Luna Innovations (LUNA) 10-K 16 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	LUNA
Entity Registrant Name	LUNA INNOVATIONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1239819
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,095,017
Entity Public Float			$21

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$14,116,969	$7,778,541
Accounts receivable, net	5,689,615	5,408,281
Inventory, net	3,364,233	3,346,177
Prepaid expenses	523,553	708,974
Other current assets	191,749	70,208
Total current assets	23,886,119	17,312,181
Property and equipment, net	3,497,057	2,060,709
Intangible assets, net	199,277	288,475
Other assets	1,995	42,710
Total assets	27,584,448	19,704,075
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long term debt obligation	625,000	1,500,000
Current portion of capital lease obligation	70,725	66,617
Accounts payable	1,447,177	1,401,764
Accrued liabilities	5,536,322	3,546,585
Deferred revenue	861,081	691,424
Total current liabilities	8,540,305	7,206,390
Long-term debt obligation	0	625,000
Long-term capital lease obligation	39,582	110,307
Total liabilities	8,579,887	7,941,697
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 1,321,514 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2014	1,322	1,322
Common stock, par value $0.001, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 14,527,335 and 15,110,924 shares issued, 14,527,335 and 15,088,199 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	15,541	14,842
Treasury stock at cost, zero shares at December 31, 2013 and 22,725 shares at December 31, 2014	-32,221	0
Additional paid-in capital	64,147,666	62,756,571
Accumulated deficit	-45,127,747	-51,010,357
Total stockholders’ equity	19,004,561	11,762,378
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$27,584,448	$19,704,075

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,321,514	1,321,514
Preferred stock, shares issued	1,321,514	1,321,514
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,321,514	1,321,514
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,110,924	14,527,335
Common stock, shares outstanding	15,088,119	14,527,335
Treasury Stock, shares	22,725	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Technology development revenues	$12,205,889	$11,421,868
Products and licensing revenues	9,054,101	6,911,707
Total revenues	21,259,990	18,333,575
Cost of revenues:
Technology development costs	9,376,485	8,882,071
Products and licensing costs	4,046,885	3,402,882
Total cost of revenues	13,423,370	12,284,953
Gross profit	7,836,620	6,048,622
Operating expense:
Selling, general & administrative	10,253,847	11,525,636
Research, development, and engineering	2,087,874	2,558,332
Total operating expense	12,341,721	14,083,968
Operating loss	-4,505,101	-8,035,346
Other income/(expense):
Other income, net	111,452	347,062
Interest expense, net	-96,229	-207,538
Total other income	15,223	139,524
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-4,489,878	-7,895,822
Income tax benefit	-1,137,228	-2,387,422
Loss from continuing operations	-3,352,650	-5,508,400
Operating income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of $0.9 million and $0.0 million of related income taxes	-34,491	1,313,611
Gain on sale, net of $1.5 million and $1.3 million of related income taxes	9,381,948	3,391,639
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	9,347,457	4,705,250
Net (loss)/income	5,994,807	-803,150
Preferred stock dividend	112,197	102,327
Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders	$5,882,610	($905,477)
Net loss per share from continuing operations:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.23)	($0.38)
Net income per share from discontinued operations:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.33
Net (loss)/ income per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.40	($0.06)
Weighted average shares:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	14,880,697	14,336,135

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating income/(loss) from discontinued operations, taxes	$0	$0.90
Gain on sale, taxes	$1.30	$1.50

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)		Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$11,272,192	$1,322	$14,245	$0	$61,361,505	($50,104,880)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012			1,321,514	14,009,280	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options and warrants (in shares)				169,277
Exercise of stock options and warrants		111,957		168		111,789
Stock-based compensation (in shares)				0
Stock-based compensation		1,063,645		0		1,063,645
Non cash compensation (in shares)				337,500
Non cash compensation		102,734		338		102,396
Stock dividends	[1]			80		102,247	-102,327
Issuance of Common Stock, Other (in shares)	[2]			11,278
Issuance of Common Stock, Other	[2]	15,000		11		14,989
Net (loss)/income		-803,150					-803,150
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		11,762,378	1,322	14,842	0	62,756,571	-51,010,357
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			1,321,514	14,527,335	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options and warrants (in shares)				315,087
Exercise of stock options and warrants		232,042		316		231,726
Stock-based compensation (in shares)				0
Stock-based compensation		854,370		0		854,370
Non cash compensation (in shares)				245,777
Non cash compensation		193,185		303		192,882
Stock dividends	[1]			80		112,117	-112,197
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)					22,725
Purchase of treasury stock		-32,221			-32,221
Net (loss)/income		5,994,807
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$19,004,561	$1,322	$15,541	($32,221)	$64,147,666	($45,127,747)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			1,321,514	15,088,199	22,725
[1]	The stock dividends payable in connection with the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are issuable upon the request of Carilion.
[2]	Fees paid to our board of directors by issuance of our common stock.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows used in operating activities:
Net loss	$5,994,807	($803,150)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash used in by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	607,693	935,477
Stock-based compensation	1,019,445	1,181,379
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-9,381,948	-3,391,639
Inventory obsolescence	163,998	0
Bad debt	0	134,811
Tax benefit from utilization of loss from current year operations	-1,148,941	-1,507,791
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-281,334	1,533,827
Inventory	-220,419	-9,261
Other assets	50,696	-79,180
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	311,627	396,540
Deferred revenue	169,657	-178,305
Net cash used in operating activities	-2,714,719	-1,787,292
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-255,242	-186,956
Intangible property costs	-252,083	-253,451
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net	10,927,268	5,110,855
Net cash provided by investing activities	10,419,943	4,670,448
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Payments on debt obligations	-1,500,000	-1,500,000
Payments on capital lease obligations	-66,617	-57,033
Repurchase of common stock	-32,221	0
Proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants	232,042	111,957
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,366,796	-1,445,076
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	6,338,428	1,438,080
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	7,778,541	6,340,461
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	14,116,969	7,778,541
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	87,354	178,646
Cash paid for income taxes	150,000	14,010
Dividend on preferred stock, 79,292 shares of common stock issuable for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively	$112,177	$102,327

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Dividend on preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable	79,292	79,292

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Luna Innovations Incorporated (“we” or the "Company”), headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1990 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware in April 2003.
	We develop, manufacture and market fiber optic sensing and test & measurement products focused on bringing new and innovative technology solutions to measure, monitor, protect and improve critical processes in the aerospace, automotive, energy, composite, telecommunications and defense industries. Our business model is designed to accelerate the process of bringing new and innovative products to market. We use our in-house technical expertise to perform applied research services on government-funded projects across a range of technologies and also for corporate customers in the fiber optic sensing area. We are organized into two business segments: our Technology Development segment and our Products and Licensing segment. Our Technology Development segment performs applied research principally on government-funded projects. Most of the government funding in our Technology Development segment is derived from the U.S. Government’s Small Business Innovation Research ("SBIR") program coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"). Our Products and Licensing segment focuses on fiber optic test and measurement, sensing, and instrumentation products and also conducts applied research in the fiber optic sensing area to corporate and government customers. The Products and Licensing segment focuses on fiber optic test and measurement, sensing and instrumentation products.
	We have a history of net losses and negative cash flow from operations. We have historically managed our liquidity through cost reduction initiatives, debt financings, capital markets transactions and the sale of assets.
	Although there can be no guarantees, we believe that our current cash and cash equivalents balance, provides adequate liquidity for us to meet our working capital needs through 2015.
	Consolidation Policy
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
	Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions.
	Technology Development Revenues
	We perform research and development for U.S. government agencies, educational institutions and commercial organizations. We recognize revenues under research contracts when a contract has been executed, the contract price is fixed and determinable, delivery of services or products has occurred and collection of the contract price is considered reasonably assured. Revenue is earned under cost reimbursable, time and materials and fixed price contracts. Direct contract costs are expensed as incurred.
	Under cost reimbursable contracts, we are reimbursed for costs that are determined to be reasonable, allowable and allocable to the contract and are paid a fixed fee representing the profit negotiated between us and the contracting agency. Revenue from cost reimbursable contracts is recognized as costs are incurred plus a portion of the fee earned. Revenue from time and materials contracts is recognized based on direct labor hours expended at contract billing rates plus other billable direct costs.
	Revenue from fixed price research contracts that involve the delivery of services and a prototype model is recognized under the percentage of completion method. Fixed price arrangements that involve the delivery of research reports are recognized under the proportional performance method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to achieve contract milestones to total estimated cost as this method more accurately measures performance under these arrangements. Losses on contracts, if any, are recognized in the period in which they become known and estimable.
	Intellectual Property License Revenues
	Amounts received from third parties for licenses to our intellectual property are recognized when earned under the terms of the agreements. Revenues are recognized upon transfer of the license unless we have continuing obligations for which fair value cannot be established, in which case the revenues are recognized over the period of the obligation. If there are extended payment terms, license fee revenues are recognized as these payments become due and collection is reasonably assured. We consider all arrangements with payment terms extending beyond 12 months not to be fixed and determinable.
	Certain of our license arrangements have also required us to enter into research and development agreements. Accordingly, we allocate our arrangement fees to the various elements based upon objective reliable evidence of fair value, if available. For those arrangements in which evidence of fair value is not available, we defer revenues from any up-front payments and recognize them over the service period in the arrangement. Certain of these arrangements also include the payment of performance bonuses based upon the achievement of specific milestones. Generally, there are no assurances at the onset of these arrangements that the milestones will be achieved. As such, fees related to such milestones are excluded from the initial allocation of the arrangement fee and are recognized upon achievement of the milestone provided that all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
	Product Sales Revenues
	Revenues from product sales are generated by the sale of commercial products and services under various sales programs to the end user and through distribution channels. We sell fiber optic sensing systems to end users for use in numerous fiber optic based measurement applications. Revenues are recorded net of applicable sales taxes collected from customers and payable to state or local governmental entities.
	We recognize revenue relating to our products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
	For multi-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product’s functionality, we allocate revenue to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. Other deliverables include extended warranty, training and various add-on products. In such circumstances, we use a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value ("VSOE"), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price ("TPE"), and (iii) best estimate of the selling price ("ESP"). VSOE generally exists only when we sell the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by us for that deliverable. Due to the uniqueness of our products comparable third party evidence is generally not available. ESPs reflect our best estimates of what the selling prices of elements would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis.
	Our process for determining our ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered in developing the ESPs include prices charged by us for similar offerings, our historical pricing practices, the nature of the deliverables, and the relative ESP of all of the deliverables as compared to the total selling price of the product. We may also consider, when appropriate, the impact of other products and services on selling price assumptions when developing and reviewing our ESPs.
	Revenues from product sales that require no ongoing obligations are recognized as revenues when shipped to the customer, title has passed and collection is reasonably assured. In transactions in which a right-of-return exists, revenues are deferred until acceptance has occurred and the period for the right-of-return has expired.
	Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables
	Accounts receivable are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We review the status of our uncollected receivables on a regular basis. In determining the need for an allowance for uncollectible receivables, we consider our customers’ financial stability, past payment history and other factors that bear on the ultimate collection of such amounts. The allowance was $134,811 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014.
	Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. To date, we have not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s cash transactions are processed through reputable commercial banks. To date, the Company has not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents. The Company regularly maintains cash balances with financial institutions which exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $7.5 million and $13.9 million, respectively, in excess of FDIC insured limits.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants. Valuation techniques are based on observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.
	•	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. We consider the terms of the SVB debt Facility including its interest rate of prime plus 2%, to be at market based upon similar instruments that would be available to us.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Equipment	3 – 7 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Software	3 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or life of improvements
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of patents related to certain intellectual property that we have developed or acquired. We amortize our patents over their estimated useful life of five years, and analyze them whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable to determine whether their carrying value has been impaired.
	Research, Development and Engineering
	Research, development and engineering expenses not related to contract performance are expensed as incurred. We expensed $2.6 million and $2.1 million of non-contract related research, development and engineering expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reflected at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists of finished goods, work in process and raw materials valued at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out basis) or market. We provide reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
	Net (Loss)/Income per Share
	Basic per share data is computed by dividing net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share data is computed by dividing net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period increased to include, if dilutive, the number of additional common share equivalents that would have been outstanding if potential common shares had been issued using the treasury stock method. Diluted per share data would also include the potential common share equivalents relating to convertible securities by application of the if-converted method.
	The effect of 2.3 million common stock equivalents (which include outstanding warrants, preferred stock and stock options) are not included for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, as they are antidilutive to earnings per share due to the Company having a net loss from continuing operations.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We have a stock-based compensation plan, which is described further in Note 9. We recognize compensation expense based upon the fair value of the underlying equity award as of the date of grant. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value any awards granted. We recognize stock-based compensation for such awards on a straight-line method over the requisite service period of the awards taking into account the effects of the employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.
	The Company recognizes expense for equity instruments issued to non-employees based upon the fair value of the equity instruments issued.
	The fair value of each option granted is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013	2014
	Risk-free interest rate range		1.27% – 2.34%	2.02% – 2.27%
	Expected life of option-years		7.5	7.5
	Expected stock price volatility		108%	106%
	Executive turnover rates		—%	—%
	Non-executive turnover rates		14.70%	33.60%
	Expected dividend yield		—%	—%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates, the terms of which are consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Expected volatility is based upon the average historical volatility of our common stock over the period commensurate with the expected term of the related instrument. The expected life and estimated post-employment termination behavior is based upon historical experience of homogeneous groups, executives and non-executes, within our company. We do not currently pay dividends on our common stock nor do we expect to in the foreseeable future.
	Advertising
We expense the cost of advertising as incurred. Historically such amounts have not been significant to our operations.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets is provided unless we conclude it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
We recognize tax benefits from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2017.

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	Inventory
	Inventory consists of finished goods, work-in-process and raw materials valued at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out basis) or market. We provide reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
	Components of inventory are as follows:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-14
	Finished goods	$	719,574	$	648,182
	Work-in-process	361,754		262,025
	Raw materials	2,339,595		2,692,765
		3,420,923		3,602,972
	Less: Inventory reserves	74,746		238,739
	Total inventory, net	$	3,346,177	$	3,364,233

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Silicon Valley Bank Facility
	We currently have a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) under which we have a term loan with an original borrowing amount of $6.0 million (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan is to be repaid by us in 48 monthly installments, plus accrued interest payable monthly in arrears, and unless earlier terminated, matures on the earlier of either May 1, 2015 or an event of a default under the loan agreement. The term loan carries a floating annual interest rate equal to SVB’s prime rate then in effect plus 2%. We may repay amounts due under the Term Loan at any time with no penalties.
	In addition to the terms and conditions of the Term Loan, we had a revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”) which had a maximum borrowing capacity of $1.0 million. The interest rate on the Line of Credit was SVB’s prime rate plus 1.25%, paid monthly in arrears, and we were required to pay an unused Line of Credit fee of one-quarter of one percent (0.25%), paid monthly. We could have terminated the Line of Credit for a termination fee of $10,000, which fee would not be paid in the event that the Line of Credit is replaced by another loan facility with SVB. The Line of Credit matured on May 18, 2014 and was not renewed.
	Amounts due under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our assets, including intellectual property, personal property and bank accounts.
	On March 21, 2013, we entered into a Fourth Loan Modification Agreement with SVB that replaced the existing financial covenants with a single covenant that we maintain a minimum cash balance of $5.0 million with SVB. Effective on January 21, 2014, in connection with our sale of assets to Intuitive, this covenant was modified to reduce the required minimum cash balance to $3.5 million. The Credit Facility also requires us to observe a number of operational covenants, including protection and registration of intellectual property rights, and certain customary negative covenants. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facility.
	In addition, the Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including nonpayment of principal, interest or other amounts, violation of covenants, material adverse change, an event of default under any subordinated debt documents, incorrectness of representations and warranties in any material respect, bankruptcy, judgments in excess of a threshold amount, and violations of other agreements in excess of a threshold amount. If any event of default occurs SVB may declare due immediately all borrowings under the Credit Facility and foreclose on the collateral. Furthermore, an event of default under the Credit Facility would result in an increase in the interest rate on any amounts outstanding. As of December 31, 2014, there were no events of default on the Credit Facility.
	The balance under the Term Loan at December 31, 2014 was $0.6 million all of which was classified as short-term. The effective rate of our Term Loan at December 31, 2014 was 6%.
	The following table presents a summary of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2014:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Silicon Valley Bank Term Loan	$	2,125,000		$	625,000
	Less: current portion	1,500,000			625,000
	Total long-term debt	$	625,000		$	—
	Maturities on long-term debt are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	625,000
	Total	$	625,000
	Costs associated with loans outstanding were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
			2013			2014
	Interest expense		$	189,151		$	87,426
	Amortization of transaction costs		18,387			8,803
	Total interest expense		$	207,538		$	96,229

Accounts_ReceivableTrade

Accounts Receivable-Trade	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable-Trade	Accounts Receivable—Trade
	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Billed	$	3,552,184		$	4,517,672
	Unbilled	1,755,439			1,249,814
	Other	235,469			56,940
		$	5,543,092		$	5,824,426
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(134,811		)	(134,811		)
		$	5,408,281		$	5,689,615
	Unbilled receivables result from contract retainages and revenues that have been earned in advance of billing and can be invoiced at contractually defined intervals, milestones, or at completion of the contract. Unbilled amounts are expected to be billed in future periods and are classified as current assets in accordance with industry practice.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment, net, consists of the following at:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Building	$	69,556		$	69,556
	Equipment	7,239,017			7,312,730
	Furniture and fixtures	562,485			562,485
	Software	1,092,484			1,092,484
	Leasehold improvements	3,168,377			4,830,055
		12,131,919			13,867,310
	Less—accumulated depreciation	(10,071,210		)	(10,370,253		)
		$	2,060,709		$	3,497,057
	Depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	The following is a summary of intangible assets, net:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Patent costs	$	2,496,560		$	2,356,820
	Accumulated amortization	(2,208,085		)	(2,157,543		)
		$	288,475		$	199,277
	Amortization for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 was approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization, based on the net value of intangible assets at December 31, 2014, for each of the next five years is as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,
	2015	91,285
	2016	53,342
	2017	29,218
	2018	15,137
	2019	2,210
		$	191,192

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li

Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities
			December 31,
			2013	2014
		Accrued compensation	2,205,612	2,362,608
		Accrued sub-contracts	297,510	244,218
		Accrued professional fees	279,991	177,712
		Accrued income tax	13,143	166,550
		Deferred rent	102,569	1,752,717
		Royalties	291,442	392,945
		Warranty reserve	56,700	69,264
		Claims reserve	92,167	—
		Accrued liabilities - other	207,451	370,308
	Total Accrued Liabilities		3,546,585	5,536,322

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The benefit from income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following for the periods indicated:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013				2014
	Current:
	Federal		$	(2,387,422	)		$	(1,146,447	)
	State		—				9,219
	Deferred Federal		—				—
	Deferred State		—				—
	Income tax benefit		$	(2,387,422	)		$	(1,137,228	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components:
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2014
		Current				Long-Term				Current			Long-Term
	Bad debt and inventory reserve	$	88,077			$	—			$	150,330		$	—
	Deferred revenue	—				59,673				—			126,096
	Depreciation and amortization	—				1,024,746				—			309,600
	Net operating loss carryforwards	—				10,897,715				—			8,030,396
	Research and development credits	—				386,161				—			386,161
	Accrued liabilities	836,049				—				1,584,633			—
	Deferred compensation	—				163,655				—			199,717
	Stock-based compensation	—				1,519,513				—			1,695,868
	AMT credit	—				42,636				—			207,648
	Total	924,126				14,094,099				1,734,963			10,955,486
	Valuation allowance	(924,126		)		(14,094,099		)		(1,734,963		)	(10,955,486		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
	The benefit from income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s loss from continuing operations before income taxes as follows for the periods indicated:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013			2014
	Income tax expense at federal statutory rate		34	%		34	%
	State taxes, net of federal tax effects		3.96	%		3.75	%
	Change in valuation allowance		(3.78	)%		(8.02	)%
	Incentive stock options		(4.12	)%		(3.33	)%
	Provision to return adjustments		2.43	%		(0.34	)%
	Meals and entertainment		(0.13	)%		(0.27	)%
	Other Permanent differences		(2.12	)%		(0.46	)%
	Income tax benefit		30.24	%		25.33	%
	The realization of our deferred income tax assets is dependent upon sufficient taxable income in future periods. In assessing whether deferred tax assets may be realized, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will be realized. We consider scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies that we can implement in making our assessment. We have net operating loss carryforwards at December 31, 2014 of approximately $21.2 million expiring at varying dates through 2025. We have research and development tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2014 of approximately $0.4 million, which expire at varying dates through 2024.
	We have undertaken a formal section 382 study and determined that we do not have a limitation on our net operating loss available to offset future income.
	The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the year 2006 and onward. We currently have no federal income tax returns under examination. U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitation generally ranging from three to seven years. We currently have no state income or franchise tax returns under examination. We currently do not file tax returns in any foreign tax jurisdiction.
	We currently have no positions for which we expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will increase or decrease significantly within twelve months of the reporting date or for which we believe there is significant risk of disallowance upon audit. We have no tax interest or penalties reported in either our statement of operations or statement of financial position for any year reported herein. Management believes it is not more likely than not that the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2014 will not be realized, and as a result a valuation allowance was established against all such deferred tax assets.
	Windfall equity-based compensation deductions are tracked, but will not be recorded to the balance sheet until management determines it is more likely than not that such amounts will be utilized. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $331,007 of windfall stock compensation deductions. If and when realized, the tax benefit associated with these deductions will be credited to additional paid-in capital. These excess benefit deductions are included in the total federal net operating losses disclosed above.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
	In January 2010, we entered into a transaction with Carilion, in which Carilion agreed to exchange all of its Senior Convertible Promissory Notes with an original principal amount of $5.0 million plus all accrued but unpaid interest, totaling $1.2 million, for 1,321,514 shares of our newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is non-voting, carries a dividend of 6% payable in shares of common stock and maintains a liquidation preference up to $6.2 million. As of December 31, 2014, 393,277 shares of common stock were issuable to Carilion as dividends and have been recorded in the statement of stockholders’ equity. These dividends are issuable on demand. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted into one share of our common stock at the option of the holder. We recorded the fair value of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, determined based upon the conversion value immediately prior to the exchange, the fair value of the new warrant issued to Carilion, determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model, and the incremental fair value of the prior warrant due to the re-pricing and extension of maturity to stockholders’ equity.
	Stock Option Plans
	In April 2003, we adopted the Luna Innovations Incorporated 2003 Stock Plan, or the 2003 Plan. Under the 2003 Plan, our Board of Directors was authorized to grant both incentive and non-statutory stock options to our employees, directors and consultants to purchase shares of Common Stock. Options generally had a life of 10 years and exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors. On February 4, 2006, our Board of Directors increased the number of shares reserved under the 2003 Plan to 9,715,000. There were options outstanding under the 2003 Plan to purchase an aggregate of 541,394 shares as of December 31, 2014. Following the adoption of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan in January 2006, no shares or options are available for future grant under the 2003 Plan, except to satisfy grants outstanding as of June 5, 2006.
	In January 2006, we adopted our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan or the 2006 Plan. Under the 2006 Plan, our Board of Directors is authorized to grant both incentive and non-statutory stock options to purchase common stock and restricted stock awards to our employees, directors, and consultants. Stock option awards generally have a life of 10 years and exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of the option grant. On January 1 of each year, the number of shares available for issuance increases by the lesser of (a) 10% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on the last day of the preceding fiscal year; (b) 1,695,690 shares; or (c) such other amount as our Board of Directors may determine. A total of 10,468,175 and 13,999,918 shares were available for future grant under the 2006 Plan as of December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	Vesting for employees typically occurs over a five-year period.
	The following table sets forth the activity of the options to purchase common stock under the 2003 Plan and the 2006 Plan. The prices represent the closing price of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on the respective dates.
		Options Outstanding													Options Exercisable
		Number of			Price per		Weighted				Aggregate				Number of			Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Share Range		Average				Intrinsic				Shares			Average		Intrinsic
							Exercise				Value (1)							Exercise		Value (1)
							Price											Price
	Balance at January 1, 2013	5,422,130			$0.35–6.74		$	2.19			$	639,904			3,775,388			$	2.37	$	604,292
	Forfeited	(693,644	)		0.35–6.74		2.08
	Exercised	(137,097	)		0.35–1.18		0.56
	Granted	687,840			1.20–1.31		1.29
	Balance at December 31, 2013	5,279,229			$0.35 - 6.55		$	2.11			$	784,154			4,012,378			$	2.28	$	697,826
	Forfeited	(1,660,354	)		$0.35 - 6.55		2.22
	Exercised	(321,696	)		$0.35 - 1.27		0.73
	Granted	992,452			$1.37 - 1.53		1.43
	Balance at December 31, 2014	4,289,631			$0.35 - 6.55		$	1.93			$	512,901			3,111,199			$	2.11	$	453,032
	-1	The intrinsic value of an option represents the amount by which the market value of the stock exceeds the exercise price of the option of in-the-money options only.
				Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
		Range of		Options			Weighted		Weighted				Options			Weighted
		Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Average		Average				Exercisable			Average
							Remaining		Exercise							Exercise
							Life in		Price							Price of
							Years									Options
																Exercisable
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$0.35 - 6.55		5,279,229			5.88		$	2.11			4,012,378			$	2.28
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$0.35 - 6.55		4,289,631			6.03		$	1.93			3,111,199			$	2.11
		Total intrinsic value of				Total fair value of
		options exercised				options vested
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	111,595			$	1,248,067
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	260,803			$	821,392
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, the weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $0.87 and $1.23, respectively. We estimate the fair value of options at the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton model.
	Restricted Stock Issuances
	In 2013 and 2014, we issued 337,500 and 303,000, respectively, shares of restricted stock to certain employees.  These shares vest in three equal annual installments on the first three anniversary dates of their grant.  Accordingly, zero and 101,000 shares vested in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The following table summarizes our restricted stock awards:
		Number of Vested Shares		Number of Unvested Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Value of Vested Shares			Aggregate Value of Unvested Shares
	Balance at January 1, 2013	23,765		15,123		$	1.8		$	42,777		$	27,222
	Granted	—		337,500		$	1.26		—			425,250
	Vested	12,963		(12,963	)	$	1.8		23,333			(23,333		)
	Exercised	—		—		$	—		—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	36,728		339,660		$	1.32		66,110			429,139
	Granted	—		303,000		$	1.4		—			424,200
	Vested	114,660		(114,660	)	$	1.27		145,639			(145,639		)
	Exercised	(22,725	)	—		$	1.26		(28,634		)	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	128,663		528,000		$	1.36		$	183,115		$	707,700
	We recognized $1.2 million and $0.9 million in stock-based compensation expense, which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and we will recognize $1.5 million over the remaining requisite service period. For all options granted through December 31, 2014, the weighted average remaining service period is 1.5 years.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Obligation under Operating Leases
	We lease facilities in Blacksburg, Charlottesville and Roanoke, Virginia under operating leases that as of December 31, 2014, were scheduled to expire between March 2015 and December 2020. Certain of the leases are subject to fixed escalations and provide for possible termination prior to their expiration dates. We recognize rent expense on such leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rent expense under these leases recorded in selling, general and administrative expense on our statement of operations totaled approximately $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014. During 2014, we subleased a portion of the office space formerly occupied by Secure Computing and Communications group (“SCC”) to Mac-B. The amount of the sublease income recognized in 2014 was approximately $108,000. The sublease expired on April 30, 2014.
	We are obligated under operating leases covering certain equipment that expire at various dates during the next two years.
	Minimum future payments, as of December 31, 2014, under the aforementioned operating leases for each of the next five years are:
	2015	995,312
	2016	829,005
	2017	837,053
	2018	845,294
	2019	535,720
	Thereafter	480,163
		$	4,522,547
	Purchase Commitment
	In the fourth quarter of 2013 we executed two non-cancelable purchase orders totaling $1.4 million for multiple shipments of tunable lasers to be delivered over an 18-month period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013. At December 31, 2014, approximately $0.5 million of this commitment remained.
	Royalty Agreement
	We have licensed certain third-party technologies from vendors for which we owe minimum royalties aggregating $1.5 million payable over the remaining patent terms of the underlying technology.

Employee_Profit_Sharing_Plan

Employee Profit Sharing Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Profit Sharing Plan	Employee Profit Sharing Plan
	We maintain a salary reduction/profit-sharing plan under provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan is offered to employees who have completed three months of service with us. We contribute 25% of the salary deferral elected by each employee up to a maximum deferral of 10% of annual salary.
	We contributed approximately $175,000 and $150,000 to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Litigation_and_Other_Contingen

Litigation and Other Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation and Other Contingencies	Litigation and Other Contingencies
	From time to time, we may become involved in litigation in relation to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. While management currently believes it is not reasonably possible the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, the ultimate outcome of any litigation is uncertain.
	After our announcement of the merger with API (see Note 17), three separate putative class action complaints were filed in Michigan and Delaware, alleging claims of breach of fiduciary duty against the API board of directors and naming Luna as a defendant for aiding and abetting the alleged breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously in these actions. The possible range of monetary loss that might occur in the future in this matter, if any, is unknown at this time.
	In September 2014, we received a preliminary audit report from the Defense Contract Audit Agency ("DCAA"), with respect to our 2007 incurred cost submission and questioning $0.8 million of claimed costs that the DCAA believes are expressly unallowable under the Federal Acquisition Regulations and, therefore, subject to potential penalty. We have not been informed of any actual claim for penalty by the Defense Contract management Agency and intend to contest such claim if received.
	We have made, and will continue to make, efforts to comply with current and future environmental laws. We anticipate that we could incur additional capital and operating costs in the future to comply with existing environmental laws and new requirements arising from new or amended statutes and regulations. In addition, because the applicable regulatory agencies have not yet promulgated final standards for some existing environmental programs, we cannot at this time reasonably estimate the cost for compliance with these additional requirements. The amount of any such compliance costs could be material. We cannot predict the impact that future regulations will impose upon our business.

Relationship_with_Major_Custom

Relationship with Major Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Relationship with Major Customers	Relationship with Major Customers
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, approximately 65% and 57%, respectively, of our consolidated revenues were attributable to contracts with the U.S. government.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2014, receivables with respect to contracts with the U.S. government represented 25% and 29% of total billed trade receivables, respectively.

Financial_Information_About_Se

Financial Information About Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information About Segments	Financial Information About Segments
	Our operations are divided into two operating segments: Technology Development and Products and Licensing. Our engineers and scientists collaborate with our network of government, academic and industry experts to identify technologies and ideas with promising market potential. We then compete to win fee-for-service contracts from government agencies and industrial customers who seek innovative solutions to practical problems that require new technology. The Technology Development segment derives its revenue primarily from services. The Technology Development segment provides applied research to customers in our areas of focus.
	The Products and Licensing segment develops and sells products or licenses technologies based on commercially viable concepts developed by the Technology Development segment. The Products and Licensing segment derives its revenue from product sales, funded product development and technology licenses.
	Our President and Chief Executive Officer and his direct reports collectively represent our chief operating decision makers, and they evaluate segment performance based primarily on revenue and operating income or loss.
	Information about the results of operations for each segment is set forth in the table below. There were no significant inter-segment sales during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, 27% and 18%, respectively, of our total sales took place outside the United States.
		Years ended December 31,
			2013				2014
	Technology Development revenue		$	11,421,868			$	12,205,889
	Products and Licensing revenue		6,911,707				9,054,101
	Total revenue		18,333,575				21,259,990
	Technology Development operating loss		(3,169,605		)		(1,964,216		)
	Products and Licensing operating income (loss)		(4,865,741		)		(2,540,885		)
	Total operating loss		(8,035,346		)		$	(4,505,101	)
	Depreciation, Technology Development		$	499,439			$	317,925
	Depreciation, Products and Licensing		266,327				235,831
	Amortization, Technology Development		212,790				219,156
	Amortization, Products and Licensing		113,471				162,565
	Additional segment information is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2014
	Total segment assets:
	Technology Development	$	12,275,693			$	15,836,918
	Products and Licensing	7,428,382				11,747,530
	Total	$	19,704,075			$	27,584,448
	Property plant and equipment and intangible assets, Technology Development	$	1,463,548			$	2,122,157
	Property plant and equipment and intangible assets, Products and Licensing	$	885,636			$	1,574,177

Quarterly_Results_unaudited

Quarterly Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (unaudited)	Quarterly Results (unaudited)
	The following table sets forth our unaudited historical revenues, operating loss and net (loss) income by quarter during 2013 and 2014.
		Quarter Ended
	(Dollars in thousands,	March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	except per share amounts)	2013			2013			2013			2013			2014			2014			2014			2014
	Revenues:
	Technology	$	2,627		$	2,807		$	3,130		$	2,858		$	2,675		$	3,219		$	3,067		$	3,245
	Products and licensing	1,478			2,024			1,569			1,841			1,796			2,009			2,304			2,945
	Total revenues	4,105			4,831			4,699			4,699			4,471			5,228			5,371			6,190
	Gross margin	1,135			1,777			1,677			1,460			1,552			1,988			2,083			2,214
	Operating loss	(2,241		)	(1,739		)	(1,302		)	(2,753		)	(1,952		)	(963		)	(720		)	(870		)
	Loss from continuing operations	(1,319		)	(1,035		)	(775		)	(2,379		)	(1,133		)	(585		)	(467		)	(1,932		)
	Income/(loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes	4,105			83			161			356			9,673			(331		)	(278		)	(329		)
	Net loss	2,786			(952		)	(614		)	(2,023		)	8,540			(916		)	(745		)	(884		)
	Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders	$	2,762		$	(978	)	$	(640	)	$	(2,049	)	$	8,511		$	(943	)	$	(771	)	$	(914	)
	Net loss per share from continuing operations:
	Basic and diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.13	)
	Net income/(loss) per share from discontinued operations:
	Basic and diluted	$	0.29		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.02		$	0.66		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic and diluted	$	0.2		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.14	)	$	0.58		$	(0.06	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic and diluted	14,011,814			14,362,494			14,441,707			14,488,060			14,653,262			14,817,084			15,016,429			15,056,007

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	On March 1, 2013, we completed the sale of our SCC which was part of our Technology Development segment, to an unaffiliated third party for a gross sales price of $6.1 million in cash. Prior to the sale, SCC provided innovative solutions designed to secure critical technologies within the U.S. government. SCC conducted applied research and provided services to the government in this area, with its revenues primarily derived from U.S. government contracts and purchase orders. Of the purchase price, we received approximately $5.4 million at closing and $110,000 on December 31, 2013. During December 2013, an additional $475,000 in purchase price was released to us from escrow and another $125,000 is in escrow and may be released 18 months after the closing of the transaction, subject to any indemnification claims of the acquirer. In connection with the sale, we incurred approximately $0.9 million in transaction costs that included various charges related to investment banker and legal fees. In addition, the acquirer has entered into a sublease with us for the facilities historically occupied by SCC through April 30, 2014 for a total of $0.4 million. In the transaction, we sold the equipment, contracts and intellectual property associated with SCC. Approximately 20 employees of SCC transferred to the acquirer. Included in the transaction were current assets of approximately $0.2 million and long term assets with a net book value of approximately $0.1 million, at February 28, 2013. We recorded an aggregate after-tax gain on the sale of SCC of $9.3 million or $0.63 per diluted share in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Following the sale of SCC, we have continued to act on behalf of the purchaser and bill the government for certain contracts that have not yet been transferred by the government to the purchaser. We record these amounts as revenues, with an offsetting amount as cost of revenues, within (loss)/income from discontinued operations. During the year ended December 31, 2013, this amount was $1.7 million. We expect to continue recording such revenues and costs until all of these contracts are transferred to the purchaser by the government.
	On January 21, 2014, we sold our assets associated with the development of fiber optic shape sensing and localization for the medical field to affiliates of Intuitive Surgical, Inc.("Intuitive"), for total cash consideration of up to $30 million, including $6 million received at closing, and $6 million to be received within 90 days of closing, and up to $18 million that may be received in the future based on the achievement of certain technical milestones and royalties on system sales, if any. In the transaction, we sold equipment and intellectual property associated with our shape sensing technology. Ten employees were transferred to Intuitive. Included in the transaction were current assets of totaling approximately $0.2 million and long term assets with a net book value of approximately $0.2 million, at December 31, 2013. Our fiber optic shape sensing and localization for the medical field accounted for approximately 12% of our revenues, and 9% of our cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	We have reported the results of operations of SCC and our medical shape sensing business as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements. We allocated a portion of the consolidated tax expense to discontinued operations based on the ratio of the discontinued groups’ income or loss before allocations.
	The key components of income/(loss) from discontinued operations were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
			2013		2014
	Net revenues		$	5,909,375	$	—
	Cost of revenues		3,486,200		46,204
	Operating expenses		229,745		—
	Income/(loss) before income taxes		2,193,430		(46,204		)
	Allocated tax expense/(benefit)		879,819		(11,713		)
	Operating income/(loss) from discontinued operations		1,313,611		(34,491		)
	Gain on sale, net of $1.5 million and $1.3 million of related income taxes		3,391,639		9,381,948
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		$	4,705,250	$	9,347,457

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On January 30, 2015, we entered into an agreement to merge with Advanced Photonix, Inc. (“API”), subject to approval by the stockholders of both companies and customary closing conditions. The merger agreement may be terminated by either us or API in certain circumstances, including if the merger has not been consummated on or before August 31, 2015, if the approval of the stockholders of either Luna or API is not obtained, and for breaches of certain representations and warranties. If the merger agreement is terminated in certain specified circumstances, API must pay us, or we must pay API, as applicable, a termination fee of $750,000. In addition, if the merger agreement is terminated following a meeting of the stockholders of Luna or API at which the adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the transactions contemplated thereby, or the approval of the issuance of shares of Luna Innovations common stock as consideration in the merger is considered but not approved, then we or API, as applicable, will be required to pay an amount up to $250,000 in reimbursement of the other party’s out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the transaction. Upon the completion of the merger, stockholders of API will receive 0.31782 share of Luna Innovations common stock for each outstanding share of API common stock, resulting in the current stockholders of Luna owning approximately 56% of the outstanding common stock of the combined entity.
	API is a leading test and measurement company that packages optoelectronic semiconductors into high-speed optical receivers ("HSOR products"), custom optoelectronic subsystems ("Optosolutions products") and Terahertz ("THz products") instrumentation, serving the test and measurement, telecommunications, military/aerospace and medical markets.
	On January 20, 2015 we amended the leases for our Blacksburg and Roanoke facilities.  The amendment to our Blacksburg lease increased by approximately $1.1 million the value of leasehold improvements to be provided by the landlord and extended the term of the lease for an additional four years.  The amendment to the Roanoke lease with Carilion Clinic properties, LLC provides for early termination of the lease with 30 days' notice, without penalty, and that in any event the lease would terminate no later than on April 30, 2015. On March 12, 2015, we provided notice to Carilion Clinic Properties, LLC of our election to terminate the Roanoke lease effective April 15, 2015.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II
	Luna Innovations Incorporated
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D			Column E		Column F
		Balance		Charged		Deductions			Valuation		Balance at
		at beginning		to costs					against		end
		of Period		and					asset		of period
				expenses
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
	Inventory obsolescence	$	86,186	$	—	$	(11,435	)	$	—	$	74,751
	Allowances for doubtful Accounts	$	—	$	134,811	$	—		$	—	$	134,811
		$	86,186	$	134,811	$	(11,435	)	$	—	$	209,562
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Reserves deducted from assets to which they apply:
	Inventory obsolescence	$	74,751	$	166,773	$	(2,775	)	$	—	$	238,749
	Allowances for doubtful Accounts	$	134,811	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	134,811
		$	209,562	$	166,773	$	(2,775	)	$	—	$	373,560
	All other schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	-3	Exhibits. The exhibits filed as part of this report are listed under “Exhibits” at subsection (b) of this Item 15.
	(b)	Exhibits

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si1

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Luna Innovations Incorporated (“we” or the "Company”), headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1990 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware in April 2003.
	We develop, manufacture and market fiber optic sensing and test & measurement products focused on bringing new and innovative technology solutions to measure, monitor, protect and improve critical processes in the aerospace, automotive, energy, composite, telecommunications and defense industries. Our business model is designed to accelerate the process of bringing new and innovative products to market. We use our in-house technical expertise to perform applied research services on government-funded projects across a range of technologies and also for corporate customers in the fiber optic sensing area. We are organized into two business segments: our Technology Development segment and our Products and Licensing segment. Our Technology Development segment performs applied research principally on government-funded projects. Most of the government funding in our Technology Development segment is derived from the U.S. Government’s Small Business Innovation Research ("SBIR") program coordinated by the U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA"). Our Products and Licensing segment focuses on fiber optic test and measurement, sensing, and instrumentation products and also conducts applied research in the fiber optic sensing area to corporate and government customers. The Products and Licensing segment focuses on fiber optic test and measurement, sensing and instrumentation products.
	We have a history of net losses and negative cash flow from operations. We have historically managed our liquidity through cost reduction initiatives, debt financings, capital markets transactions and the sale of assets.
	Although there can be no guarantees, we believe that our current cash and cash equivalents balance, provides adequate liquidity for us to meet our working capital needs through 2015.
Consolidation Policy	Consolidation Policy
	Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
	Although these estimates are based on our knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from such estimates and assumptions.
Technology Development Revenues	Technology Development Revenues
	We perform research and development for U.S. government agencies, educational institutions and commercial organizations. We recognize revenues under research contracts when a contract has been executed, the contract price is fixed and determinable, delivery of services or products has occurred and collection of the contract price is considered reasonably assured. Revenue is earned under cost reimbursable, time and materials and fixed price contracts. Direct contract costs are expensed as incurred.
	Under cost reimbursable contracts, we are reimbursed for costs that are determined to be reasonable, allowable and allocable to the contract and are paid a fixed fee representing the profit negotiated between us and the contracting agency. Revenue from cost reimbursable contracts is recognized as costs are incurred plus a portion of the fee earned. Revenue from time and materials contracts is recognized based on direct labor hours expended at contract billing rates plus other billable direct costs.
	Revenue from fixed price research contracts that involve the delivery of services and a prototype model is recognized under the percentage of completion method. Fixed price arrangements that involve the delivery of research reports are recognized under the proportional performance method based upon the ratio of costs incurred to achieve contract milestones to total estimated cost as this method more accurately measures performance under these arrangements. Losses on contracts, if any, are recognized in the period in which they become known and estimable.
Intellectual Property License Revenues	Intellectual Property License Revenues
	Amounts received from third parties for licenses to our intellectual property are recognized when earned under the terms of the agreements. Revenues are recognized upon transfer of the license unless we have continuing obligations for which fair value cannot be established, in which case the revenues are recognized over the period of the obligation. If there are extended payment terms, license fee revenues are recognized as these payments become due and collection is reasonably assured. We consider all arrangements with payment terms extending beyond 12 months not to be fixed and determinable.
	Certain of our license arrangements have also required us to enter into research and development agreements. Accordingly, we allocate our arrangement fees to the various elements based upon objective reliable evidence of fair value, if available. For those arrangements in which evidence of fair value is not available, we defer revenues from any up-front payments and recognize them over the service period in the arrangement. Certain of these arrangements also include the payment of performance bonuses based upon the achievement of specific milestones. Generally, there are no assurances at the onset of these arrangements that the milestones will be achieved. As such, fees related to such milestones are excluded from the initial allocation of the arrangement fee and are recognized upon achievement of the milestone provided that all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
Product Sales Revenues	Product Sales Revenues
	Revenues from product sales are generated by the sale of commercial products and services under various sales programs to the end user and through distribution channels. We sell fiber optic sensing systems to end users for use in numerous fiber optic based measurement applications. Revenues are recorded net of applicable sales taxes collected from customers and payable to state or local governmental entities.
	We recognize revenue relating to our products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
	For multi-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the tangible product’s functionality, we allocate revenue to all deliverables based on their relative selling prices. Other deliverables include extended warranty, training and various add-on products. In such circumstances, we use a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating revenue to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value ("VSOE"), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price ("TPE"), and (iii) best estimate of the selling price ("ESP"). VSOE generally exists only when we sell the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by us for that deliverable. Due to the uniqueness of our products comparable third party evidence is generally not available. ESPs reflect our best estimates of what the selling prices of elements would be if they were sold regularly on a stand-alone basis.
	Our process for determining our ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. Key factors considered in developing the ESPs include prices charged by us for similar offerings, our historical pricing practices, the nature of the deliverables, and the relative ESP of all of the deliverables as compared to the total selling price of the product. We may also consider, when appropriate, the impact of other products and services on selling price assumptions when developing and reviewing our ESPs.
	Revenues from product sales that require no ongoing obligations are recognized as revenues when shipped to the customer, title has passed and collection is reasonably assured. In transactions in which a right-of-return exists, revenues are deferred until acceptance has occurred and the period for the right-of-return has expired.
Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables	Allowance for Uncollectible Receivables
	Accounts receivable are recorded at their face amount, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We review the status of our uncollected receivables on a regular basis. In determining the need for an allowance for uncollectible receivables, we consider our customers’ financial stability, past payment history and other factors that bear on the ultimate collection of such amounts.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. To date, we have not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents. The Company’s cash transactions are processed through reputable commercial banks. To date, the Company has not incurred losses related to cash and cash equivalents. The Company regularly maintains cash balances with financial institutions which exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants. Valuation techniques are based on observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	•	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant value drivers are observable.
	•	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Equipment	3 – 7 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Software	3 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or life of improvements
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of patents related to certain intellectual property that we have developed or acquired. We amortize our patents over their estimated useful life of five years, and analyze them whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable to determine whether their carrying value has been impaired.
Research, Development and Engineering	Research, Development and Engineering
	Research, development and engineering expenses not related to contract performance are expensed as incurred.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale are reflected at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Inventory	Inventory
	Inventory consists of finished goods, work in process and raw materials valued at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out basis) or market. We provide reserves for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the carrying value of the inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Net (Loss)/Income per Share	Net (Loss)/Income per Share
	Basic per share data is computed by dividing net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share data is computed by dividing net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period increased to include, if dilutive, the number of additional common share equivalents that would have been outstanding if potential common shares had been issued using the treasury stock method. Diluted per share data would also include the potential common share equivalents relating to convertible securities by application of the if-converted method.
	The effect of 2.3 million common stock equivalents (which include outstanding warrants, preferred stock and stock options) are not included for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, as they are antidilutive to earnings per share due to the Company having a net loss from continuing operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	We have a stock-based compensation plan, which is described further in Note 9. We recognize compensation expense based upon the fair value of the underlying equity award as of the date of grant. The Company has elected to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value any awards granted. We recognize stock-based compensation for such awards on a straight-line method over the requisite service period of the awards taking into account the effects of the employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.
	The Company recognizes expense for equity instruments issued to non-employees based upon the fair value of the equity instruments issued.
	The fair value of each option granted is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013	2014
	Risk-free interest rate range		1.27% – 2.34%	2.02% – 2.27%
	Expected life of option-years		7.5	7.5
	Expected stock price volatility		108%	106%
	Executive turnover rates		—%	—%
	Non-executive turnover rates		14.70%	33.60%
	Expected dividend yield		—%	—%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates, the terms of which are consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Expected volatility is based upon the average historical volatility of our common stock over the period commensurate with the expected term of the related instrument. The expected life and estimated post-employment termination behavior is based upon historical experience of homogeneous groups, executives and non-executes, within our company. We do not currently pay dividends on our common stock nor do we expect to in the foreseeable future.
Advertising	Advertising
	We expense the cost of advertising as incurred. Historically such amounts have not been significant to our operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which will be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets is provided unless we conclude it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
	We recognize tax benefits from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities.

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We record depreciation using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Equipment	3 – 7 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Software	3 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or life of improvements
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Option Granted	The fair value of each option granted is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013	2014
	Risk-free interest rate range		1.27% – 2.34%	2.02% – 2.27%
	Expected life of option-years		7.5	7.5
	Expected stock price volatility		108%	106%
	Executive turnover rates		—%	—%
	Non-executive turnover rates		14.70%	33.60%
	Expected dividend yield		—%	—%

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Components of inventory are as follows:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-14
	Finished goods	$	719,574	$	648,182
	Work-in-process	361,754		262,025
	Raw materials	2,339,595		2,692,765
		3,420,923		3,602,972
	Less: Inventory reserves	74,746		238,739
	Total inventory, net	$	3,346,177	$	3,364,233

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Debt Outstanding	The following table presents a summary of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2014:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Silicon Valley Bank Term Loan	$	2,125,000		$	625,000
	Less: current portion	1,500,000			625,000
	Total long-term debt	$	625,000		$	—
Maturities On Long-term Debt	Maturities on long-term debt are as follows:
	Year	Amount
	2015	625,000
	Total	$	625,000
Costs Associated with Loans Outstanding	Costs associated with loans outstanding were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
			2013			2014
	Interest expense		$	189,151		$	87,426
	Amortization of transaction costs		18,387			8,803
	Total interest expense		$	207,538		$	96,229

Accounts_ReceivableTrade_Table

Accounts Receivable-Trade (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Components of Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Billed	$	3,552,184		$	4,517,672
	Unbilled	1,755,439			1,249,814
	Other	235,469			56,940
		$	5,543,092		$	5,824,426
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(134,811		)	(134,811		)
		$	5,408,281		$	5,689,615

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property Plant and Equipment Net	Property and equipment, net, consists of the following at:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Building	$	69,556		$	69,556
	Equipment	7,239,017			7,312,730
	Furniture and fixtures	562,485			562,485
	Software	1,092,484			1,092,484
	Leasehold improvements	3,168,377			4,830,055
		12,131,919			13,867,310
	Less—accumulated depreciation	(10,071,210		)	(10,370,253		)
		$	2,060,709		$	3,497,057

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Intangible Assets	The following is a summary of intangible assets, net:
		December 31,
		2013			2014
	Patent costs	$	2,496,560		$	2,356,820
	Accumulated amortization	(2,208,085		)	(2,157,543		)
		$	288,475		$	199,277
Estimated Aggregate Amortization Based On Net Value Of Intangible Assets	Estimated aggregate amortization, based on the net value of intangible assets at December 31, 2014, for each of the next five years is as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,
	2015	91,285
	2016	53,342
	2017	29,218
	2018	15,137
	2019	2,210
		$	191,192

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li1

Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities
			December 31,
			2013	2014
		Accrued compensation	2,205,612	2,362,608
		Accrued sub-contracts	297,510	244,218
		Accrued professional fees	279,991	177,712
		Accrued income tax	13,143	166,550
		Deferred rent	102,569	1,752,717
		Royalties	291,442	392,945
		Warranty reserve	56,700	69,264
		Claims reserve	92,167	—
		Accrued liabilities - other	207,451	370,308
	Total Accrued Liabilities		3,546,585	5,536,322

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	The benefit from income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following for the periods indicated:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013				2014
	Current:
	Federal		$	(2,387,422	)		$	(1,146,447	)
	State		—				9,219
	Deferred Federal		—				—
	Deferred State		—				—
	Income tax benefit		$	(2,387,422	)		$	(1,137,228	)
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components:
		December 31, 2013								December 31, 2014
		Current				Long-Term				Current			Long-Term
	Bad debt and inventory reserve	$	88,077			$	—			$	150,330		$	—
	Deferred revenue	—				59,673				—			126,096
	Depreciation and amortization	—				1,024,746				—			309,600
	Net operating loss carryforwards	—				10,897,715				—			8,030,396
	Research and development credits	—				386,161				—			386,161
	Accrued liabilities	836,049				—				1,584,633			—
	Deferred compensation	—				163,655				—			199,717
	Stock-based compensation	—				1,519,513				—			1,695,868
	AMT credit	—				42,636				—			207,648
	Total	924,126				14,094,099				1,734,963			10,955,486
	Valuation allowance	(924,126		)		(14,094,099		)		(1,734,963		)	(10,955,486		)
	Net deferred tax asset	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of Expected Income Tax Benefit (Expense) to Actual Income Tax Expense Benefit (Expense)	The benefit from income taxes from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s loss from continuing operations before income taxes as follows for the periods indicated:
			Years ended December 31,
			2013			2014
	Income tax expense at federal statutory rate		34	%		34	%
	State taxes, net of federal tax effects		3.96	%		3.75	%
	Change in valuation allowance		(3.78	)%		(8.02	)%
	Incentive stock options		(4.12	)%		(3.33	)%
	Provision to return adjustments		2.43	%		(0.34	)%
	Meals and entertainment		(0.13	)%		(0.27	)%
	Other Permanent differences		(2.12	)%		(0.46	)%
	Income tax benefit		30.24	%		25.33	%

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Activity of Restricted Stock	The following table summarizes our restricted stock awards:
		Number of Vested Shares		Number of Unvested Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			Aggregate Value of Vested Shares			Aggregate Value of Unvested Shares
	Balance at January 1, 2013	23,765		15,123		$	1.8		$	42,777		$	27,222
	Granted	—		337,500		$	1.26		—			425,250
	Vested	12,963		(12,963	)	$	1.8		23,333			(23,333		)
	Exercised	—		—		$	—		—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	36,728		339,660		$	1.32		66,110			429,139
	Granted	—		303,000		$	1.4		—			424,200
	Vested	114,660		(114,660	)	$	1.27		145,639			(145,639		)
	Exercised	(22,725	)	—		$	1.26		(28,634		)	—
	Balance at December 31, 2014	128,663		528,000		$	1.36		$	183,115		$	707,700
Activity of Stock Options	The following table sets forth the activity of the options to purchase common stock under the 2003 Plan and the 2006 Plan. The prices represent the closing price of our Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on the respective dates.
		Options Outstanding													Options Exercisable
		Number of			Price per		Weighted				Aggregate				Number of			Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Share Range		Average				Intrinsic				Shares			Average		Intrinsic
							Exercise				Value (1)							Exercise		Value (1)
							Price											Price
	Balance at January 1, 2013	5,422,130			$0.35–6.74		$	2.19			$	639,904			3,775,388			$	2.37	$	604,292
	Forfeited	(693,644	)		0.35–6.74		2.08
	Exercised	(137,097	)		0.35–1.18		0.56
	Granted	687,840			1.20–1.31		1.29
	Balance at December 31, 2013	5,279,229			$0.35 - 6.55		$	2.11			$	784,154			4,012,378			$	2.28	$	697,826
	Forfeited	(1,660,354	)		$0.35 - 6.55		2.22
	Exercised	(321,696	)		$0.35 - 1.27		0.73
	Granted	992,452			$1.37 - 1.53		1.43
	Balance at December 31, 2014	4,289,631			$0.35 - 6.55		$	1.93			$	512,901			3,111,199			$	2.11	$	453,032
	-1	The intrinsic value of an option represents the amount by which the market value of the stock exceeds the exercise price of the option of in-the-money options only.
Activity of Stock Option by Exercise Price Range
				Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
		Range of		Options			Weighted		Weighted				Options			Weighted
		Exercise Prices		Outstanding			Average		Average				Exercisable			Average
							Remaining		Exercise							Exercise
							Life in		Price							Price of
							Years									Options
																Exercisable
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$0.35 - 6.55		5,279,229			5.88		$	2.11			4,012,378			$	2.28
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$0.35 - 6.55		4,289,631			6.03		$	1.93			3,111,199			$	2.11
		Total intrinsic value of				Total fair value of
		options exercised				options vested
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	111,595			$	1,248,067
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	260,803			$	821,392

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Minimum future payments, as of December 31, 2014, under the aforementioned operating leases for each of the next five years are:
	2015	995,312
	2016	829,005
	2017	837,053
	2018	845,294
	2019	535,720
	Thereafter	480,163
		$	4,522,547

Financial_Information_About_Se1

Financial Information About Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information About Results of Operations for Each Segment	Information about the results of operations for each segment is set forth in the table below. There were no significant inter-segment sales during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, 27% and 18%, respectively, of our total sales took place outside the United States.
		Years ended December 31,
			2013				2014
	Technology Development revenue		$	11,421,868			$	12,205,889
	Products and Licensing revenue		6,911,707				9,054,101
	Total revenue		18,333,575				21,259,990
	Technology Development operating loss		(3,169,605		)		(1,964,216		)
	Products and Licensing operating income (loss)		(4,865,741		)		(2,540,885		)
	Total operating loss		(8,035,346		)		$	(4,505,101	)
	Depreciation, Technology Development		$	499,439			$	317,925
	Depreciation, Products and Licensing		266,327				235,831
	Amortization, Technology Development		212,790				219,156
	Amortization, Products and Licensing		113,471				162,565
Segment Information	Additional segment information is as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2014
	Total segment assets:
	Technology Development	$	12,275,693			$	15,836,918
	Products and Licensing	7,428,382				11,747,530
	Total	$	19,704,075			$	27,584,448
	Property plant and equipment and intangible assets, Technology Development	$	1,463,548			$	2,122,157
	Property plant and equipment and intangible assets, Products and Licensing	$	885,636			$	1,574,177

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following table sets forth our unaudited historical revenues, operating loss and net (loss) income by quarter during 2013 and 2014.
		Quarter Ended
	(Dollars in thousands,	March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,			March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	except per share amounts)	2013			2013			2013			2013			2014			2014			2014			2014
	Revenues:
	Technology	$	2,627		$	2,807		$	3,130		$	2,858		$	2,675		$	3,219		$	3,067		$	3,245
	Products and licensing	1,478			2,024			1,569			1,841			1,796			2,009			2,304			2,945
	Total revenues	4,105			4,831			4,699			4,699			4,471			5,228			5,371			6,190
	Gross margin	1,135			1,777			1,677			1,460			1,552			1,988			2,083			2,214
	Operating loss	(2,241		)	(1,739		)	(1,302		)	(2,753		)	(1,952		)	(963		)	(720		)	(870		)
	Loss from continuing operations	(1,319		)	(1,035		)	(775		)	(2,379		)	(1,133		)	(585		)	(467		)	(1,932		)
	Income/(loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes	4,105			83			161			356			9,673			(331		)	(278		)	(329		)
	Net loss	2,786			(952		)	(614		)	(2,023		)	8,540			(916		)	(745		)	(884		)
	Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders	$	2,762		$	(978	)	$	(640	)	$	(2,049	)	$	8,511		$	(943	)	$	(771	)	$	(914	)
	Net loss per share from continuing operations:
	Basic and diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.13	)
	Net income/(loss) per share from discontinued operations:
	Basic and diluted	$	0.29		$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.02		$	0.66		$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic and diluted	$	0.2		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.14	)	$	0.58		$	(0.06	)	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)
	Weighted average shares:
	Basic and diluted	14,011,814			14,362,494			14,441,707			14,488,060			14,653,262			14,817,084			15,016,429			15,056,007

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Components of (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations	The key components of income/(loss) from discontinued operations were as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
			2013		2014
	Net revenues		$	5,909,375	$	—
	Cost of revenues		3,486,200		46,204
	Operating expenses		229,745		—
	Income/(loss) before income taxes		2,193,430		(46,204		)
	Allocated tax expense/(benefit)		879,819		(11,713		)
	Operating income/(loss) from discontinued operations		1,313,611		(34,491		)
	Gain on sale, net of $1.5 million and $1.3 million of related income taxes		3,391,639		9,381,948
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		$	4,705,250	$	9,347,457

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2010
	Segment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2
Dividend on preferred stock, shares of common stock issuable	79,292	79,292
Allowance for uncollectible receivables	$134,811	$134,811
Cash Equivalents	13,900,000	7,500,000
Research, development, and engineering	2,087,874	2,558,332
Patents
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible asset, useful life	5 years
Stock Option and Warrant
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	2,300,000	2,300,000
Carilion Clinic
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Senior convertible Promissory Notes principal amount converted			5,000,000
Percentage of dividend payable on series A convertible preferred stock			6.00%
Conversion of stock description		Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted into one share of our common stock at the option of the holder.
Carilion Clinic | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Preferred stock liquidation preference value			$6,200,000
Term Loan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt, additional interest above prime rate	2.00%

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si4

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	7 years
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	7 years
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	LesserB ofB leaseB termB orB lifeB ofB improvements

Organization_and_Summary_of_Si5

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Values of Option Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	2.02%	1.27%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.27%	2.34%
Expected life of option-years	7 years 6 months	7 years 6 months
Expected stock price volatility	106.00%	108.00%
Executive turnover rates	0.00%	0.00%
Non-executive turnover rates	33.60%	14.70%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Inventory_Components_of_Invent

Inventory - Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$648,182	$719,574
Work-in-process	262,025	361,754
Raw materials	2,692,765	2,339,595
Inventory, Gross, Total	3,602,972	3,420,923
Less: Inventory reserves	238,739	74,746
Total inventory, net	$3,364,233	$3,346,177

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 21, 2014	Mar. 21, 2013
	Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt obligation	$625,000
Long-term debt obligation, excluding current maturities	0	625,000
Current portion of long term debt obligation	625,000	1,500,000
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, face amount	6,000,000
Debt, number of monthly payment	48
Debt instrument frequency of payment	monthly
Debt, additional interest above prime rate	2.00%
Long-term debt obligation	600,000
Effective interest rate	6.00%
Term Loan | Silicon Valley Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt obligation	625,000	2,125,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Fourth Loan Modification Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maintaining minimum cash balance as per covenant			3,500,000	5,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Silicon Valley Bank Term Loan | Second and Third Amendment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, additional interest above prime rate	1.25%
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	1,000,000
Unused Line of Credit fee percentage	0.25%
Termination fee	$10,000
Credit facility, maturity date	18-May-14

Debt_Summary_of_Debt_Outstandi

Debt - Summary of Debt Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$625,000
Less: current portion	625,000	1,500,000
Long-term debt obligation, excluding current maturities	0	625,000
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	600,000
Silicon Valley Bank Term Loan | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$625,000	$2,125,000

Debt_Maturities_on_Long_Term_D

Debt - Maturities on Long Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$625,000
Total	$625,000

Debt_Costs_Associated_With_Loa

Debt - Costs Associated With Loans Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense	$87,426	$189,151
Amortization of transaction costs	8,803	18,387
Total interest expense	$96,229	$207,538

Accounts_ReceivableTrade_Compo

Accounts Receivable-Trade - Components of Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Billed	$4,517,672	$3,552,184
Unbilled	1,249,814	1,755,439
Other	56,940	235,469
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Total	5,824,426	5,543,092
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-134,811	-134,811
Accounts Receivable, Net, Total	$5,689,615	$5,408,281

Property_and_Equipment_Compone

Property and Equipment - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Building	$69,556	$69,556
Equipment	7,312,730	7,239,017
Furniture and fixtures	562,485	562,485
Software	1,092,484	1,092,484
Leasehold improvements	4,830,055	3,168,377
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	13,867,310	12,131,919
Lessbaccumulated depreciation	-10,370,253	-10,071,210
Property and equipment, net	$3,497,057	$2,060,709

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$0.30	$0.50

Intangible_Assets_Summary_of_I

Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets, net	$199,277	$288,475
Patent costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	2,356,820	2,496,560
Accumulated amortization	-2,157,543	-2,208,085
Intangible assets, net	$199,277	$288,475

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$0.30	$0.40

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Ag

Intangible Assets - Estimated Aggregate Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$91,285
2016	53,342
2017	29,218
2018	15,137
2019	2,210
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total	$191,192

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued compensation	$2,362,608	$2,205,612
Accrued sub-contracts	244,218	297,510
Accrued professional fees	177,712	279,991
Accrued income tax	166,550	13,143
Deferred rent	1,752,717	102,569
Royalties	392,945	291,442
Warranty reserve	69,264	56,700
Claims reserve	0	92,167
Accrued liabilities - other	370,308	207,451
Total Accrued Liabilities	$5,536,322	$3,546,585

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Inc

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	($1,146,447)	($2,387,422)
State	9,219	0
Deferred Federal	0	0
Deferred State	0	0
Income tax benefit	($1,137,228)	($2,387,422)

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$21,200,000
Research and development credits	400,000
Total, current	1,734,963	924,126
Valuation allowance, current	-1,734,963	-924,126
Net deferred tax asset, current	0	0
Total, noncurrent	10,955,486	14,094,099
Valuation allowance, noncurrent	-10,955,486	-14,094,099
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets Current
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Bad debt and inventory reserve	150,330	88,077
Accrued liabilities	1,584,633	836,049
Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	126,096	59,673
Depreciation and amortization	309,600	1,024,746
Net operating loss carryforwards	8,030,396	10,897,715
Research and development credits	386,161	386,161
Deferred compensation	199,717	163,655
Stock-based compensation	1,695,868	1,519,513
AMT credit	$207,648	$42,636

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Expected Income Tax Benefit (Expense) to Actual Income Tax Expense Benefit (Expense) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%
State taxes, net of federal tax effects	3.75%	3.96%
Change in valuation allowance	-8.02%	-3.78%
Incentive stock options	-3.33%	-4.12%
Provision to return adjustments	-0.34%	2.43%
Meals and entertainment	-0.27%	-0.13%
Other Permanent differences	-0.46%	-2.12%
Income tax benefit	25.33%	30.24%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$21,200,000
Expiration dates, through	2025
Research and development credits	400,000
Research & development tax credit carryforwards expiration date	2024
U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for tear	2006 and onward
Income tax examination description	We currently have no federal income tax returns under examination. U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitation generally ranging from three to seven years. We currently have no state income or franchise tax returns under examination. We currently do not file tax returns in any foreign tax jurisdiction.
Unrecognized tax benefits net increases (decreases) resulting from current period tax positions	0
Windfall stock compensation deductions	$331,000
Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination statute of limitations period (in years)	3 years
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax examination statute of limitations period (in years)	7 years

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2010	Jan. 31, 2006	Apr. 30, 2003	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 04, 2006
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares issued	303,000	337,500
Shares vested	-114,660	-12,963
Options outstanding (in shares)	4,289,631					5,422,130
Stock based compensation expense	$0.90	$1.20
Stock-based compensation expense expected to recognize	1.5
Weighted average remaining service	1 year 5 months 19 days
Carilion Clinic
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Senior convertible Promissory Notes principal amount converted			5
Accrued interest converted			1.2
Percentage of dividend payable on series A convertible preferred stock			6.00%
Shares of common stock dividends	393,277
Conversion of stock description		Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock may be converted into one share of our common stock at the option of the holder.
Carilion Clinic | Maximum
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Preferred stock liquidation preference value			$6.20
Carilion Clinic | Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Preferred stock issued in exchange of notes payable, shares			1,321,514
Restricted Stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Shares issued	303,000	337,500
Shares vested	101,000	0
Stock Options
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$0.87	$1.23
Stock Options | Carilion Clinic
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, ratio		1
Stock Options | Hansen
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Common stock issued upon exercise of warrant (in shares)		0
2003 Stock Option Plan | Stock Options
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Stock option contractual term				10 years	10 years
Number of shares reserved for future issuance							9,715,000
Options outstanding (in shares)	541,394
2006 Equity Incentive Plan | Stock Options
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Description of shares available for issuance				the number of shares available for issuance increases by the lesser of (a)B 10% of the outstanding shares of our common stock on the last day of the preceding fiscal year; (b)B 1,695,690 shares; or (c)B such other amount as our Board of Directors may determine.
Number of shares available for issuance increases, percentage of outstanding common stock				10.00%
Potential number of shares available for issuance increases				1,695,690
Shares available for future grant	13,999,918	10,468,175

Stockholders_Equity_Activity_o

Stockholders' Equity - Activity of Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares)		5,422,130
Forfeited (in shares)	-1,660,354	-693,644
Exercised (in shares)	-321,696	-137,097
Granted (in shares)	992,452	687,840
Ending Balance (in shares)	4,289,631
Options Outstanding, Price per Share Range
Beginning Balance, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.35
Beginning Balance, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$6.55	$6.74
Forfeited, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.35
Forfeited, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$6.55	$6.74
Exercised, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.35
Exercised, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$1.27	$1.18
Granted, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$1.37	$1.20
Granted, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$1.53	$1.31
Ending Balance, lower limit (in dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.35
Ending Balance, upper limit (in dollars per share)	$6.55	$6.55
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)		$2.19
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$2.22	$2.08
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$0.73	$0.56
Granted (in dollars per share)	$1.43	$1.29
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$1.93
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value beginning balance (in shares)	$784,154	$639,904
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value ending balance (in shares)	512,901	784,154
Options Exercisable, beginning balance (in shares)		3,775,388
Options Exercisable, ending balance (in shares)	3,111,199
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning balance (in dollars per share)		$2.37
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$2.11
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, beginning balance	697,826	604,292
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, ending balance	$453,032	$697,826

Stockholders_Equity_Activity_o1

Stockholders' Equity - Activity of Stock Option by Exercise Price Range (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding (in shares)	4,289,631		5,422,130
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$1.93		$2.19
Options Exercisable (in shares)	3,111,199		3,775,388
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$2.11		$2.37
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$260,803	$111,595
Total fair value of options vested	$821,392	$1,248,067
$0.35 - 6.55
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower range (in dollars per share)	$0.35	$0.35
Range of Exercise Prices, upper range (in dollars per share)	$6.55	$6.55
Options Outstanding (in shares)	4,289,631	5,279,229
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years	6 years 0 months 10 days	5 years 10 months 17 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$1.93	$2.11
Options Exercisable (in shares)	3,111,199	4,012,378
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$2.11	$2.28

Stockholders_Equity_Activity_o2

Stockholders' Equity - Activity of Restricted Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Vested Shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	36,728	23,765
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Vested (in shares)	114,660	12,963
Exercised (in shares)	22,725	0
Ending balance (in shares)	128,663	36,728
Number of Unvested Shares
Beginning balance (in shares)	339,660	15,123
Granted (in shares)	303,000	337,500
Vested (in shares)	114,660	12,963
Exercised (in shares)	0	0
Ending balance (in shares)	528,000	339,660
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$1.32	$1.80
Granted (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.26
Vested (in dollars per share)	$1.27	$1.80
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$1.26	$0
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$1.36	$1.32
Aggregate Value of Vested Shares
Beginning balance	$66,110	$42,777
Granted	0	0
Vested	145,639	23,333
Exercised	28,634	0
Ending balance	183,115	66,110
Aggregate Value of Unvested Shares
Beginning balance	429,139	27,222
Granted	424,200	425,250
Vested	145,639	23,333
Exercised	0	0
Ending balance	$707,700	$429,139

Commitment_and_Contingencies_A

Commitment and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		purchase_order
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Sublease income			$108,000
Operating leases, expiration period (in years)			2 years
Number of non-cancelable purchase orders executed		2
Non-cancelable purchase order commitment	1,400,000		1,400,000
Non-cancelable purchase order delivery period (in months)	18 months
Non-cancelable purchase order commitment remained	500,000		500,000
Minimum Royalty Payable	1,500,000		1,500,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease and rental expense			$900,000	$1,000,000

Commitment_and_Contingencies_F

Commitment and Contingencies - Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$995,312
2016	829,005
2017	837,053
2018	845,294
2019	535,720
Thereafter	480,163
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$4,522,547

Employee_Profit_Sharing_Plan_A

Employee Profit Sharing Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan eligibility service period (in months)	3 months
Percentage of employer's matching contributions to a defined contribution plan that vests	25.00%
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which employer contributes a matching contribution	10.00%
Contribution to employee compensation plan by employer	$150	$175

Litigation_and_Other_Contingen1

Litigation and Other Contingencies Litigation and Other Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	complaint
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of putative class action complaints filed	3
Government | Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency estimate of possible loss		$0.80

Recovered_Sheet1

Relationship With Major Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (United States Government)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Revenues
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	57.00%	65.00%
Billed Trade Receivables
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	29.00%	25.00%

Financial_Information_About_Se2

Financial Information About Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2
Percent of total sales from outside of United States	18.00%	27.00%

Financial_Information_About_Se3

Financial Information About Segments - Information About Results of Operations for Each Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Technology Development revenue	$3,245,000	$3,067,000	$3,219,000	$2,675,000	$2,858,000	$3,130,000	$2,807,000	$2,627,000	$12,205,889	$11,421,868
Products and Licensing revenue	2,945,000	2,304,000	2,009,000	1,796,000	1,841,000	1,569,000	2,024,000	1,478,000	9,054,101	6,911,707
Total revenues	6,190,000	5,371,000	5,228,000	4,471,000	4,699,000	4,699,000	4,831,000	4,105,000	21,259,990	18,333,575
Operating income (loss)	-870,000	-720,000	-963,000	-1,952,000	-2,753,000	-1,302,000	-1,739,000	-2,241,000	-4,505,101	-8,035,346
Depreciation									300,000	500,000
Amortization									300,000	400,000
Technology Development
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									-1,964,216	-3,169,605
Depreciation									317,925	499,439
Amortization									219,156	212,790
Products and Licensing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									-2,540,885	-4,865,741
Depreciation									235,831	266,327
Amortization									$162,565	$113,471

Financial_Information_About_Se4

Financial Information About Segments - Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$27,584,448	$19,704,075
Property plant and equipment, and intangible assets	3,497,057	2,060,709
Technology Development
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	15,836,918	12,275,693
Property plant and equipment, and intangible assets	2,122,157	1,463,548
Products and Licensing
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	11,747,530	7,428,382
Property plant and equipment, and intangible assets	$1,574,177	$885,636

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_Sc

Quarterly Results (unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Technology	$3,245,000	$3,067,000	$3,219,000	$2,675,000	$2,858,000	$3,130,000	$2,807,000	$2,627,000	$12,205,889	$11,421,868
Products and licensing	2,945,000	2,304,000	2,009,000	1,796,000	1,841,000	1,569,000	2,024,000	1,478,000	9,054,101	6,911,707
Total revenues	6,190,000	5,371,000	5,228,000	4,471,000	4,699,000	4,699,000	4,831,000	4,105,000	21,259,990	18,333,575
Gross margin	2,214,000	2,083,000	1,988,000	1,552,000	1,460,000	1,677,000	1,777,000	1,135,000	7,836,620	6,048,622
Operating loss	-870,000	-720,000	-963,000	-1,952,000	-2,753,000	-1,302,000	-1,739,000	-2,241,000	-4,505,101	-8,035,346
Loss from continuing operations	-1,932,000	-467,000	-585,000	-1,133,000	-2,379,000	-775,000	-1,035,000	-1,319,000	-3,352,650	-5,508,400
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations net of income taxes	-329,000	-278,000	-331,000	9,673,000	356,000	161,000	83,000	4,105,000	9,347,457	4,705,250
Net (loss)/income	-884,000	-745,000	-916,000	8,540,000	-2,023,000	-614,000	-952,000	2,786,000	5,994,807	-803,150
Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders	($914,000)	($771,000)	($943,000)	$8,511,000	($2,049,000)	($640,000)	($978,000)	$2,762,000	$5,882,610	($905,477)
Net loss per share from continuing operations:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.13)	($0.03)	($0.04)	($0.08)	($0.16)	($0.05)	($0.07)	($0.09)	($0.23)	($0.38)
Net income/(loss) per share from discontinued operations:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.02)	$0.66	$0.02	$0.01	$0.01	$0.29	$0.63	$0.33
Net (loss)/income attributable to common stockholders:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.06)	($0.05)	($0.06)	$0.58	($0.14)	($0.04)	($0.07)	$0.20	$0.40	($0.06)
Weighted average shares:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	15,056,007	15,016,429	14,817,084	14,653,262	14,488,060	14,441,707	14,362,494	14,011,814	14,880,697	14,336,135

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Jan. 21, 2014

Employee

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Consideration received

$10,927,268

$5,110,855

Gain on sale, net of income taxes

-329,000

-278,000

-331,000

9,673,000

356,000

161,000

83,000

4,105,000

9,347,457

4,705,250

Net revenues

0

5,909,375

Secure Computing and Communications Group (SCC)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Sale price

6,100,000

Consideration received

110,000

5,400,000

Additional purchase price received from escrow

475,000

Escrow deposits related to SCC group sales

125,000

Escrow release period

18 months

Transaction costs incurred related to SCC sales

900,000

Sublease income

400,000

Employee of SCC group transferred to purchaser

20

Current assets related to disposal group

200,000

Long-term assets related to disposal group

100,000

Gain on sale, net of income taxes

9,347,457

Net income per share from discontinued operations, diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.63

Net revenues

1,700,000

Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Sale price

30,000,000

Employee of SCC group transferred to purchaser

10

Current assets related to disposal group

200,000

Long-term assets related to disposal group

200,000

Cash consideration received at closing

6,000,000

Cash consideration to be received within 90 days of closing

6,000,000

Potential cash consideration received upon achievement of technical specification

$18,000,000

Sales | Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

SCC group accounted percentage of revenue to total revenue

12.00%

Cost of Revenues | Fiber Optic Shape Sensing and Localization

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

SCC group accounted percentage of revenue to total revenue

9.00%

Discontinued_Operations_Compon

Discontinued Operations - Components of (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net revenues									$0	$5,909,375
Cost of revenues									46,204	3,486,200
Operating expenses									0	229,745
Income/(loss) before income taxes									-46,204	2,193,430
Allocated tax expense/(benefit)									-11,713	879,819
Operating income/(loss) from discontinued operations									-34,491	1,313,611
Gain on sale, net of $1.5 million and $1.3 million of related income taxes									9,381,948	3,391,639
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-329,000	-278,000	-331,000	9,673,000	356,000	161,000	83,000	4,105,000	9,347,457	4,705,250
Gain on sale, related income taxes									$1,300,000	$1,500,000

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 20, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Extension of lease term (in years)	4 years
Leasehold Improvements
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Change in value	1,100,000
Alpha Photonix, Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Termination fee applicable upon cancellation of agreement		750,000
Reimbursement expense if merger not approved (up to)		$250,000
Number to be issued per acquiree share		0.31782
Resulting ownership percentage of combined company by current owners		56.00%

Schedule_of_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of Period	$209,562	$86,186
Charged to costs and expenses	166,773	134,811
Deductions	-2,775	-11,435
Valuation against asset	0	0
Balance at end of period	373,560	209,562
Inventory obsolescence
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of Period	74,751	86,186
Charged to costs and expenses	166,773	0
Deductions	-2,775	-11,435
Valuation against asset	0	0
Balance at end of period	238,749	74,751
Allowances for doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of Period	134,811	0
Charged to costs and expenses	0	134,811
Deductions	0	0
Valuation against asset	0	0
Balance at end of period	$134,811	$134,811