Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated - Basic	$ 811	$ 785	$ 2,314	$ 2,514
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated - Diluted	$ 811	$ 785	$ 2,314	$ 2,514
Weighted-average shares - Basic	1,569	1,557	1,567	1,558
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and dilutive securities - Weighted-average shares	19	23	22	23
Weighted-average shares - Diluted	1,588	1,580	1,589	1,581
Per share amount - Basic	$ 0.52	$ 0.50	$ 1.48	$ 1.61
Per share amount - Diluted	$ 0.51	$ 0.50	$ 1.46	$ 1.59
Stock Options [Member]
Stock options and other dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share	34	41	81	45