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Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Receivables [Abstract]  
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems
 
On May 9, 2007, the Company began participating in the funding of the ongoing development of automotive controllers by SPD Control Systems Corp., a licensee of the Company. This development work is to produce the electronic controllers to operate SPD-Smart automotive windows and glass roof systems for one or more of the top five automotive makers in the world. The Company’s funding of this project is reflected in the form of a senior secured convertible promissory note (the “Note”) of SPD Control Systems Corp. held by Research Frontiers’ wholly-owned subsidiary, SPD Enterprises Inc. The note bears interest at 10% per annum, is secured by all of the assets (including intellectual property) of SPD Control Systems, and is convertible at the option of SPD Enterprises into common stock of SPD Control Systems at an initial conversion price of $0.50 per share. This conversion price is adjustable downward to result in the issuance to SPD Enterprises of additional shares of SPD Control Systems common stock under certain conditions. The Note provides for funding of up to $150,000 by SPD Enterprises based upon the achievement of certain development milestones by SPD Control Systems. As of June 30, 2011, the principal and interest amount outstanding under this Note was $150,000 and $53,853, respectively. As part of a broader agreement between SPD Control Systems and the Company, effective as of May 9, 2010, the maturity date of this Note was extended to May 9, 2012 and the applicable conversion price for the Note was specified as $0.25 per share of SPD Control Systems stock through May 9, 2012 and $0.10 per share thereafter. The SPD Control Systems note was reclassified as a current asset due to its maturity date being less than one year as of June 30, 2011.