<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="rai_NumberOfEmployeesEliminatedUnderPlanTwo">
    <definition>Number of employees eliminated in Year Two restructuring.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LostWagesAndOtherDamagesInThompsonCase">
    <definition>Lost wages and other damages sought by Thompson against JTI-MC.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInGrossmanCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages in Grossman case against RJR Tobacco prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ReturnOfIntercompanyInvestments">
    <definition>Cash inflow from an investment in an affiliated company.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossRealizedLoss">
    <definition>Available For Sales Securities Gross Realized Loss.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_UpperRangeOfRoyaltyInStarCase">
    <definition>Upper range of royalty sought by Star in Star case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyNotesAndInterestPayableNoncurrent">
    <definition>Noncurrent notes and interest payable from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AmountOfMsaDisputedPaymentToBeReleasedToStates">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's MSA 2006 payment for 2003 to be released to the settling states from the disputed payments account.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfIncomeSubsidiaryTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Income Subsidiary Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInHallCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages in Hall case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FeesAndExpensesInBroinCase">
    <definition>Plaintiffs' counsel's fees and expenses to be paid by all participating tobacco companies in Broin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInGrayCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Gray case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInPiendleCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages awarded in Piendle case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationAmountOfAdjustmentToPriorPeriodGainLossOnDisposalBeforeIncomeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ThirdMsaDisputedPayment">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's 2008 MSA payment for 2005 placed into a disputed payments account.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevenuePercentageFromRelatedParties">
    <definition>Percentage of total revenues arising from transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiaries; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) an entity and trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of the entity's' management; (d) an entity and its principal, owners, management, or members of their immediate families; and (e) affiliates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_InterestRateSwapsOutstandingTextBlock">
    <definition>Interest rate swaps outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureAmortizationExpenseYearOne">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInGrossmanCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Grossman case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsSubsidiaryTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Subsidiary Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_InterestRateSwapsTerminated">
    <definition>The amount of debt covered by an interest rate swap that was terminated.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FinalJudgmentInBrownCase">
    <definition>Final judgment awarded in Brown case against RJR Tobacco after fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterials">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AmountToFundStatesAntitrustConsumerProtectionTobaccoEnforcementFund">
    <definition>Amount RJR Tobacco and the PMs will pay into States' Antitrust/Consumer Protection Tobacco Enforcement Fund each year (2010, 2011 and 2012).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInSmithCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages awarded in Smith case against B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInCohenCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages in Cohen case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AmendedVerdictInScottCase">
    <definition>Amended Scott judgment against all defendants (including RJR Tobacco and B&amp;W).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_MsPaymentSoughtUnderMsStateSettlementAgreement">
    <definition>Additional payments sought by MS under MS State Settlement Agreement from B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByBritishColumbia">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by British Columbia.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FirstMsaDisputedPayment">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's 2006 MSA payment for 2003 placed into a disputed payments account.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInGrayCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages in Gray case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FutureAmortizationExpenseThereAfter">
    <definition>Future Amortization Expense There after.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ChangesInLevel3InvestmentsTextBlock">
    <definition>Changes in the Level 3 investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompanyProjectedStateSettlementCashPayments">
    <definition>RAI Projected State Settlement Cash Payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInStarCase">
    <definition>Damages for MS due to B&amp;W's Star Tobacco contract.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedCompensatoryDamagesInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Revised compensatory damages awarded in Frankson case against all defendants including B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_OtherIntercompanyPayableCurrent">
    <definition>Current other payables from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesAwardedInBuonomoCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Buonomo case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FetraPayableToQuotaTobaccoHolders">
    <definition>FETRA payable to quota tobacco holders.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInDouglasCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Douglas case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareholdersEquityAndComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>Shareholders Equity and Comprehensive Income Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompanyStateSettlementExpenses">
    <definition>RAI State Settlement Expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_NumberOfEmployeesEliminatedUnderPlanOne">
    <definition>Number of employees eliminated in Year One restructuring.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredGainLossOnDiscontinuationOfInterestRateFairValueHedge">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FlPaymentSoughtUnderFlStateSettlementAgreement">
    <definition>Additional payments sought by FL under FL State Settlement Agreement from B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LegalExpenseReimbursement">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco expense for JTI legal indemnification.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_HealthCareReformExpense">
    <definition>Impact of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInIzzarelliCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Izzarelli case after fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TownsendCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Townsend case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByManitoba">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Manitoba.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_GrayCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Gray case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateDerivatives">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FinalCompensatoryDamagesInHallCase">
    <definition>Final compensatory damages in Hall case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_UpperRangeOfDamagesInLightsCases">
    <definition>Upper range of compensatory and punitive damages sought in Lights cases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInTownsendCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Townsend case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToContingentlyIssuableShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NatureOfOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompanyProjectedStateSettlementExpenses">
    <definition>RAI Projected State Settlement Expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureAmortizationExpenseYearTwo">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_HallCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Hall case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_StateSettlementAgreementsExpense">
    <definition>State settlement agreements expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_GrowersTrustAnnualPayment">
    <definition>Growers trust annual payments (expire in 2010).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RestrictedStockUnitAwardAdjustmentLowEndOfRange">
    <definition>Lower end of range of incremental restricted stock unit award adjusted for annual incentive plan award score .</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SharePunitiveDamagesTwoInFranksonCase">
    <definition>American Tobacco's share of punitive damages awarded in Frankson case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PlaintiffJudgmentSoughtAgainstEachDefendantInCampbellCase">
    <definition>Plaintiff judgment sought against each defendant in Campbell case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesOneInEngleCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages against RJR Tobacco in Engle case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInEiserCase">
    <definition>Compensatory and punitive damages sought in Eiser case against B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CumulativeDividendThreshold">
    <definition>Cumulative dividend threshold during vesting period of three years.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInBunomoCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Buonomo case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CarryingAmountsOfTrademarksAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTextBlock">
    <definition>Carrying amounts of trademarks and other intangible assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInEngleCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages against all defendants (including RJR Tobacco &amp; B&amp;W) in Engle case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedSharePunitiveDamagesOneInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Revised B&amp;W's share of punitive damages awarded in Frankson case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PlaintiffJudgmentSoughtInCohenCase">
    <definition>Plaintiff judgment sought in Cohen case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSeniorDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByOntario">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Ontario.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInAlexanderCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Alexander case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ReductionInMsaPayment">
    <definition>Reduction in RJR Tobacco's 2006 MSA payment for 2003 as calculated by independent auditor.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Policy.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PriceCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond for stay execution in the Price case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_BuonomoCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Buonomo case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInHallCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Hall case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInPriceCase">
    <definition>Judgment against Philip Morris for punitive damages in Price case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInTownsendCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Townsend case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss">
    <definition>Available For Sales Securities Gross Unrealized Loss.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedPunitiveDamagesInBuonomoCase">
    <definition>Revised punitive damages against RJR Tobacco in Buonomo case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RestrictedStockUnitAwardAdjustment">
    <definition>Maximum amount restricted stock unit award can be adjusted for not meeting dividend threshold.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyNotesAndInterestReceivableCurrent">
    <definition>Current notes and interest receivable from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_BondCapInEngleProgenyCases">
    <definition>FL bond cap applicable to all Engle Progeny cases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_NumberOfEmployeesEliminatedInPlantClosure">
    <definition>Number of employees eliminated in Puerto Rico plant closure.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfTotalCompensatoryDamagesInPiendleCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Piendle case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FinalJudgmentInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Final judgment in Frankson case against all defendants including B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInMartinCase">
    <definition>Final judgment for compensatory damages in Martin case against RJR Tobacco after fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesSoughtInAttorneyGeneralOfCanadaCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages sought by Attorney General of Canada against RJR Tobacco and other defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SegmentInformationRelatedToSalesIncomeAndAssetsTextBlock">
    <definition>Segment Information related to sales income and assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInCampbellCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's compensatory damages in Campbell case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AssetImpairmentAndExitCharges">
    <definition>The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value and associated facility exit costs.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SharePunitiveDamagesOneInFranksonCase">
    <definition>B&amp;W share of punitive damages awarded in Frankson case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPensionAndPostretirementObligations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationAmountOfAdjustmentToPriorPeriodGainLossOnDisposalNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FederalTobaccoBuyoutAnnualOffsetToGrowersTrust">
    <definition>Federal tobacco buyout offset to growers trust payments (expire in 2010).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionContributions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FederalTobaccoQuotaBuyoutExpenses">
    <definition>Federal tobacco quota buyout expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AnnualSettlementPayment">
    <definition>Original participating manufacturers annual settlement payment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherInventorySupplies">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTextBlock">
    <definition>Commitments And Contingencies Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByCanada">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Canada.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInCohenCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Cohen case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_GrossmanCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Grossman case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalOfDisputeNoticesForNpmAdjustments">
    <definition>Total of dispute notices for 2009 &amp; 2010 annual MSA payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByQuebec">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Quebec.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DetailsOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTextBlock">
    <definition>Details of finite lived intangible assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_GuaranteedUnsecuredNotesCondensedConsolidatingFinancialStatementsSubsidiaryTextBlock">
    <definition>RJR Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes - Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInTownsendCase">
    <definition>Total punitive damages in Townsend case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompanyStateSettlementCashPayments">
    <definition>RAI State Settlement Cash Payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcess">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SummaryOfBalancesAndTransactionsTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of balances and transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PlaintiffJudgmentSoughtInSofferCase">
    <definition>Plaintiff judgment sought in Sofer case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CanadianLitigationAccrual">
    <definition>RJR Canadian litigation accrual.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ExpectedPensionContributions">
    <definition>The amount of expected cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyNotesAndInterestPayableCurrent">
    <definition>Current notes and interest payable from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyInterestIncomeExpense">
    <definition>Interest (income) expense from an intercompany transaction.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RemainingStatesBaseFoundationFunding">
    <definition>Original participating manufacturers other than MS, FL, TX and MN Base Foundation funding VI(b).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FinalJudgmentAwardedInShermanCase">
    <definition>Final judgment awarded in Sherman case against RJR Tobacco after fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByNovaScotia">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Nova Scotia.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CanadianLitigationSettlement">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco Canadian litigation settlement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PaCourtPenalty">
    <definition>Penalty by PA court if RJR Tobacco does not create single page youth smoking prevention ad in Rolling Stone.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityPublicFloat">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ActivityInRestructuringReservesTextBlock">
    <definition>Activity in the restructuring reserves.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ScottCaseBond">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's share of bond posted in Scott case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedTotalPunitiveDamagesInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Revised punitive damages awarded in Frankson against defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LowerRangeOfDamagesInLightsCases">
    <definition>Lower range of compensatory and punitive damages sought in Lights cases.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfPunitiveDamagesInTownsendCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of punitive damages in Townsend case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AssetImpairmentAndExitChargesTextBlock">
    <definition>Used to describe long-lived assets to be disposed by a method other than sale (for example, by abandonment, distribution in a spin-off), it may disclose the details of the impairment of such assets from other assets that are held and used.  Also includes details of other exit charges.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FranksonCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Frankson case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_BreachOfContractInSmithCase">
    <definition>Breach of contract and other legal theories sought by Smith against JTI-MC.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInPutneyCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Putney case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalSettlementPayments">
    <definition>Total settlement payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesSoughtInAttorneyGeneralOfCanadaCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages sought by Attorney General of Canada against RJR Tobacco and other defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CampbellCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Campbell case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyNotesNoncurrent">
    <definition>Noncurrent notes from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TrustFundDepositInScottCase">
    <definition>Court ordered amount to be deposited in a trust fund by defendants in the Scott case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInPutneyCase">
    <definition>Total punitive damages in Putney case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_OtherReceivablesCurrent">
    <definition>Other receivables Current</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalCostOfFetraBuyout">
    <definition>Total cost of Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act to the tobacco industry.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedFirstMsaPaymentWithheld">
    <definition>Revised amount of RJR Tobacco's 2009 MSA payment for 2006 retained by RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalCompensatoryDamagesInCampbellCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages awarded in Campbell case against all defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInParsonsCase">
    <definition>Compensatory and punitive damages sought in Parsons case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LowerRangeOfFetraAnnualExpense">
    <definition>Lower range of RAI's op cos share of FETRA annual expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInVassalloCase">
    <definition>Consequential damages sought by Vassallo against ASC.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate">
    <definition>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.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TobaccoSettlementAccruals">
    <definition>Tobacco settlement accruals.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RequiredDepositByDefendantsInScottCase">
    <definition>Required deposit by defendants in Scott Case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_GrowersTrustFund">
    <definition>Tobacco growers trust fund.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLineOfCreditFacilitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedPunitiveDamagesInSmithCase">
    <definition>Revised punitive damages in Smith case against B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherInventoryNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxExpenseBenefitFromProvisionForGainLossOnDisposal">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalDamagesSoughtInEngleCases">
    <definition>Actual and punitive damages sought in Engle case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_VerdictInScottCase">
    <definition>Verdict for class claim for smoking cessation program in Scott case against all defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RelatedPartyLegalIndemnification">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco expense for BAT legal indemnification.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedCompensatoryDamagesInSmithCase">
    <definition>Revised compensatory damages in Smith case against B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInCohenCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's share of compensatory damages in Cohen case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RestrictedStockUnitAwardAdjustmentUpperEndOfRange">
    <definition>Upper end of range of incremental restricted stock unit award adjusted for annual incentive plan award score.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TobaccoSettlementAccrualsNetCurrent">
    <definition>Tobacco settlement accruals.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInPutneyCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Putney case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesAwardedInAlexanderCase">
    <definition>Total punitive damages against RJR Tobacco in Alexander case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FairValueOfInterestRateSwapsTextBlock">
    <definition>Fair value of interest rate swaps.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureAmortizationExpenseYearFive">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RestructuringReserveLiabilitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>Restructuring Reserve Liabilities Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ImpactOfInterestRateSwapsOnIncomeStatementTextBlock">
    <definition>Impact of Interest rate swaps on Income Statement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExciseAndSalesTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByNewBrunswick">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by New Brunswick.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CategoriesOfUsTobaccoRelatedCasesPendingAgainstSubsidiaryTextBlock">
    <definition>Categories of the U.S. tobacco-related cases pending against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShermanCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Sherman case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PaymentInSmithCase">
    <definition>Payment of compensatory damages and interest by RJR Tobacco in Smith case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredHedgeGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CanadianLitigationFine">
    <definition>Northern Brands Canadian litigation fine</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalCompensatoryDamagesInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages awarded in Frankson case against all defendants including B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_UpperRangeOfFetraAnnualExpense">
    <definition>Upper range of RAI's op cos share of FETRA annual expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashPaidForCapitalizedInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DouglasCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Douglas case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LowerRangeOfRoyaltyInStarCase">
    <definition>Lower range of royalty sought by Star in Star case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesAwardedInAlexanderCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Alexander case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTextBlock">
    <definition>Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SettlementAndFeesTwoInBroinCase">
    <definition>B&amp;W's share of settlement and counsel fees and expenses in Broin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ComponentsOfCalculationOfIncomePerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>Components of the calculation of income per share Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_OtherIntercompanyReceivablesCurrent">
    <definition>Current other receivables from intercompany transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DiscontinuedOperationLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax">
    <definition>Pretax loss from discontinued operations (exclusive of any gain or loss on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LiquidationOfQuotaTobaccoStock">
    <definition>Liquidation of quota tobacco stock.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteChangesInCapitalStructureSubsequentChangesToNumberOfCommonShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_EmployerContributionsTextBlock">
    <definition>Employer Contributions to pension and postretirement plans.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SettlementAndFeesOneInBroinCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's share of settlement and counsel fees and expenses in Broin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInDouglasCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco share of compensatory damages in Douglas case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DiscontinuedOperationLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax">
    <definition>After tax loss from discontinued operations (exclusive of any gain or loss on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PrepaidExpensesAndOther">
    <definition>Prepaid expenses and other.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AmendedCompensatoryDamagesSoughtInAttorneyGeneralOfCanadaCase">
    <definition>Amended compensatory damages sought by Attorney General of Canada against RJR Tobacco and other defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInSmithCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages awarded in Smith case against B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalScottCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by defendants in Scott case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheetsSubsidiaryTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Subsidiary Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_UnpaidDutiesAndPenaltiesByQuebecMinistryOfRevenue">
    <definition>Assessment issued against JTI-MC by Quebec Ministry of Revenue for unpaid duties, penalties and interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfPunitiveDamagesInCohenCase">
    <definition>Each defendant's share of punitive damages in Cohen case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_BrownCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Brown case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfMortgageBackedSecuritiesMBS">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureAmortizationExpenseYearThree">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RevisedExpectedPensionContributions">
    <definition>The revised amount of expected cash or cash equivalents contributed by the entity to fund its pension plans.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesAwardedInBuonomoCase">
    <definition>Total punitive damages against RJR Tobacco in Buonomo case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FinancialAssetsClassifiedAsLevel3InvestmentsTextBlock">
    <definition>Financial assets classified as Level 3 investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DerivativeVariableInterestRates">
    <definition>Derivative Variable Interest Rates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PercentageOfMaxmiumPurchasePriceOverManufacturingCost">
    <definition>Percentage of maxmium purchase price over manufacturing cost.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FirstMsaPaymentWithheld">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's 2009 MSA payment for 2006 retained by RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FutureAmortizationExpenseYearFour">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ReceiptPaymentsOfCapitalDistribution">
    <definition>The cash inflow or (outflow) from any dividend or other distribution in cash with respect to any shares of, or other ownership interest in, an entity, except a dividend consisting of distribution of earnings or stock dividend or pro rata stock split.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockHeldInTrust">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ProvisionsForIncomeTaxesTextBlock">
    <definition>Provisions for Income Taxes Text Block</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInMartinCase">
    <definition>Damages awarded in Martin case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FlInterestPaymentSoughtUnderFlStateSettlementAgreement">
    <definition>Interest payments sought by FL under FL State Settlement Agreement from B&amp;W.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PaymentForAccrualAdjustmentFromDiscontinuedOperations">
    <definition>Payment for accrual adjustment from discontinued operations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesAwardedInPiendleCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages awarded in Piendle case against all defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValueOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AdditionalBondInEngleProgenyCasesIfBondCapRemoved">
    <definition>Additional bond in Engle Progeny cases if bond cap removed.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CondensedConsolidatingStatementsOfCashFlowsTextBlock">
    <definition>Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInIzzarelliCase">
    <definition>Compensatory damages in Izzarelli case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalPunitiveDamagesInClayCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages in Clay case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoods">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SecondMsaDisputedPayment">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's 2007 MSA payment for 2004 placed into a disputed payments account.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FourthMsaDisputedPayment">
    <definition>Amount of RJR Tobacco's 2010 MSA payment for 2007 placed into a disputed payments account.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_RemainingStatesAnnualSettlementPayments">
    <definition>Original participating manufacturers other than MS, FL, TX and MN annual IX(c)(1) and strategic contibution IX(c)(2) payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInClayCase">
    <definition>Total compensatory damages in Clay case prior to fault adjustment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CrownClaimsByPrinceEdwardIsland">
    <definition>Crown claims against JTI-MC by Prince Edward Island.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ComponentsOfInventoriesTextBlock">
    <definition>Components of inventories Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DebtCoveredByFixedInterestRate">
    <definition>The amount of debt that was converted to fixed interest through the use of interest rate swaps.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_FdaExpense">
    <definition>U.S. Food and Drug Administration user fees.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_IntercompanyDividendIncome">
    <definition>Dividend income from an intercompany transaction.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ContributionToReturnOnIntercompanyInvestment">
    <definition>Cash outflow inflow from an investment in an affiliated company.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_TotalPunitiveDamagesInFranksonCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages awarded in Frankson against defendants.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ProceedsFromSettlementOfLongTermInvestments">
    <definition>Proceeds from settlement of long-term investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AlexanderCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Alexander case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInClayCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's share of compensatory damages  in Clay case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_LowerRangeOfShareOfFetraBuyout">
    <definition>Lower range of RAI's op cos share of FETRA buyout.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_MaximumPaymentInClearyCase">
    <definition>Maximum amount to be paid by defendants to each class member in Cleary case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CompensatoryDamagesInPriceCase">
    <definition>Judgment against Philip Morris for compensatory damages in Price case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfCompensatoryDamagesInGrayCase">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco's share of compensatory damages in Gray case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SharesOfPunitiveDamagesInClayCases">
    <definition>Punitive damages against RJR Tobacco in Clay case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DerivativeFixedInterestRates">
    <definition>Derivative Fixed Interest Rates.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_MartinCaseBond">
    <definition>Bond posted by RJR Tobacco in Martin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentOfNotesReceivableFromRelatedParties">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PlaintiffJudgmentSoughtAgainstEachDefendantInGrossmanCase">
    <definition>Plaintiff judgment sought against each defendant in Grossman case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_CanadianLitigationSettlements">
    <definition>RJR Tobacco Canadian litigation settlement paid.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesTwoInEngleCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages against B&amp;W in Engle case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_SettlementInBroinCase">
    <definition>Settlement agreement for all participating tobacco companies in Broin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInShermanCase">
    <definition>Damages awarded in Sherman case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_NonfinancialAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisTextBlock">
    <definition>Nonfinancial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_ShareOfPunitiveDamagesInPutneyCase">
    <definition>Each defendant's share of punitive damages in Putney case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_PunitiveDamagesInMartinCase">
    <definition>Punitive damages awarded in Martin case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_AnnualInstallmentOfSettlementInBroinCase">
    <definition>Annual installment of settlement agreement for all participating tobacco companies in Broin case.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_DamagesInBrownCase">
    <definition>Damages awarded in Brown case against RJR Tobacco.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="rai_UpperRangeOfShareOfFetraBuyout">
    <definition>Upper range of RAI's op cos share of FETRA buyout.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
