Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$ 131	$ (173)	$ (387)	$ 23
Cash flow hedging activities:
Net unrealized gain (loss) from derivative instruments, net of taxes.	2	6	2	6
Reclassifications into earnings of net derivative instruments (gain) loss, net of taxes.	0	(4)	0	(4)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of ($25) and ($37) in 2016 and $14 and $24 in 2015, respectively.	(49)	(74)	50	(159)
Reclassification into earnings upon sale of foreign entity, net of taxes of ($36) in 2016	(119)	0	(119)	0
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0 and $1 in 2016 and $1 and $2 and 2015, respectively.	(1)	0	(3)	(2)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of taxes of $2.	0	0	(3)	0
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of ($3) and ($9) in 2016 and ($5) and ($13) in 2015, respectively.	5	7	15	21
Other comprehensive income (loss)	76	(65)	180	(138)
Comprehensive income (loss)	207	(238)	(207)	(115)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	108	(157)	91	(175)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Williams Companies, Inc.	$ 99	$ (81)	$ (298)	$ 60