Segment Disclosures Reconciliation of Segment Modified EBITDA to Consolidated Net Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss):
Modified EBITDA Earnings (Loss)	$ 1,059	$ 174	$ 2,209	$ 1,092
Accretion expense associated with asset retirement obligations for nonregulated operations	(9)	(8)	(16)	(15)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(433)	(446)	(875)	(891)
Equity earnings (losses)	125	101	232	198
Impairment of equity-method investments	0	0	0	112
Other investing income (loss) – net	(2)	(18)	(274)	(36)
Proportional Modified EBITDA of equity-method investments	(215)	(191)	(409)	(380)
Interest expense	(271)	(298)	(551)	(589)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(65)	145	(102)	143
Net income (loss)	193	(505)	762	(518)
Operating Segments [Member] \| Williams Partners [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss):
Modified EBITDA Earnings (Loss)	1,076	604	2,208	1,559
Operating Segments [Member] \| Other [Member]
Reconciliation of Modified EBITDA to Net Income (Loss):
Modified EBITDA Earnings (Loss)	$ (17)	$ (430)	$ 1	$ (467)

The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

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