Commitments, Contingencies, And Guarantees (Narrative) (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) site	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 CNY	Dec. 31, 2012 Environmental Cleanup And Related Litigation [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 Environmental Cleanup And Related Litigation [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 Corning Inc. [Member] Dow Corning Corporation [Member] USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Rental expense	$ 80	$ 84	$ 70
Number of hazardous waste sites	17
Credit facility				642	4,000			50
Accrual for contingent loss						$ 21	$ 25