Summary of Signiicant Accounting Policies (Policy)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Signiicant Accounting Policies (Policy)	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of eMagin Corporation and its subsidiary reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to instructions, rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company believes that the disclosures provided herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The consolidated condensed financial statements of December 31, 2011 are derived from audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management utilizes certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments related to, among others, allowance for doubtful accounts, warranty reserves, inventory reserves, stock-based compensation expense, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, litigation and other loss contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue And Cost Recognition	Revenue and Cost Recognition Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, selling price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Product revenue is generally recognized when products are shipped to customers. The Company defers revenue recognition on products sold directly to the consumer with a maximum thirty day right of return. Revenue is recognized upon the expiration of the right of return. The Company also earns revenues from certain research and development (“R&D”) activities (contract revenues) under both firm fixed-price contracts and cost-type contracts. Revenues relating to firm fixed-price contracts and cost-type contracts are generally recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting as costs are incurred (cost-to-cost basis). Progress is generally based on a cost-to-cost approach however an alternative method may be used such as physical progress, labor hours or others depending on the type of contract. Physical progress is determined as a combination of input and output measures as deemed appropriate by the circumstances. Contract costs include all direct material and labor costs and an allocation of allowable indirect costs as defined by each contract, as periodically adjusted to reflect revised agreed upon rates. These rates are subject to audit by the other party.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements There are no recently issued accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.