Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Notes To Financial Statements Abstract
Management's Statement	The Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, the Condensed Statements of Operations and the Condensed Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 June 30, 2020 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 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, 2019. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be attained for the entire fiscal year. We have incurred significant losses since inception. In February 2020, we were informed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that products using our interactive display module will not be launched in 2020 as we planned. Since we do not have orders from an OEM for 2020 delivery, we reduced our headcount by approximately 60% and focused our attention on strategic alternatives, including a potential sale or merger of the Company, sale of part of the Company, strategic minority investment, as well as licensing and other transactions. 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 June 30, 2020, we had $7.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. Based on our current operating plan, we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations through the fourth quarter of 2020. We will require additional capital to fund our operating plan past that time. We plan to seek 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 further reductions in our production capacities, research and development projects, staff, operating costs, and capital expenditures. Additionally, we need additional authorized shares of common stock if we are going to be able to raise any significant amount of cash through the sale of common stock. A Special Shareholder meeting is being called to authorize such share increase on October 8, 2020. A similar shareholder vote on May 19, 2020 to increase authorized shares of common stock required 65,088,815 votes, a majority of outstanding shares, to be approved. The proposal received a majority of votes cast (61,533,922 in favor of the proposal and 47,257,388 against or abstaining) and failed to pass by 3,554,893 of the 108,791,310 votes cast on the proposal. The Board of Directors recommends approval of the proposal to authorize additional shares of common stock. 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) modules, 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 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 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 December 31, 2019, $168,000 of materials that were not expected to be consumed during the next twelve months were classified as "other assets" on the balance sheet. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded inventory write-downs of $168,000 and $852,000, respectively.
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 lease our office space and certain equipment under finance and operating leases. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to three 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.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2020

Notes To Financial Statements Abstract

The Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2020, the Condensed Statements of Operations and the Condensed Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 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 June 30, 2020 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 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, 2019. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be attained for the entire fiscal year.

We have incurred significant losses since inception. In February 2020, we were informed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that products using our interactive display module will not be launched in 2020 as we planned. Since we do not have orders from an OEM for 2020 delivery, we reduced our headcount by approximately 60% and focused our attention on strategic alternatives, including a potential sale or merger of the Company, sale of part of the Company, strategic minority investment, as well as licensing and other transactions.

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 June 30, 2020, we had $7.8 million in cash and cash equivalents.

Based on our current operating plan, we anticipate that we have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to fund our operations through the fourth quarter of 2020. We will require additional capital to fund our operating plan past that time. We plan to seek 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 further reductions in our production capacities, research and development projects, staff, operating costs, and capital expenditures. Additionally, we need additional authorized shares of common stock if we are going to be able to raise any significant amount of cash through the sale of common stock. A Special Shareholder meeting is being called to authorize such share increase on October 8, 2020. A similar shareholder vote on May 19, 2020 to increase authorized shares of common stock required 65,088,815 votes, a majority of outstanding shares, to be approved. The proposal received a majority of votes cast (61,533,922 in favor of the proposal and 47,257,388 against or abstaining) and failed to pass by 3,554,893 of the 108,791,310 votes cast on the proposal. The Board of Directors recommends approval of the proposal to authorize additional shares of common stock.

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) modules, 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 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 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 December 31, 2019, $168,000 of materials that were not expected to be consumed during the next twelve months were classified as "other assets" on the balance sheet. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we recorded inventory write-downs of $168,000 and $852,000, respectively.

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 lease our office space and certain equipment under finance and operating leases. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one to three 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.

- Definition

Disclosure of inventory accounting policy for inventory classes, including, but not limited to, basis for determining inventory amounts, methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes, loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost.

+ References + Details