Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,490	$ 4,661
Short-term investments, at fair value (Note 6)	1,346	1,164
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	6,836	5,825
Trade accounts receivable, net of doubtful accounts and allowances - $23 and $19	1,108	1,082
Inventories (Note 7)	955	975
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)	423	448
Other current assets	479	347
Total current assets	9,801	8,677
Investments (Note 8)	4,554	4,726
Property, net of accumulated depreciation - $7,210 and $7,204 (Note 9)	10,373	10,671
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net (Note 10)	922	926
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)	2,580	2,652
Other assets	259	196
Total Assets	28,489	27,848
Liabilities and Equity
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)	27	27
Accounts payable	847	977
Other accrued liabilities (Note 2)	907	1,093
Total current liabilities	1,781	2,097
Long-term debt (Note 3)	3,135	2,364
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	900	897
Other liabilities (Note 2)	1,306	1,361
Total liabilities	7,122	6,719
Commitments and contingencies (Note 2)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock - Par value $0.50 per share; Shares authorized 3.8 billion; Shares issued: 1,644 million and 1,636 million	822	818
Additional paid-in capital	13,077	13,041
Retained earnings	9,679	9,332
Treasury stock, at cost; Shares held: 129 million and 121 million	(2,121)	(2,024)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(140)	(89)
Total Corning Incorporated shareholders' equity	21,317	21,078
Noncontrolling interests	50	51
Total equity	21,367	21,129
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 28,489	$ 27,848