Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Management's Statement	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, have been prepared by MicroVision, Inc. ("we" or "our") and have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position at September 30, 2016 and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented have been made and consist of normal recurring adjustments. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. You should read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be attained for the entire fiscal year. We have incurred significant losses since inception. We have funded our operations to date primarily through the sale of common stock, convertible preferred stock, warrants, the issuance of convertible debt and, to a lesser extent, from development contract revenues, licensing activities and product and component sales. At September 30, 2016, we had $5.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated financial statements are prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern. Based on our current operating plan, and without additional proceeds from the sale of shares under our existing Common Stock Purchase Agreement or At-The-Market (ATM) facility discussed in Note 8, we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations into January 2017. We will require additional capital to fund our operating plan past that time. We plan to obtain additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt securities and/or licensing activities. There can be no assurance that additional capital will be available to us or, if available, will be available on terms acceptable to us or on a timely basis. If adequate capital resources are not available on a timely basis, we intend to consider limiting our operations substantially. This limitation of operations could include reducing investments in our production capacities, research and development projects, staff, operating costs, and capital expenditures. Our ability to raise proceeds from the sale of shares under our Common Stock Purchase Agreement is subject to limitations and conditions, including a $1.00 minimum stock price. We are introducing new technology into an emerging market which creates significant uncertainty about our ability to accurately project revenue, costs and cash flows. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, the rate at which original design manufacturers (ODMs) or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) introduce products incorporating our PicoP® scanning technology and the market acceptance and competitive position of such products. If revenues are less than we anticipate, if the mix of revenues and the associated margins vary from anticipated amounts or if expenses exceed the amounts budgeted, we may require additional capital earlier than expected to fund our operations. In addition, our operating plan provides for the development of strategic relationships with suppliers of components and systems and equipment manufacturers that may require additional investments by us.
Net Loss Per Share	Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the dilutive effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including common stock equivalents and convertible securities. Diluted net loss per share is equal to basic net loss per share because the effect of dilutive securities outstanding during the period, including options and warrants computed using the treasury stock method, is anti-dilutive.
Revenue recognition	We recognize revenue when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred and there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, (iii) fees are fixed or determinable and (iv) collection is reasonably assured. We generate revenue from many sources and activities. We enter into arrangements that can include various combinations of product sales, services, and licensing activities. For multiple-element arrangements, we use a hierarchy to determine the contract consideration to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (VSOE), (ii) third party evidence of selling price (TPE), and (iii) best estimate of selling price. To date, our revenue sources can be classified as: product revenue, royalty revenue, or contract revenue. Product revenue Our product sales generally include acceptance provisions. We recognize product revenue upon acceptance of the product by the customer or expiration of the contractual acceptance period, after which there are no rights of return. No estimates are made for product returns because revenue is recognized upon expiration of the contractual acceptance period. Royalty revenue Royalty revenue is revenue under license agreements to our PicoP® scanning technology. We recognize revenue on upfront license fees over the expected time frame that we provide services or have ongoing obligations under the agreement. Ongoing per unit royalties are reported by our customer to us on a quarterly basis. Currently, we recognize revenue for ongoing per unit royalties one quarter in arrears when reported by our customer, representing when such amounts are fixed and determinable, and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Contract revenue We recognize contract revenue on long-term, cost plus fixed fee, and fixed price contracts using the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenue is recognized as work progresses on the contract. The percentage-of-completion method relies on estimates of total expected contract revenue and costs. At the end of each period, we estimate the labor, material and other costs required to complete the contract using data provided by our technical team, project managers, vendors, outside consultants and others and compare these to costs incurred to date. Recognized revenues are subject to amendments for actual costs incurred. Amendments to revenue and costs-to-complete estimates are recognized in the period in which the facts become known. In the future, amendments to estimates could significantly impact recognized revenue in any one reporting period. If we are unable to estimate costs on a contract, revenue is recognized using the completed-contract method. Under the completed-contract method, revenue and contract costs are deferred and both are recognized when all deliverables are completed. License agreement In March 2015, we signed a license agreement as part of a multiple-element arrangement with Sony Corporation (Sony) for our PicoP® scanning technology. The license agreement granted Sony a non-exclusive license to manufacture and sell display modules that use our PicoP® scanning technology. Under the terms of this multiple-element arrangement, we received an $8.0 million upfront payment in March 2015 and we will receive a per unit royalty for each display module sold by Sony containing our PicoP® scanning technology. We recognize revenue on the initial $8.0 million payment on a straight-line basis within Royalty Revenues, over a period of eight years which is the expected time frame that we will provide services under the agreement. Ongoing per unit royalties are reported by Sony to us on a quarterly basis. Currently, we recognize revenue for ongoing per unit royalties one quarter in arrears when reported by Sony, representing when such amounts are fixed and determinable, and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Products delivered under multiple-element arrangements will be recognized upon acceptance of the deliverables by the customer or the expiration of the contractual acceptance period, after which there are no rights of return. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $79,000 and $732,000, respectively, from ongoing per unit royalties, and $252,000 and $750,000, respectively, from a prorated portion of the $8.0 million upfront payment. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $57,000 and $180,000, respectively, from ongoing per unit royalties, and $252,000 and $597,000, respectively, from a prorated portion of the $8.0 million upfront payment. At September 30, 2016, remaining unrecognized upfront license fees are included in current and long-term deferred revenues, amounting to $999,000 and $5.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, unrecognized upfront license fees are included in current and long-term deferred revenues, amounting to $1.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively.
Inventory	Our inventory consists of raw materials and finished goods assemblies. Inventory is computed using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Management periodically assesses the need to account for obsolescence of inventory and adjusts the carrying value of inventory to its net realizable value when required. In addition, we reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated scrap value when management determines that it is not probable that the inventory will be consumed through the normal course of business during the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were aggregate write-downs of $6.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, offsetting the value of inventory deemed to be obsolete or scrap inventory. We may enter into arrangements to sell the obsolete or scrap inventory resulting in a gain in the period such transactions are realized.
Share-based Compensation	We issue share-based compensation to employees in the form of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). We account for the share-based awards by recognizing the fair value of share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of RSUs is determined by the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Changes in estimated inputs or using other option valuation methods may result in materially different option values and share-based compensation expense.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, have been prepared by MicroVision, Inc. ("we" or "our") and have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the financial position at September 30, 2016 and the results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented have been made and consist of normal recurring adjustments. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. You should read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be attained for the entire fiscal year.

We have incurred significant losses since inception. We have funded our operations to date primarily through the sale of common stock, convertible preferred stock, warrants, the issuance of convertible debt and, to a lesser extent, from development contract revenues, licensing activities and product and component sales. At September 30, 2016, we had $5.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated financial statements are prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern.

Based on our current operating plan, and without additional proceeds from the sale of shares under our existing Common Stock Purchase Agreement or At-The-Market (ATM) facility discussed in Note 8, we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations into January 2017. We will require additional capital to fund our operating plan past that time. We plan to obtain additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt securities and/or licensing activities. There can be no assurance that additional capital will be available to us or, if available, will be available on terms acceptable to us or on a timely basis. If adequate capital resources are not available on a timely basis, we intend to consider limiting our operations substantially. This limitation of operations could include reducing investments in our production capacities, research and development projects, staff, operating costs, and capital expenditures. Our ability to raise proceeds from the sale of shares under our Common Stock Purchase Agreement is subject to limitations and conditions, including a $1.00 minimum stock price.

We are introducing new technology into an emerging market which creates significant uncertainty about our ability to accurately project revenue, costs and cash flows. Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to, the rate at which original design manufacturers (ODMs) or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) introduce products incorporating our PicoP® scanning technology and the market acceptance and competitive position of such products. If revenues are less than we anticipate, if the mix of revenues and the associated margins vary from anticipated amounts or if expenses exceed the amounts budgeted, we may require additional capital earlier than expected to fund our operations. In addition, our operating plan provides for the development of strategic relationships with suppliers of components and systems and equipment manufacturers that may require additional investments by us.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the dilutive effect of all potentially dilutive securities, including common stock equivalents and convertible securities. Diluted net loss per share is equal to basic net loss per share because the effect of dilutive securities outstanding during the period, including options and warrants computed using the treasury stock method, is anti-dilutive.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred and there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance, (iii) fees are fixed or determinable and (iv) collection is reasonably assured.

We generate revenue from many sources and activities. We enter into arrangements that can include various combinations of product sales, services, and licensing activities. For multiple-element arrangements, we use a hierarchy to determine the contract consideration to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (VSOE), (ii) third party evidence of selling price (TPE), and (iii) best estimate of selling price. To date, our revenue sources can be classified as: product revenue, royalty revenue, or contract revenue.

Product revenue

Our product sales generally include acceptance provisions. We recognize product revenue upon acceptance of the product by the customer or expiration of the contractual acceptance period, after which there are no rights of return. No estimates are made for product returns because revenue is recognized upon expiration of the contractual acceptance period.

Royalty revenue

Royalty revenue is revenue under license agreements to our PicoP® scanning technology. We recognize revenue on upfront license fees over the expected time frame that we provide services or have ongoing obligations under the agreement. Ongoing per unit royalties are reported by our customer to us on a quarterly basis. Currently, we recognize revenue for ongoing per unit royalties one quarter in arrears when reported by our customer, representing when such amounts are fixed and determinable, and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

Contract revenue

We recognize contract revenue on long-term, cost plus fixed fee, and fixed price contracts using the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, revenue is recognized as work progresses on the contract. The percentage-of-completion method relies on estimates of total expected contract revenue and costs. At the end of each period, we estimate the labor, material and other costs required to complete the contract using data provided by our technical team, project managers, vendors, outside consultants and others and compare these to costs incurred to date.

Recognized revenues are subject to amendments for actual costs incurred. Amendments to revenue and costs-to-complete estimates are recognized in the period in which the facts become known. In the future, amendments to estimates could significantly impact recognized revenue in any one reporting period. If we are unable to estimate costs on a contract, revenue is recognized using the completed-contract method. Under the completed-contract method, revenue and contract costs are deferred and both are recognized when all deliverables are completed.

License agreement

In March 2015, we signed a license agreement as part of a multiple-element arrangement with Sony Corporation (Sony) for our PicoP® scanning technology. The license agreement granted Sony a non-exclusive license to manufacture and sell display modules that use our PicoP® scanning technology.

Under the terms of this multiple-element arrangement, we received an $8.0 million upfront payment in March 2015 and we will receive a per unit royalty for each display module sold by Sony containing our PicoP® scanning technology. We recognize revenue on the initial $8.0 million payment on a straight-line basis within Royalty Revenues, over a period of eight years which is the expected time frame that we will provide services under the agreement. Ongoing per unit royalties are reported by Sony to us on a quarterly basis. Currently, we recognize revenue for ongoing per unit royalties one quarter in arrears when reported by Sony, representing when such amounts are fixed and determinable, and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Products delivered under multiple-element arrangements will be recognized upon acceptance of the deliverables by the customer or the expiration of the contractual acceptance period, after which there are no rights of return.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized $79,000 and $732,000, respectively, from ongoing per unit royalties, and $252,000 and $750,000, respectively, from a prorated portion of the $8.0 million upfront payment. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recognized $57,000 and $180,000, respectively, from ongoing per unit royalties, and $252,000 and $597,000, respectively, from a prorated portion of the $8.0 million upfront payment. At September 30, 2016, remaining unrecognized upfront license fees are included in current and long-term deferred revenues, amounting to $999,000 and $5.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, unrecognized upfront license fees are included in current and long-term deferred revenues, amounting to $1.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Inventory

Our inventory consists of raw materials and finished goods assemblies. Inventory is computed using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Management periodically assesses the need to account for obsolescence of inventory and adjusts the carrying value of inventory to its net realizable value when required.

In addition, we reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated scrap value when management determines that it is not probable that the inventory will be consumed through the normal course of business during the next twelve months. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, there were aggregate write-downs of $6.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively, offsetting the value of inventory deemed to be obsolete or scrap inventory. We may enter into arrangements to sell the obsolete or scrap inventory resulting in a gain in the period such transactions are realized.

Share-based Compensation

We issue share-based compensation to employees in the form of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs). We account for the share-based awards by recognizing the fair value of share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period of the award, net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of RSUs is determined by the closing price of our common stock on the grant date. Changes in estimated inputs or using other option valuation methods may result in materially different option values and share-based compensation expense.