v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Nov. 13, 2015
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name MELA SCIENCES, INC. /NY  
Entity Central Index Key 0001051514  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2015  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   10,183,393
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015