v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Oct. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name MELA SCIENCES, INC. /NY    
Entity Central Index Key 0001051514    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2011    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 163,015,258
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,262,538