Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions	Total	The Williams Companies, Inc	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 9,019	$ 8,447	$ 572
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	76	(8)	84
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net change in cash flow hedges	108	105	3
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10)	(10)
Pension and other postretirement benefits - net	10	10
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	108	105	3
Total comprehensive income (loss)	184	97	87
Cash dividends - common stock	(137)	(137)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(66)		(66)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	25	25
Changes in Williams Partners L.P. ownership interest (Note 2)		(454)	454
Other	1	1
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2010	9,026	7,979	1,047
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2010	8,962	7,919	1,043
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	222	185	37
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net change in cash flow hedges	(41)	(42)	1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(29)	(29)
Pension and other postretirement benefits - net	5	5
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(65)	(66)	1
Total comprehensive income (loss)	157	119	38
Cash dividends - common stock	(73)	(73)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(34)		(34)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	13	13
Other	1	1
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2010	9,026	7,979	1,047
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	8,619	7,288	1,331
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	681	548	133
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net change in cash flow hedges	(54)	(54)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	27	27
Pension and other postretirement benefits - net	11	11
Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities	3	3
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(13)	(13)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	668	535	133
Cash dividends - common stock	(191)	(191)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(105)		(105)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	52	52
Issuance of common stock from 5.5% debentures conversion	2	2
Changes in Williams Partners L.P. ownership interest (Note 2)		30	(30)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2011	9,045	7,716	1,329
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2011	8,879	7,537	1,342
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	297	227	70
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net change in cash flow hedges	8	8
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5	5
Pension and other postretirement benefits - net	5	5
Unrealized gain (loss) on equity securities	3	3
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	21	21
Total comprehensive income (loss)	318	248	70
Cash dividends - common stock	(118)	(118)
Dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interests	(53)		(53)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	17	17
Issuance of common stock from 5.5% debentures conversion	2	2
Changes in Williams Partners L.P. ownership interest (Note 2)		30	(30)
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 9,045	$ 7,716	$ 1,329