Significant Accounting Policies (Other Income, Net) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Other Income, Net [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange and hedge gains, net	$ (15)	$ (32)	$ (31)	$ (20)
Loss on retirement of debt		(30)		(30)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			2	2
Other, net	(9)	(9)	(50)	(26)
Total	27	2	97	130
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. [Member]
Other Income, Net [Line Items]
Royalty income from affiliated companies	$ 51	$ 73	$ 176	$ 204