Carrying Amount and Changes of Trademarks and Other Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 259
Amortization	$ (6)	$ (6)	(12)	$ (12)
Ending Balance	247		247
Trademarks
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			17
Amortization			(3)
Ending Balance	14		14
Other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			242
Amortization			(9)
Ending Balance	233		233
RJR Tobacco | Trademarks
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			12
Amortization			(3)
Ending Balance	9		9
RJR Tobacco | Other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			229
Amortization			(8)
Ending Balance	221		221
American Snuff | Trademarks
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			5
Ending Balance	5		5
All Other | Other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			13
Amortization			(1)
Ending Balance	$ 12		$ 12