Note 20 - Reportable Segments - Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Net Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated		$ 1,572	$ 284	$ 2,207	$ (368)	$ 224	$ 212	$ 496	$ 407	$ 3,695	$ 1,339	$ 2,472
Net financing costs (1)	[1]									(107)	(111)	(113)
Share-based compensation expense										(42)	(46)	(58)
Exploratory research										(107)	(109)	(102)
Corporate contributions										(49)	(52)	(43)
Gain										2,676
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies, net of impairments (2)	[2]									292	291	269
Unrealized (loss) gain on translated earnings contracts										(649)	(573)	1,095
Resolution of Department of Justice investigation										(98)
Income tax benefit (provision)										573	568	(267)
Other corporate items										(99)	(148)	(84)
Reportable Segments [Member]
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated										1,545	1,721	1,973
Non Reportable Segments [Member]
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated										$ (240)	$ (202)	$ (198)

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

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