EQUITY AND CASH COMPENSATION UNDER THE PPG AGREEMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 22, 2011 Research and Development Arrangement [Member]	Oct. 01, 2000 Research and Development Arrangement [Member]	Oct. 01, 2000 Inventories [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 New OLED Materials Agreement and OLED Materials Agreement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 New OLED Materials Agreement and OLED Materials Agreement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 New OLED Materials Agreement and OLED Materials Agreement [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 New OLED Materials Agreement and OLED Materials Agreement [Member]	Sep. 22, 2011 Universal Display Corporation [Member] Research and Development Arrangement [Member]	Sep. 22, 2011 PPG Industries [Member] Research and Development Arrangement [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Agreement Period						5 years	7 years
Long term purchase commitment, renewal period					1 year
Long-Term Purchase Commitment, period of notice needed to terminate contract												1 year	2 years
Percent Of Services Payable In Cash Or Shares	50.00%		50.00%
Minimum average closing price of common stock (in dollars per share)								$ 20.00		$ 20.00
Issuance of common stock in connection with materials and license agreements (in shares)	0	0	0	0
Charges to expense for cash portion of reimbursement of expenses								$ 378	$ 1,600	$ 7,500	$ 4,900