Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,661	$ 4,598
Short-term investments, at fair value (Note 3)	1,164	1,752
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	5,825	6,350
Trade accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and allowances - $19 and $20	1,082	973
Inventories (Note 5)	975	738
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)	448	431
Other current assets	347	367
Total current assets	8,677	8,859
Investments (Note 7)	4,726	4,372
Property, net of accumulated depreciation - $7,204 and $6,420 (Note 9)	10,671	8,943
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Note 10)	926	716
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)	2,652	2,790
Other assets	196	153
Total Assets	27,848	25,833
Liabilities and Equity
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 12)	27	57
Accounts payable	977	798
Other accrued liabilities (Note 11 and 14)	1,093	1,131
Total current liabilities	2,097	1,986
Long-term debt (Note 12)	2,364	2,262
Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 13)	897	913
Other liabilities (Note 11 and 14)	1,361	1,246
Total liabilities	6,719	6,407
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity (Note 17):
Common stock - Par value $0.50 per share; shares authorized: 3.8 billion Shares issued: 1,636 million and 1,626 million	818	813
Additional paid-in capital	13,041	12,865
Retained earnings	9,332	6,881
Treasury stock, at cost; shares held: 121 million and 65 million	(2,024)	(1,227)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(89)	43
Total Corning Incorporated shareholders' equity	21,078	19,375
Noncontrolling interests	51	51
Total equity	21,129	19,426
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 27,848	$ 25,833