances of Fixed-price Preemptive Rights and Warrants) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409405 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Fair Value Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsFairValueDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Fair Value Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409406 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Effects of Net Investment Hedges on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsEffectsOfNetInvestmentHedgesOnAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Effects of Net Investment Hedges on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlansScheduleOfComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Schedule Of Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlansNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/BenefitPlansTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/EarningsLossesPerShareBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (Losses) Per Share (Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/EarningsLossesPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossesChangesInEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Reclassifications) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossesReclassificationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Comprehensive Earnings/Losses (Reclassifications) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/OtherComprehensiveEarningsLossesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Segment Data Schedule) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingSegmentDataScheduleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Segment Data Schedule) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417404 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Schedule of Tobacco and Health Litigation Items) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingScheduleOfTobaccoAndHealthLitigationItemsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting (Schedule of Tobacco and Health Litigation Items) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/SegmentReportingTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418401 - Disclosure - Debt (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/Debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420402 - Disclosure - Contingencies (General Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesGeneralInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (General Information) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420403 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Schedule of Pending Cases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesScheduleOfPendingCasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Schedule of Pending Cases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420404 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Overview of Altria and/or PM USA Tobacco-Related Litigation Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesOverviewOfAltriaAndOrPmUsaTobaccoRelatedLitigationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Overview of Altria and/or PM USA Tobacco-Related Litigation Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420405 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Judgments Paid and Provisions for Tobacco and Health Litigation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesJudgmentsPaidAndProvisionsForTobaccoAndHealthLitigationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Judgments Paid and Provisions for Tobacco and Health Litigation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420406 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Non-Engle Progeny Litigation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesNonEngleProgenyLitigationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Non-Engle Progeny Litigation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420407 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Engle Class Action And Engle Progeny Trial Results) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesEngleClassActionAndEngleProgenyTrialResultsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Engle Class Action And Engle Progeny Trial Results) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420408 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Engle Progeny Cases Trial Results - Pending and Concluded) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesEngleProgenyCasesTrialResultsPendingAndConcludedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Engle Progeny Cases Trial Results - Pending and Concluded) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420409 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Florida Bond Statute) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesFloridaBondStatuteDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Florida Bond Statute) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420410 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Other Smoking and Health Class Actions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesOtherSmokingAndHealthClassActionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Other Smoking and Health Class Actions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420411 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Health Care Cost Recovery Litigation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesHealthCareCostRecoveryLitigationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Health Care Cost Recovery Litigation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420412 - Disclosure - Contingencies (NPM Adjustment Disputes - Settlement with 20 States and Territories and Settlement with New York) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesNpmAdjustmentDisputesSettlementWith20StatesAndTerritoriesAndSettlementWithNewYorkDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (NPM Adjustment Disputes - Settlement with 20 States and Territories and Settlement with New York) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420413 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Other Disputes Under the State Settlement Agreements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesOtherDisputesUnderStateSettlementAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Other Disputes Under the State Settlement Agreements) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420414 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Federal Government's Lawsuit) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesFederalGovernmentsLawsuitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Federal Government's Lawsuit) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420415 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Lights/Ultra Lights Cases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesLightsUltraLightsCasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Lights/Ultra Lights Cases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420416 - Disclosure - Contingencies (E-vapor Litigation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesEVaporLitigationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (E-vapor Litigation) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420417 - Disclosure - Contingencies (UST Litigations Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesUstLitigationsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (UST Litigations Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420418 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Guarantees and Other Similar Matters Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesGuaranteesAndOtherSimilarMattersNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Guarantees and Other Similar Matters Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421403 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfEarningsAndComprehensiveEarningsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421404 - Disclosure - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationCondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.altria.com/role/CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2019form10qq32019.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9999.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>Uncategorized Items - a2019form10qq32019.htm</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/role/uncategorizedFacts</Role>
      <ShortName>Uncategorized Items - a2019form10qq32019.htm</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="a2019form10qq32019.htm">a2019form10qq32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit101q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit311q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit312q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit321q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit322q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit991q32019.htm</File>
    <File>exhibit992q32019.htm</File>
    <File>mo-20190930.xsd</File>
    <File>mo-20190930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>mo-20190930_def.xml</File>
    <File>mo-20190930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>mo-20190930_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
