Shareholders' Equity (Schedule Of Components Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	$ 19,426		$ 15,595		$ 13,491
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	(18)		567		166
Net unrealized gain on designated hedges	(6)		(24)		39
Balance	21,129		19,426		15,595
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, tax effect			(1.0)		0.3
Net unrealized gain on investments, tax effect			(5)		(18)
Net unrealized gain/loss on designated hedges, tax effect	3		14		(19)
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans, tax effect	73		55		(7)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment And Other [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	1,374		808		642
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	(21)	[1]	566	[1],[2]	166	[1],[2]
Balance	1,353		1,374		808
Unamortized Pension Losses And Prior Services Costs [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(1,275)		(1,171)		(1,155)
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans	(109)	[1],[3]	(104)	[1],[3]	(16)	[1],[3]
Balance	(1,384)		(1,275)		(1,171)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Investments [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(33)		(39)		(92)
Net unrealized gain on investments	4	[1]	6	[1],[4]	53	[1],[4]
Balance	(29)		(33)		(39)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) On Designated Hedges [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(23)		1		(38)
Net unrealized gain on designated hedges	(6)	[1],[5]	(24)	[1],[5]	39	[1],[5]
Balance	(29)		(23)		1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	43		(401)		(643)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	(21)	[1]	566	[1],[2]	166	[1],[2]
Net unrealized gain on investments	4	[1]	6	[1],[4]	53	[1],[4]
Net unrealized gain on designated hedges	(6)	[1],[5]	(24)	[1],[5]	39	[1],[5]
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans	(109)	[1],[3]	(104)	[1],[3]	(16)	[1],[3]
Balance	$ (89)		$ 43		$ (401)

[1] Includes adjustments from Dow Corning.

[2] Net of tax effect of $(1) million in 2010 and $0.3 million in 2009. Refer to Note 6 (Income Taxes) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of Corning's tax paying position.

[3] Net of tax effect of $73 million in 2011, $55 million in 2010 and $(7) million in 2009.

[4] Net of tax effect of $(5) million in 2010 and $(18) million in 2009.

[5] Net of tax effect of $3 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $(19) million in 2009.