Restructuring, Impairment And Other Charges (Credits) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	$ 14	$ 44	$ 27	$ 100
Non-cash adjustments		(4)
Net charges/(reversals)		(2)
Cash payments	(13)	(50)
Employee Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	4	29	15	80
Non-cash adjustments		(4)
Net charges/(reversals)		(2)
Cash payments	(11)	(45)
Other Charges (Credits) [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserve	10	15	12	20
Cash payments	$ (2)	$ (5)

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

Name:	glw_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	glw
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs or losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination and to asset retirement obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 95-3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 146

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAccrualAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Net total increase (decrease) in the accrual for restructuring costs during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReservePeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash paid in the period to fully or partially settle a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCash
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration