Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	Common Stock	Capital in excess of par value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock	Total Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 7,427	$ 716	$ 11,134	$ (5,695)	$ (362)	$ (1,041)	$ 4,752	$ 2,675
Net income (loss)	619	0	0	444	0	0	444	175
Other comprehensive income (loss)	24	0	0	0	24	0	24	0
Cash dividends - common stock	(722)	0	0	(722)	0	0	(722)	0
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(344)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(344)
Issuance of common stock from debentures conversion	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
Stock-based compensation and related common stock issuances, net of tax	40	2	38	0	0	0	40	0
Sales of limited partner units of Williams Partners L.P.	1,819	0	0	0	0	0	0	1,819
Changes in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net	(243)	0	409	0	0	0	409	(652)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	327	0	0	0	0	0	0	327
Other	(2)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(2)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 8,946	$ 718	$ 11,582	$ (5,973)	$ (338)	$ (1,041)	$ 4,948	$ 3,998