Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,318	$ 3,195	$ 6,267	$ 6,112
Operating income (loss)	1,556	1,415	2,882	7,557
Gain on divestiture				4,861
Interest and debt expense	150	152	299	326
Interest income	(3)	(2)	(5)	(5)
Other expense (income), net	11	(1)	15	251
Income before income taxes	1,398	1,266	2,573	6,985
Operating Segments | RJR Tobacco
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,675	2,646	5,046	5,057
Operating income (loss)	1,291	1,216	2,374	2,323
Operating Segments | Santa Fe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	278	247	516	465
Operating income (loss)	169	133	313	256
Operating Segments | American Snuff
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	261	232	503	448
Operating income (loss)	169	138	326	271
Operating Segments | All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	104	70	202	142
Operating income (loss)	(21)	(43)	(48)	(77)
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (52)	$ (29)	$ (83)	$ (77)