Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Notes To Financial Statements Abstract
Management's Statement	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 March 31, 2019 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, 2018. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 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, product sales and licensing activities. At March 31, 2019, we had $7.0 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on our current operating plan that includes expected proceeds from a development contract signed in April 2017 with a major technology company, expected proceeds of $2.0 million from the April 2019 registered direct offering, and without additional proceeds from the sale of shares under our existing Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("Lincoln Park"), we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations through July 2019. Our receipt of proceeds under our April 2017 development contract is subject to our completion of certain milestones, and we can provide no assurance that such milestones will be completed. 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, product sales 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. We are introducing new technology and products 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 commercial success of our laser beam scanning (LBS) engines, the rate at which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or original design manufacturers (ODMs) 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 we fail to meet milestones for future payments or have to repay amounts already received under our April 2017 development contract, 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. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Net Loss Per Share	Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net loss per share, assuming dilution, 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. Net loss per share, assuming dilution, 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	The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We generate all of our revenue from contracts with customers. We evaluate contracts based on the 5-step model as stated in Topic 606 as follows: (i) identify the contract, (ii) identify the performance obligations, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. A contract contains a promise (or promises) to transfer goods or services to a customer. A performance obligation is a promise (or a group of promises) that is distinct, as defined in the revenue standard. The transaction price is the amount of consideration an entity expects to be entitled to from a customer in exchange for providing the goods or services. A number of factors should be considered to determine the transaction price, including whether there is variable consideration, a significant financing component, noncash consideration, or amounts payable to the customer. The determination of variable consideration will require a significant amount of judgment. In estimating the transaction price we will use either the expected value method or the most likely amount method. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices. Determining the relative standalone selling price can be challenging when goods or services are not sold on a standalone basis. The revenue standard sets out several methods that can be used to estimate a standalone selling price when one is not directly observable. Allocating discounts and variable consideration must also be considered. Allocating the transaction price can require significant judgement on our part. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the customer obtains control of the good or service/performance obligations are satisfied. Topic 606 provides guidance to help determine if a performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time or over time. Where a performance obligation is satisfied over time, the related revenue is also recognized over time.
Inventory	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. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $1.4 million of materials that are not expected to be consumed during the next twelve months are classified as "other assets" on the balance sheet.
Share-based Compensation	We issue share-based compensation to employees in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and performance stock units (PSUs). 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. The PSUs are valued using a binomial option pricing model using the following inputs: stock price, volatility, and risk-free interest rates. Changes in estimated inputs or using other option valuation methods may result in materially different option values and share-based compensation expense.
Leases	In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability in the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with terms of more than twelve months. Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. The amendments also require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures. We adopted this guidance using the cumulative-effect adjustment method on January 1, 2019, meaning we did not restate prior periods. Current year financial information is presented under the guidance in Topic 842, while prior year information will continue to be presented under Topic 840. Adoption of the standard resulted in the recognition of an operating ROU asset of approximately $1.6 million, a lease liability of approximately $2.5 million, and a reduction in other short-term and long-term liabilities of $873,000. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations or Statement of Cash flows. Accounting for our capital leases remains substantially unchanged. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. On our balance sheet, our office lease is included in Operating lease right-of-use asset, Current portion of operating lease liability and Operating lease liability, net of current portion. On our balance sheet, finance leases are included in Property and equipment, Current portion of finance lease obligations and Finance lease obligations, net of current portion. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For leases that do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Significant judgment may be required when determining whether a contract contains a lease, the length of the lease term, the allocation of the consideration in a contract between lease and non-lease components, and the determination of the discount rate included in our office lease. We review the underlying objective of each contract, the terms of the contract, and consider our current and future business conditions when making these judgments. Our leases have remaining lease terms of two to four years. Our office space lease contains an option to extend the lease for one period of five years. This extension period is not included in our ROU asset or lease liability amounts. Our office lease agreement includes both lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for separately. Our finance leases contain options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless we are reasonably certain to exercise the purchase option.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Notes To Financial Statements Abstract

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 March 31, 2019 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, 2018. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 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, product sales and licensing activities. At March 31, 2019, we had $7.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Based on our current operating plan that includes expected proceeds from a development contract signed in April 2017 with a major technology company, expected proceeds of $2.0 million from the April 2019 registered direct offering, and without additional proceeds from the sale of shares under our existing Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("Lincoln Park"), we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations through July 2019. Our receipt of proceeds under our April 2017 development contract is subject to our completion of certain milestones, and we can provide no assurance that such milestones will be completed. 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, product sales 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.

We are introducing new technology and products 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 commercial success of our laser beam scanning (LBS) engines, the rate at which original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or original design manufacturers (ODMs) 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 we fail to meet milestones for future payments or have to repay amounts already received under our April 2017 development contract, 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.

These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net loss per share, assuming dilution, 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. Net loss per share, assuming dilution, 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

The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We generate all of our revenue from contracts with customers.

We evaluate contracts based on the 5-step model as stated in Topic 606 as follows: (i) identify the contract, (ii) identify the performance obligations, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied.

A contract contains a promise (or promises) to transfer goods or services to a customer. A performance obligation is a promise (or a group of promises) that is distinct, as defined in the revenue standard.

The transaction price is the amount of consideration an entity expects to be entitled to from a customer in exchange for providing the goods or services. A number of factors should be considered to determine the transaction price, including whether there is variable consideration, a significant financing component, noncash consideration, or amounts payable to the customer. The determination of variable consideration will require a significant amount of judgment. In estimating the transaction price we will use either the expected value method or the most likely amount method.

The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices. Determining the relative standalone selling price can be challenging when goods or services are not sold on a standalone basis. The revenue standard sets out several methods that can be used to estimate a standalone selling price when one is not directly observable. Allocating discounts and variable consideration must also be considered. Allocating the transaction price can require significant judgement on our part.

Revenue is recognized when (or as) the customer obtains control of the good or service/performance obligations are satisfied. Topic 606 provides guidance to help determine if a performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time or over time. Where a performance obligation is satisfied over time, the related revenue is also recognized over time.

Inventory

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. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $1.4 million of materials that are not expected to be consumed during the next twelve months are classified as "other assets" on the balance sheet.

Share-based Compensation

We issue share-based compensation to employees in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), and performance stock units (PSUs). 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. The PSUs are valued using a binomial option pricing model using the following inputs: stock price, volatility, and risk-free interest rates. Changes in estimated inputs or using other option valuation methods may result in materially different option values and share-based compensation expense.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability in the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with terms of more than twelve months. Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. The amendments also require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures. We adopted this guidance using the cumulative-effect adjustment method on January 1, 2019, meaning we did not restate prior periods. Current year financial information is presented under the guidance in Topic 842, while prior year information will continue to be presented under Topic 840. Adoption of the standard resulted in the recognition of an operating ROU asset of approximately $1.6 million, a lease liability of approximately $2.5 million, and a reduction in other short-term and long-term liabilities of $873,000. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our Statement of Operations or Statement of Cash flows. Accounting for our capital leases remains substantially unchanged.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. On our balance sheet, our office lease is included in Operating lease right-of-use asset, Current portion of operating lease liability and Operating lease liability, net of current portion. On our balance sheet, finance leases are included in Property and equipment, Current portion of finance lease obligations and Finance lease obligations, net of current portion.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For leases that do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Significant judgment may be required when determining whether a contract contains a lease, the length of the lease term, the allocation of the consideration in a contract between lease and non-lease components, and the determination of the discount rate included in our office lease. We review the underlying objective of each contract, the terms of the contract, and consider our current and future business conditions when making these judgments.

Our leases have remaining lease terms of two to four years. Our office space lease contains an option to extend the lease for one period of five years. This extension period is not included in our ROU asset or lease liability amounts. Our office lease agreement includes both lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for separately. Our finance leases contain options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless we are reasonably certain to exercise the purchase option.