Operating Assets and Liabilities - Summary of depreciation expense (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Assets and Liabilities      
Research and development costs $ 224,000 $ 106,000 $ 34,000
General and administrative costs 3,000 3,000 3,000
Depreciation expense, Total 227,000 $ 109,000 $ 37,000
Impairment loss included in research and development costs $ 208,000