Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$ 197	$ 203	$ 619	$ 863
Cash flow hedging activities:
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes	1	(9)	1	25
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes	(1)	(11)	(1)	(15)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	20	30	(31)	32
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Prior service credit (cost) arising during the year, net of taxes	15	0	15	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes	0	0	(1)	(1)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes	12	(1)	12	(4)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes	9	10	29	29
Equity securities:
Reclassifications into earnings of (gain) loss on sale of equity securities, net of taxes	0	0	0	(3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	56	19	24	63
Comprehensive income (loss)	253	222	643	926
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	56	40	175	157
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	$ 197	$ 182	$ 468	$ 769