Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]		Total Corning Incorporated Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Non-Controlling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 804	$ 12,502	$ 1,940	$ (1,160)	$ (643)		$ 13,443	$ 48	$ 13,491
Net income			2,008				2,008	6	2,014
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other					166	[1],[2]	166		166
Net unrealized gain on investments					53		53		53
Net unrealized gain (loss) on designated hedges					39	[1],[3]	39		39
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans					(16)		(16)		(16)
Total comprehensive income							2,250	6	2,256
Shares issued to benefit plans and for option exercises	4	203		(36)			171		171
Dividends on shares			(312)				(312)		(312)
Other, net		2		(11)			(9)	(2)	(11)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	808	12,707	3,636	(1,207)	(401)		15,543	52	15,595
Net income			3,558				3,558	(2)	3,556
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other					566	[1],[2]	566	1	567
Net unrealized gain on investments					6		6		6
Net unrealized gain (loss) on designated hedges					(24)	[1],[3]	(24)		(24)
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans					(104)		(104)		(104)
Total comprehensive income							4,002	(1)	4,001
Shares issued to benefit plans and for option exercises	5	141					146		146
Dividends on shares			(313)				(313)		(313)
Other, net		17		(20)			(3)		(3)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	813	12,865	6,881	(1,227)	43		19,375	51	19,426
Net income			2,805				2,805	(3)	2,802
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other					(21)	[1]	(21)	3	(18)
Net unrealized gain on investments					4		4		4
Net unrealized gain (loss) on designated hedges					(6)	[1],[3]	(6)		(6)
Net change in unrecognized postretirement benefit plans					(109)		(109)		(109)
Total comprehensive income							2,673		2,673
Purchase of common stock for treasury				(779)			(779)		(779)
Shares issued to benefit plans and for option exercises	5	176		(7)			174		174
Dividends on shares			(354)				(354)		(354)
Other, net				(11)			(11)		(11)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 818	$ 13,041	$ 9,332	$ (2,024)	$ (89)		$ 21,078	$ 51	$ 21,129

[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 $3 million in 2011, $14 million in 2010 and $(19) million in 2009.