Reportable Segments (Reconciliation Of Reportable Segment Net Income To Consolidated Net Income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income of reportable segments	$ 309		$ 424		$ 651		$ 884
Non-reportable segments	(16)		(20)		(36)		(35)
Net financing costs	(44)	[1]	(47)	[1]	(84)	[1]	(99)	[1]
Stock-based compensation expense	(16)		(22)		(40)		(45)
Exploratory research	(24)		(19)		(47)		(36)
Corporate contributions	(10)		(11)		(23)		(32)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments	64	[2]	100	[2]	99	[2]	191	[2]
Asbestos settlement	(5)	[3]	(5)	[3]	(6)	[3]	(10)	[3]
Other corporate items	27		37		60		96
Net income	462		755		924		1,503
Reportable Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income of reportable segments	$ 486		$ 742		$ 1,001		$ 1,473

[1] Net financing costs include interest income, interest expense, and interest costs and investment gains associated with benefit plans.

[2] Primarily represents the equity earnings of Dow Corning Corporation.

[3] In the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, Corning recorded a charge of $5 million and $6 million, respectively, to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of the components of the Amended PCC Plan. In the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, Corning recorded a charge of $5 million and $10 million, respectively, to adjust the asbestos liability for the change in value of the components of the Amended PCC Plan.