How long is a piece of string? This really depends on a lot of factors, not the least of which are: 1) the non-obviousness of the idea, 2) the degree to which

How long is a piece of string? This really depends on a lot of factors, not the least of which are: 1) the non-obviousness of the idea, 2) the degree to which you have the idea developed as something that can be implemented, and 3) the attitude of your current employer. My guess: if all you're coming to them with is a vague idea, you're likely to get nothing more than a pat on the back, if they deign to implement it at all.