The amount of cash received due to the realignment of an equity method investment.

No definition available.

Name:	glw_RealignmentOfEquityInvestmentCashReceived
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The gain (loss) associated with the realignment of an equity method investment.

No definition available.

Name:	glw_RealignmentOfEquityInvestmentGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of deferred tax and AOCI on equity method investments that has been removed for evaluation.

No definition available.

Name:	glw_RemovalDeferredTaxAndAOCIOnEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The carrying amount of equity method investment removed from the calculation of investment gains.

No definition available.

Name:	glw_RemovalOfCarryingValueOfEquityMethodInvestment
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The amount of equity method investment that has been removed and is no longer owned.

No definition available.

Name:	glw_RemovalOfEquityInvestment
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Note 9 - Investments - Gain of Realignment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash				$ 4,818
Carrying Value of Dow Corning Equity Investment				(1,560)
Carrying Value of HSG Equity Investment	$ (383)			(383)
Other (1)				(199)
Gain		$ 2,676		$ 2,676