Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition – BioTime complies with ASC 605-10 and recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Grant income and the sale of research products and services are recognized as revenue when earned. Revenues from the sale of research products and services are primarily derived from the sale of hydrogels and stem cell products. Royalty revenues consist of product royalty payments. License fee revenues consist primarily of subscription and advertising revenue from LifeMap Sciences’ online databases which are recognized based upon respective subscription or advertising periods. Other license fees under certain license agreements were recognized during prior periods when earned and reasonably estimable. Royalties earned on product sales are recognized as revenue in the quarter in which the royalty reports are received from the licensee, rather than the quarter in which the sales took place. When BioTime is entitled to receive up-front nonrefundable licensing or similar fees pursuant to agreements under which BioTime has no continuing performance obligations, the fees are recognized as revenues when collection is reasonably assured. When BioTime receives up-front nonrefundable licensing or similar fees pursuant to agreements under which BioTime does have continuing performance obligations, the fees are deferred and amortized ratably over the performance period. If the performance period cannot be reasonably estimated, BioTime amortizes nonrefundable fees over the life of the contract until such time that the performance period can be more reasonably estimated. Milestone payments, if any, related to scientific or technical achievements are recognized in income when the milestone is accomplished if (a) substantive effort was required to achieve the milestone, (b) the amount of the milestone payment appears reasonably commensurate with the effort expended, and (c) collection of the payment is reasonably assured.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents – BioTime considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Trade accounts and grants receivable, net	Trade accounts and grants receivable, net – Net trade receivables amounted to approximately $549,300 and $575,900 and grants receivable amounted to approximately $492,600 and $539,300 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Net trade receivables include allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $100,500 and $116,800 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively for those amounts deemed uncollectible by BioTime. BioTime evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due and significant one-time events and historical experience. An additional reserve for individual accounts will be recorded if BioTime becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.
Concentrations of credit risk	Concentrations of credit risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject BioTime to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. BioTime limits the amount of credit exposure of cash balances by maintaining its accounts in high credit quality financial institutions. Cash equivalent deposits with financial institutions may occasionally exceed the limits of insurance on bank deposits; however, BioTime has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Inventory	Inventory – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost, which includes amounts related to materials, labor, and overhead, is determined in a manner which approximates the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.
Equipment	Equipment, net – Equipment is stated at cost. Equipment is being depreciated using the straight-line method over a period of 36 to 120 months. See Note 4.
Intangible assets	Intangible assets, net – Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment. Acquired in-process research and development intangible assets are accounted for depending on whether they were acquired as part of an acquisition of a business, or as assets that do not constitute a business. When acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of a business, these assets are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts and are capitalized as an asset. If and when development is complete, the associated assets would be deemed finite-lived and would then be amortized based on their respective estimated useful lives at that point in time. However, when acquired in conjunction with an acquisition of assets that do not constitute a business (such as the acquisition of assets by Asterias from Geron Corporation), in accordance with the accounting rules in ASC 805-50, such intangible assets related to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) are expensed upon acquisition. See Note 14.
Treasury stock	Treasury stock – BioTime accounts for BioTime common shares issued to subsidiaries for future potential working capital needs as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet. BioTime has the intent and ability to register any unregistered shares to support the marketability of the shares.
Warrants to purchase common stock	Warrants to purchase common stock – BioTime generally accounts for warrants issued in connection with equity financings as a component of equity. None of the warrants issued by BioTime as of December 31, 2014 include a conditional obligation to issue a variable number of shares; nor was there a deemed possibility that BioTime may need to settle the warrants in cash.
Cost of sales	Cost of sales – BioTime accounts for the cost of research products acquired for sale and any royalties paid as a result of any revenues in accordance with the terms of the respective licensing agreements as cost of sales on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
Patent costs	Patent costs – Costs associated with obtaining patents on products or technology developed are expensed as general and administrative expenses when incurred.
Reclassification	Reclassification – Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Trade and grant receivables are now reported separately from prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Research and development	Research and development – Research and development costs are expensed when incurred, and consist principally of salaries, payroll taxes, consulting fees, research and laboratory fees, rent of research facilities, and license fees paid to third parties to acquire patents or licenses to use patents and other technology.
Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) and comprehensive loss	Foreign currency translation gain and comprehensive loss – In countries in which BioTime operates, where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated using published exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses and cash flows are translated using an approximate weighted average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, comprehensive loss includes gain of $122,936 and $122,469, respectively which is largely from foreign currency translation. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, foreign currency transaction loss amounted to $338,076 and $133,479, respectively.
Income taxes	Income taxes – BioTime accounts for income taxes in accordance with GAAP requirements, which prescribe the use of the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax asset or liability account balances are calculated at the balance sheet date using current tax laws and rates in effect. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The FASB guidance also prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not sustainable upon examination by taxing authorities. Beginning October 1, 2013, Asterias began filing separate U.S. federal income tax returns but effectively BioTime combined Asterias’ tax provision with BioTime’s. For California, Asterias’ activity for 2013 and 2014 will be included in BioTime’s combined tax return. BioTime recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense, however, no amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. BioTime files a U.S. federal income tax return as well as various state and foreign income tax returns. In general, BioTime is no longer subject to tax examination by major taxing authorities for years before 2010. Although the statute is closed for purposes of assessing additional income and tax in these years, the taxing authorities may still make adjustments to the net operating loss and credti carryforwards used in open years. Therefore the statute should be considered open as it relates to the net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Any potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax laws. Management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next year. A deferred income tax benefit of approximately $7,376,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014, of which approximately $5,155,000 of the benefit was related to federal and $2,221,000 was related to state taxes. A deferred income tax benefit of approximately $3,280,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013, of which approximately $2,800,000 was related to federal and $480,000 was related to state taxes. As disclosed in Note 14, Asterias established deferred tax liabilities primarily related to its acquisition of certain intellectual property. It is more likely than not that the Asterias deferred tax assets are fully realizable since these income tax benefits are expected to be available to offset such Asterias deferred tax liabilities. In June 2014, Asterias' sale of BioTime shares resulted in a taxable gain of approximately $10.3 million and a tax payable of $3.6 million. Asterias received the BioTime shares from BioTime as part of their consideration under the Asset Contribution Agreement, a tax free transaction. This payable, however, is expected to be fully offset by available net operating losses thus, resulting in no cash income taxes due from that sale. This transaction was treated as a deemed distribution by Asterias and recorded against equity.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation – BioTime follows accounting standards governing share-based payments, which require the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to directors and employees, including employee stock options, based on estimated fair values. Consistent with FASB guidelines, BioTime utilizes the Black-Scholes Merton option pricing model for valuing share-based payment awards. BioTime's determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using that option-pricing model is affected by BioTime's stock price as well as by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, BioTime's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates in effect during the corresponding period of grant. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with recent FASB guidance, changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets – BioTime’s long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed annually for impairment and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If an impairment indicator is present, BioTime will evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.
Deferred license and consulting fees	Deferred license and consulting fees – Deferred license and consulting fees consist of the value of warrants issued to third parties for services, and deferred license fees paid to acquire rights to use the proprietary technologies of third parties. The value of the warrants is being amortized over the period the services are being provided, and the license fees are being amortized over the estimated useful lives of the licensed technologies or licensed research products. BioTime is applying a 10 year estimated useful life to the technologies and products that it is currently licensing. The estimation of the useful life any technology or product involves a significant degree of inherent uncertainty, since the outcome of research and development or the commercial life of a new product cannot be known with certainty at the time that the right to use the technology or product is acquired. BioTime will review the continued appropriateness of the 10 year estimated useful life for impairments that might occur earlier than the original expected useful lives. See Note 6.
Loss per share	Loss per share – Basic net loss per share attributable to common shareholders is computed by dividing net loss attributable to the common shareholders of BioTime by the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share reflects the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding plus the potential effect of dilutive securities or contracts which are convertible to common shares, such as options and warrants (using the treasury stock method) and shares issuable in future periods. Diluted net loss per share for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 excludes any effect from 4,893,942 treasury shares, 3,974,326 options and 9,194,679 warrants, 10,697,715 treasury shares, 4,567,135 options and 9,751,615 warrants, and 1,800,109 treasury shares, 3,681,301 options and 556,613 warrants, respectively because their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments – The fair value of BioTime’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB guidance regarding disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, approximate the carrying amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements	Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements – The following accounting standards, which are not yet effective, are presently being evaluated by BioTime to determine the impact that they might have on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). The guidance of this update effects any entity that either issues contracts with customers or transfers goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets. The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve those core principals, the ASU specifies steps that the entity should apply for revenue recognition. The guidance also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill the contract with customer and disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. For a public entity, ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. BioTime is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (Topic 718). The ASU provides guidance for accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is the case when an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target (for example, profitability target) could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. The ASU requires a performance target that effects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that such performance condition would be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods therein. Early application is permitted. BioTime is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” requiring management to evaluate on a regular basis whether any conditions or events have arisen that could raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance 1) provides a definition for the term “substantial doubt,” 2) requires an evaluation every reporting period, interim periods included, 3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans to alleviate the substantial doubt, 4) requires certain disclosures if the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of management’s plans, 5) requires an express statement, as well as other disclosures, if the substantial doubt is not alleviated, and 6) requires an assessment period of one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for BioTime’s reporting year ending December 31, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. BioTime does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue recognition – BioTime complies with ASC 605-10 and recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Grant income and the sale of research products and services are recognized as revenue when earned. Revenues from the sale of research products and services are primarily derived from the sale of hydrogels and stem cell products. Royalty revenues consist of product royalty payments. License fee revenues consist primarily of subscription and advertising revenue from LifeMap Sciences’ online databases which are recognized based upon respective subscription or advertising periods. Other license fees under certain license agreements were recognized during prior periods when earned and reasonably estimable. Royalties earned on product sales are recognized as revenue in the quarter in which the royalty reports are received from the licensee, rather than the quarter in which the sales took place. When BioTime is entitled to receive up-front nonrefundable licensing or similar fees pursuant to agreements under which BioTime has no continuing performance obligations, the fees are recognized as revenues when collection is reasonably assured. When BioTime receives up-front nonrefundable licensing or similar fees pursuant to agreements under which BioTime does have continuing performance obligations, the fees are deferred and amortized ratably over the performance period. If the performance period cannot be reasonably estimated, BioTime amortizes nonrefundable fees over the life of the contract until such time that the performance period can be more reasonably estimated. Milestone payments, if any, related to scientific or technical achievements are recognized in income when the milestone is accomplished if (a) substantive effort was required to achieve the milestone, (b) the amount of the milestone payment appears reasonably commensurate with the effort expended, and (c) collection of the payment is reasonably assured.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – BioTime considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Trade accounts and grants receivable, net

Trade accounts and grants receivable, net – Net trade receivables amounted to approximately $549,300 and $575,900 and grants receivable amounted to approximately $492,600 and $539,300 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Net trade receivables include allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $100,500 and $116,800 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively for those amounts deemed uncollectible by BioTime. BioTime evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due and significant one-time events and historical experience. An additional reserve for individual accounts will be recorded if BioTime becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.

Concentrations of credit risk

Concentrations of credit risk – Financial instruments that potentially subject BioTime to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. BioTime limits the amount of credit exposure of cash balances by maintaining its accounts in high credit quality financial institutions. Cash equivalent deposits with financial institutions may occasionally exceed the limits of insurance on bank deposits; however, BioTime has not experienced any losses on such accounts.

Inventory

Inventory – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost, which includes amounts related to materials, labor, and overhead, is determined in a manner which approximates the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method.

Equipment

Equipment, net – Equipment is stated at cost. Equipment is being depreciated using the straight-line method over a period of 36 to 120 months. See Note 4.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets, net – Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment. Acquired in-process research and development intangible assets are accounted for depending on whether they were acquired as part of an acquisition of a business, or as assets that do not constitute a business. When acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of a business, these assets are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts and are capitalized as an asset. If and when development is complete, the associated assets would be deemed finite-lived and would then be amortized based on their respective estimated useful lives at that point in time. However, when acquired in conjunction with an acquisition of assets that do not constitute a business (such as the acquisition of assets by Asterias from Geron Corporation), in accordance with the accounting rules in ASC 805-50, such intangible assets related to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) are expensed upon acquisition. See Note 14.

Treasury stock

Treasury stock – BioTime accounts for BioTime common shares issued to subsidiaries for future potential working capital needs as treasury stock on the consolidated balance sheet. BioTime has the intent and ability to register any unregistered shares to support the marketability of the shares.

Warrants to purchase common stock

Warrants to purchase common stock – BioTime generally accounts for warrants issued in connection with equity financings as a component of equity. None of the warrants issued by BioTime as of December 31, 2014 include a conditional obligation to issue a variable number of shares; nor was there a deemed possibility that BioTime may need to settle the warrants in cash.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales – BioTime accounts for the cost of research products acquired for sale and any royalties paid as a result of any revenues in accordance with the terms of the respective licensing agreements as cost of sales on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.

Patent costs

Patent costs – Costs associated with obtaining patents on products or technology developed are expensed as general and administrative expenses when incurred.

Reclassification

Reclassification – Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Trade and grant receivables are now reported separately from prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Research and development

Research and development – Research and development costs are expensed when incurred, and consist principally of salaries, payroll taxes, consulting fees, research and laboratory fees, rent of research facilities, and license fees paid to third parties to acquire patents or licenses to use patents and other technology.

Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) and comprehensive loss

Foreign currency translation gain and comprehensive loss – In countries in which BioTime operates, where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated using published exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses and cash flows are translated using an approximate weighted average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, comprehensive loss includes gain of $122,936 and $122,469, respectively which is largely from foreign currency translation. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, foreign currency transaction loss amounted to $338,076 and $133,479, respectively.

Income taxes

Income taxes – BioTime accounts for income taxes in accordance with GAAP requirements, which prescribe the use of the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax asset or liability account balances are calculated at the balance sheet date using current tax laws and rates in effect. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The FASB guidance also prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not sustainable upon examination by taxing authorities. Beginning October 1, 2013, Asterias began filing separate U.S. federal income tax returns but effectively BioTime combined Asterias’ tax provision with BioTime’s. For California, Asterias’ activity for 2013 and 2014 will be included in BioTime’s combined tax return. BioTime recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense, however, no amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. BioTime files a U.S. federal income tax return as well as various state and foreign income tax returns. In general, BioTime is no longer subject to tax examination by major taxing authorities for years before 2010. Although the statute is closed for purposes of assessing additional income and tax in these years, the taxing authorities may still make adjustments to the net operating loss and credti carryforwards used in open years. Therefore the statute should be considered open as it relates to the net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Any potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, state and local and foreign tax laws. Management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next year.

A deferred income tax benefit of approximately $7,376,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014, of which approximately $5,155,000 of the benefit was related to federal and $2,221,000 was related to state taxes. A deferred income tax benefit of approximately $3,280,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013, of which approximately $2,800,000 was related to federal and $480,000 was related to state taxes. As disclosed in Note 14, Asterias established deferred tax liabilities primarily related to its acquisition of certain intellectual property. It is more likely than not that the Asterias deferred tax assets are fully realizable since these income tax benefits are expected to be available to offset such Asterias deferred tax liabilities.

In June 2014, Asterias' sale of BioTime shares resulted in a taxable gain of approximately $10.3 million and a tax payable of $3.6 million. Asterias received the BioTime shares from BioTime as part of their consideration under the Asset Contribution Agreement, a tax free transaction. This payable, however, is expected to be fully offset by available net operating losses thus, resulting in no cash income taxes due from that sale. This transaction was treated as a deemed distribution by Asterias and recorded against equity.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation – BioTime follows accounting standards governing share-based payments, which require the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to directors and employees, including employee stock options, based on estimated fair values. Consistent with FASB guidelines, BioTime utilizes the Black-Scholes Merton option pricing model for valuing share-based payment awards. BioTime's determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using that option-pricing model is affected by BioTime's stock price as well as by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, BioTime's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates in effect during the corresponding period of grant. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with recent FASB guidance, changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment of long-lived assets – BioTime’s long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed annually for impairment and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If an impairment indicator is present, BioTime will evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the assets are impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.

Deferred license and consulting fees

Deferred license and consulting fees – Deferred license and consulting fees consist of the value of warrants issued to third parties for services, and deferred license fees paid to acquire rights to use the proprietary technologies of third parties. The value of the warrants is being amortized over the period the services are being provided, and the license fees are being amortized over the estimated useful lives of the licensed technologies or licensed research products. BioTime is applying a 10 year estimated useful life to the technologies and products that it is currently licensing. The estimation of the useful life any technology or product involves a significant degree of inherent uncertainty, since the outcome of research and development or the commercial life of a new product cannot be known with certainty at the time that the right to use the technology or product is acquired. BioTime will review the continued appropriateness of the 10 year estimated useful life for impairments that might occur earlier than the original expected useful lives. See Note 6.

Loss per share

Loss per share – Basic net loss per share attributable to common shareholders is computed by dividing net loss attributable to the common shareholders of BioTime by the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share reflects the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding plus the potential effect of dilutive securities or contracts which are convertible to common shares, such as options and warrants (using the treasury stock method) and shares issuable in future periods. Diluted net loss per share for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 excludes any effect from 4,893,942 treasury shares, 3,974,326 options and 9,194,679 warrants, 10,697,715 treasury shares, 4,567,135 options and 9,751,615 warrants, and 1,800,109 treasury shares, 3,681,301 options and 556,613 warrants, respectively because their inclusion would be antidilutive.

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value of financial instruments – The fair value of BioTime’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under FASB guidance regarding disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, approximate the carrying amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Effect of recently issued and recently adopted accounting pronouncements – The following accounting standards, which are not yet effective, are presently being evaluated by BioTime to determine the impact that they might have on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). The guidance of this update effects any entity that either issues contracts with customers or transfers goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets. The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. To achieve those core principals, the ASU specifies steps that the entity should apply for revenue recognition. The guidance also specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill the contract with customer and disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. For a public entity, ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. BioTime is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (Topic 718). The ASU provides guidance for accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is the case when an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target (for example, profitability target) could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. The ASU requires a performance target that effects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that such performance condition would be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods therein. Early application is permitted. BioTime is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” requiring management to evaluate on a regular basis whether any conditions or events have arisen that could raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance 1) provides a definition for the term “substantial doubt,” 2) requires an evaluation every reporting period, interim periods included, 3) provides principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans to alleviate the substantial doubt, 4) requires certain disclosures if the substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of management’s plans, 5) requires an express statement, as well as other disclosures, if the substantial doubt is not alleviated, and 6) requires an assessment period of one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The standard is effective for BioTime’s reporting year ending December 31, 2016, and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. BioTime does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its financial statements.