Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,988	$ 4,661
Short-term investments, at fair value (Note 3)	1,156	1,164
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	6,144	5,825
Trade accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and allowances - $26 and $19	1,302	1,082
Inventories (Note 5)	1,051	975
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)	579	448
Other current assets	619	347
Total current assets	9,695	8,677
Investments (Note 7)	4,915	4,726
Property, net of accumulated depreciation - $7,652 and $7,204 (Note 9)	10,625	10,671
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Note 10)	1,496	926
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)	2,343	2,652
Other assets	301	196
Total Assets	29,375	27,848
Liabilities and Equity
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 12)	76	27
Accounts payable	779	977
Other accrued liabilities (Note 11 and 14)	1,101	1,093
Total current liabilities	1,956	2,097
Long-term debt (Note 12)	3,382	2,364
Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 13)	930	897
Other liabilities (Note 11 and 14)	1,574	1,361
Total liabilities	7,842	6,719
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity (Note 17):
Common stock - Par value $0.50 per share; shares authorized: 3.8 billion Shares issued: 1,649 million and 1,636 million	825	818
Additional paid-in capital	13,146	13,041
Retained earnings	10,588	9,332
Treasury stock, at cost; shares held: 179 million and 121 million	(2,773)	(2,024)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(300)	(89)
Total Corning Incorporated shareholders' equity	21,486	21,078
Noncontrolling interests	47	51
Total equity	21,533	21,129
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 29,375	$ 27,848