Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,952	$ 4,661
Short-term investments, at fair value (Note 6)	1,399	1,164
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	6,351	5,825
Trade accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and allowances - $24 and $19	1,248	1,082
Inventories (Note 7)	1,003	975
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)	490	448
Other current assets	424	347
Total current assets	9,516	8,677
Investments (Note 8)	5,172	4,726
Property, net of accumulated depreciation - $7,745 and $7,204 (Note 9)	11,036	10,671
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Note 10)	912	926
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)	2,501	2,652
Other assets	273	196
Total Assets	29,410	27,848
Liabilities and Equity
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)	130	27
Accounts payable	901	977
Other accrued liabilities (Note 2)	956	1,093
Total current liabilities	1,987	2,097
Long-term debt (Note 3)	3,272	2,364
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	901	897
Other liabilities (Note 2)	1,364	1,361
Total liabilities	7,524	6,719
Commitments and contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock - Par value $0.50 per share; Shares authorized 3.8 billion; Shares issued: 1,647 million and 1,636 million	824	818
Additional paid-in capital	13,118	13,041
Retained earnings	10,438	9,332
Treasury stock, at cost; Shares held: 169 million and 121 million	(2,646)	(2,024)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	105	(89)
Total Corning Incorporated shareholders' equity	21,839	21,078
Noncontrolling interests	47	51
Total equity	21,886	21,129
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 29,410	$ 27,848