Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems	6 Months Ended
Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems	Jun. 30, 2013
Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems [Abstract]
Note Receivable from SPD Control Systems	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 was 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 bore interest at 10% per annum, was secured by all of the assets (including intellectual property) of SPD Control Systems. The Note provided for funding of up to $150,000 by SPD Enterprises based upon the achievement of certain development milestones by SPD Control Systems. 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. On March 30, 2012 SPD Control Systems paid Research Frontiers $224,903 in full payment of the principal and accrued interest on the note.

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

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