2.2.0.7 true Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) 0602 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) true false false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 3 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 4 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 5 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Cash and cash equivalents: 2 rai_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract rai false na duration Cash and Cash Equivalents Abstract. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Cash and Cash Equivalents Abstract. false 3 Cash equivalents 2 us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 2176000000 2176000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 true true false false 2176000000 2176000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 true true false false 2679000000 2679000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash equivalents may be reported as cash equivalents, while legally restricted equivalents held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular equivalents should not be reported as part of unrestricted cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 4 Other assets and deferred charges: 2 rai_OtherAssetsAndDeferredChargesAbstract rai false na duration Other assets and deferred charges Abstract. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Other assets and deferred charges Abstract. false 6 Assets held in grantor trusts 2 us-gaap_CommonStockHeldInTrust us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 12000000 12000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 12000000 12000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false 12000000 12000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Value of common stock held in trust. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Interest rate swaps 2 us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 302000000 302000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 302000000 302000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false 239000000 239000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 false 8 Other noncurrent liabilities: 2 us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 9 Interest rate swaps - floating to fixed rate 2 us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -78000000 -78000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -78000000 -78000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false -2000000 -2000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 false 13 Financial assets classified as Level 3 investments (Abstract) 2 rai_FinancialAssetsClassifiedAsLevel3InvestmentsAbstract rai false na duration Financial assets classified as Level 3 investments. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Financial assets classified as Level 3 investments. false 14 Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 131000000 131000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 131000000 131000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 15 Gross Realised Loss 2 rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossRealizedLoss rai false debit instant Available For Sales Securities Gross Realized Loss. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -2000000 -2000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -2000000 -2000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Available For Sales Securities Gross Realized Loss. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Gross Unrealized Loss 2 rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss rai false debit instant Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -75000000 -75000000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -75000000 -75000000 [1] false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. No authoritative reference available. false 17 Estimated Fair Value 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 54000000 54000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 54000000 54000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 false 18 Changes in the Level 3 investments (Abstract) 2 rai_ChangesInLevel3InvestmentsAbstract rai false na duration Changes in the Level 3 investments. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Changes in the Level 3 investments. false 19 Cost, Beginning Balance 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 143000000 143000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 20 Gross (Loss) Gain, Beginning Balance 2 rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss rai false debit instant Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -80000000 -80000000 [1] false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. No authoritative reference available. false 21 Estimated Fair Value, Beginning Balance 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 63000000 63000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 false 23 Unrealized gains 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1000000 1000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain of an available-for-sale security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 false 25 Cost, Ending Balance 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 131000000 131000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 131000000 131000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 26 Gross (Loss) Gain, Ending Balance 2 rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss rai false debit instant Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false -75000000 -75000000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -75000000 -75000000 [1] false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss. No authoritative reference available. false 27 Estimated Fair Value, Ending Balance 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 54000000 54000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 54000000 54000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 false 32 Not designated as hedging instrument: 2 rai_NotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentAbstract rai false na duration Not designated as hedging instrument. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Not designated as hedging instrument. false 33 Other assets and deferred charges 2 us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 302000000 302000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 302000000 302000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false 239000000 239000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair value of a derivative asset that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 false 34 Long-term debt (less current maturities) 2 us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfInterestRateFairValueHedge us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -208000000 -208000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -208000000 -208000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false -235000000 -235000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount as of the balance sheet date of the unamortized adjustment to the carrying value of an interest-bearing hedged item made under an effective interest rate fair value hedge that must be amortized upon discontinuation of the interest rate fair value hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 24 false 35 Other noncurrent liabilities 2 us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -78000000 -78000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -78000000 -78000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false -2000000 -2000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Fair value of a derivative liability that is not designated or qualifying as a hedging instrument, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 false 36 Impact of Interest rate swaps on Income Statement (Abstract) 2 rai_ImpactOfInterestRateSwapsOnIncomeStatementAbstract rai false na duration Impact of Interest rate swaps on Income Statement. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Impact of Interest rate swaps on Income Statement. false 37 Interest and debt expense 2 us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -12000000 -12000000 false false false 2 false true false false -12000000 -12000000 false false false 3 false true false false -36000000 -36000000 false false false 4 false true false false -36000000 -36000000 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of expense charged against earnings by an Entity to record deferred gains and losses on hedge instruments. Examples include gain on economic hedges, amortization of gain on designated fair value hedge and so forth. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 38 Other expense, net 2 us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -9000000 -9000000 false false false 2 false true false false -11000000 -11000000 false false false 3 false true false false -4000000 -4000000 false false false 4 false true false false -7000000 -7000000 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the net change in fair value of derivative instrument not designated as hedging instrument. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b(1)(b) false 39 Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Numeric) [Abstract] 2 rai_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsNumericAbstract rai false na duration Fair Value of Financial Instruments Numeric Abstract. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Fair Value of Financial Instruments Numeric Abstract. false 40 Estimated fair value of RAI's and RJR's outstanding long-term notes 2 us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 4400000000 4400000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 4400000000 4400000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false 4400000000 4400000000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents notes payable as of the balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20, 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 4 false 41 Debt weighted average interest rate 2 rai_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate rai false na instant Reflects the calculation as of the balance-sheet date of the average interest rate weighted by the amount of debt outstanding... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0.054 0.054 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0.054 0.054 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false true false false 0.055 0.055 false false false xbrli:pureItemType pure Reflects the calculation as of the balance-sheet date of the average interest rate weighted by the amount of debt outstanding by type or by instrument at that time. No authoritative reference available. false 42 Offsetting floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements in the notional amount 2 us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateDerivatives us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1500000000 1500000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1500000000 1500000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Aggregate notional amount of interest rate derivatives, which relates to the currency amount specified in the interest rate derivative instruments. No authoritative reference available. false 43 Interest rate swaps terminated 2 rai_InterestRateSwapsTerminated rai false credit instant The amount of debt covered by an interest rate swap that was terminated. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 100000000 100000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 100000000 100000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of debt covered by an interest rate swap that was terminated. No authoritative reference available. false 44 Debt covered by fixed interest rate 2 rai_DebtCoveredByFixedInterestRate rai false credit instant The amount of debt that was converted to fixed interest through the use of interest rate swaps. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1600000000 1600000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1600000000 1600000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The amount of debt that was converted to fixed interest through the use of interest rate swaps. No authoritative reference available. false 45 Decrease fixed rate of interest 2 us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0.04 0.04 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0.04 0.04 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false us-types:percentItemType pure Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative. No authoritative reference available. false 46 Building [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://reynoldsamerican.com/role/fairvalueoffinancialinstrumentsdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 6 USD true false false false Building [Member] us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_BuildingMember us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 55 Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis 2 rai_NonfinancialAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisAbstract rai false na duration Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. false 56 Total 2 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentFairValueDisclosure us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 18000000 18000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment net of accumulated depreciation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 33 false 57 Total Loss 2 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -7000000 -7000000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false 5 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale). 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