Note 8 - Acquisition (Details) - Total Fair Value of Samsung Corning Precision Materials at Acquisition Date (Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. [Member]
Note 8 - Acquisition (Details) - Total Fair Value of Samsung Corning Precision Materials at Acquisition Date [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	42.50%
Ownership percentage	57.50%
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Fair value based on $1.9 billion consideration transferred	$ 1,911
Fair value based on $1.9 billion consideration transferred	2,588
Fair value based on $1.9 billion consideration transferred	4,499
Less contingent consideration - receivable	(196)		(445)
Less contingent consideration - receivable	(265)
Less contingent consideration - receivable	(461)
Net fair value of consideration @ 100%	1,715
Net fair value of consideration @ 100%	2,323	[1]
Net fair value of consideration @ 100%	4,038	[1]
Corning’s loss on royalty contract	(136)
Corning’s loss on royalty contract	(184)
Corning’s loss on royalty contract	(320)
Fair value post-acquisition	1,579
Fair value post-acquisition	2,139
Fair value post-acquisition	3,718
Corning’s fair value 57.5% post-acquisition	2,139
Total fair value at January 15, 2014	$ 3,718

[1] As Corning was a 57.5% shareholder at the date of acquisition, immediately preceding the acquisition of Samsung Corning Precision Materials, Corning recognized an asset and respective gain as part of the calculation of its previously held equity investment which included approximately $184 million attributed to its economic interest in the royalty contract.