Maturity date

No definition available.

Name:	glw_MaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	glw_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Proceeds From Issuance Of Unsecured Debt, Used For General Corporate Purposes

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for the extinguishment of long-term borrowing, with the highest claim on the assets of the entity in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, before its maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSeniorDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12355-112629

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117329964&loc=d3e12317-112629

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date the credit facility terminates, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for cost from early extinguishment and prepayment of debt. Includes, but is not limited to, third-party cost, premium paid, and other fee paid to lender directly for debt extinguishment or debt prepayment. Excludes accrued interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (g)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow from the issuance of long-term debt that is not secured by collateral. Excludes proceeds from tax exempt unsecured debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3255-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfUnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note4.70NineteenYearsTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note5.35ThirtyYearsTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note5.85FiftyYearsTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note0.722Note7YearTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note1.043Note10YearTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note1.219Note12YearTermMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Debentures4.375Due2057Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Note6.625DueTwentyNineteenMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_YenDenominatedDebentures1.153Due2031Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_YenDenominatedDebentures1.513Due2039Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Debentures3.9Due2049Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Debentures5.45Due2079Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_Debentures425Due2020Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=glw_AmendedCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 JPY (¥)	Jun. 30, 2019 JPY (¥)
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 8,500,000,000			$ 6,000,000,000.0	$ 8,500,000,000	$ 6,000,000,000.0
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 349,000,000	$ 596,000,000	889,000,000	$ 1,831,000,000	1,485,000,000	$ 1,445,000,000
General corporate purposes			$ 596,000,000
4.70% Note 19 Years Term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				4.70%		4.70%
Debt Instrument, Term				19 years
5.35% Note 30 Years Term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 550,000,000		$ 550,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.35%		5.35%
Debt Instrument, Term				30 years
5.85% Note 50 Years Term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				5.85%		5.85%
Debt Instrument, Term				50 years
0.722% Note 7 year term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| ¥									¥ 10,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage									0.722%
Debt Instrument, Term			7 years
1.043% Note 10 year term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| ¥									¥ 30,500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage									1.043%
Debt Instrument, Term			10 years
1.219% Note 12 year term [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| ¥									¥ 25,000,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage									1.219%
Debt Instrument, Term			12 years
Debentures, 4.375%, due 2057 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.375%			4.375%	4.375%	4.375%
Debt maturity date					2057	2057
6.625% Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				6.625%		6.625%
Repayment of long-term debt				$ 250,000,000
Yen-denominated Debentures, 1.153%, due 2031 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| ¥								¥ 31,300,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.153%	1.153%			1.153%			1.153%
Debt maturity date					2031
Debt Instrument, Term		12 years
Yen-denominated Debentures, 1.513%, due 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount \| ¥								¥ 5,900,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.513%	1.513%			1.513%			1.513%
Debt maturity date					2039
Debt Instrument, Term		20 years
Debentures, 3.9%, Due 2049 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 400,000,000				$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.90%				3.90%
Debt maturity date					2049
Debt Instrument, Term	30 years
Debentures, 5.45%, Due 2079 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 1,100,000,000				$ 1,100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.45%				5.45%
Debt maturity date					2079
Debt Instrument, Term	60 years
Debentures, 4.25%, Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%			4.25%	4.25%	4.25%
Debt maturity date	2020					2020
Repayment of long-term debt	$ 300,000,000
Premium paid	4,700,000
Loss on redemption	(8,400,000)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 1,500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date					Aug. 15, 2023
Line of credit outstanding	0				$ 0
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of credit outstanding	$ 0			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0