Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Corning Incorporated	$ 1,728	$ 2,805	$ 3,558
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other:
Adjustments arising during the period	(439)	144	399
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income	(52)	3
Equity investee's foreign currency translation adjustment	312	(168)	167
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period	17	(2)	15
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income	(10)		2
Equity investee's unrealized gain (loss) on investments	9	6	(6)
Unamortized losses and prior service costs for postretirement benefit plans:
Adjustments arising during the period	(280)	(79)	(176)
Less: amortization of losses and prior service costs included in net income	89	97	68
Equity investee's defined benefit plan adjustments	34	(131)	(29)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on designated hedges:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	100	(61)	(65)
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income	(28)	54	24
Equity investee's unrealized gain (loss) on designated hedges	2	(2)	2
Other comprehensive income, before tax	(246)	(139)	401
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	35	7	43
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(211)	(132)	444
Comprehensive income attributable to Corning Incorporated	$ 1,517	$ 2,673	$ 4,002