Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Aug. 03, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PALOMAR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000881695
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			$ 169,589,081
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,567,677
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012