Cutera (CUTR) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CUTERA INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,480,938
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1162461
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,462	$9,803
Marketable investments	62,595	71,343
Accounts receivable, net	10,400	11,137
Inventories	11,855	10,988
Deferred tax asset	26	26
Other current assets and prepaid expenses	1,699	1,591
Total current assets	100,037	104,888
Property and equipment, net	1,545	1,461
Deferred tax asset, net of current portion	291	269
Intangibles, net	450	595
Goodwill	1,339	1,339
Other long-term assets	362	361
Total assets	104,024	108,913
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,855	3,083
Accrued liabilities	8,946	11,007
Deferred revenue	8,971	8,898
Total current liabilities	20,772	22,988
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	3,714	4,346
Income tax liability	167	145
Other long-term liabilities	798	926
Total liabilities	25,451	28,405
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized: 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 14,715,896 and 14,446,950 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	15	14
Additional paid-in capital	107,408	105,721
Accumulated deficit	-28,876	-25,232
Accumulated other comprehensive income	26	5
Total stockholders’ equity	78,573	80,508
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	104,024	108,913
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders’ equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized: 5,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued	14,715,896	14,446,950
Common stock, outstanding	14,715,896	14,446,950
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Convertible preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Convertible preferred stock, authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, issued	0	0
Convertible preferred stock, outstanding	0	0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net revenue:
Products	$14,703,000	$11,752,000
Service	4,368,000	4,437,000
Total net revenue	19,071,000	16,189,000
Cost of revenue:
Products	7,309,000	5,077,000
Service	1,743,000	2,226,000
Total cost of revenue	9,052,000	7,303,000
Gross profit	10,019,000	8,886,000
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing	8,187,000	7,331,000
Research and development	2,445,000	2,644,000
General and administrative	2,989,000	2,564,000
Total operating expenses	13,621,000	12,539,000
Loss from operations	-3,602,000	-3,653,000
Interest and other income, net	8,000	80,000
Loss before income taxes	-3,594,000	-3,573,000
Provision for income taxes	50,000	37,000
Net loss	($3,644,000)	($3,610,000)
Net loss per share:
Basic and Diluted (in Dollars per share)	($0.25)	($0.26)
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculations:
Basic and Diluted (in Shares)	14,611	14,021

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	($3,644)	($3,610)
Available-for-sale investments
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	33	2
Net change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	33	2
Tax provision	12	1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	21	1
Comprehensive loss	($3,623)	($3,609)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($3,644)	($3,610)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	961	625
Depreciation and amortization	327	331
Other	106	97
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	737	3,091
Inventories	-867	-634
Other current assets and prepaid expenses	-15	-792
Other long-term assets	-1	303
Accounts payable	-228	663
Accrued liabilities	-2,781	-1,534
Other long-term liabilities	-72	-70
Deferred revenue	-559	548
Income tax liability	22	10
Net cash used in operating activities	-6,014	-972
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, equipment and software	-407	-239
Proceeds from sales of marketable investments	5,376	3,200
Proceeds from maturities of marketable investments	12,180	7,240
Purchase of marketable investments	-8,867	-16,791
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	8,282	-6,590
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	-4,550
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	6,002	2,096
Payments on capital lease obligations	-61	-33
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,391	2,063
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,659	-5,499
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,803	16,242
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	13,462	10,743
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash items:
Repurchase of common stock acquired but not settled	$656

Note_1_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Operations and Principles of Consolidation
	Cutera, Inc. (“Cutera” or the “Company”) is a global provider of laser and other energy-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets laser and other energy-based product platforms for use by physicians and other qualified practitioners, which enable them to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their customers. The Company currently markets the following key product platforms: CoolGlide®, xeo®, solera®, GenesisPlusTM, excel VTM, truSculptTM, excel HRTM and enlightenTM. The Company’s products offer multiple hand pieces and applications, which allow customers to upgrade their systems. The sales of systems, upgrades, hand pieces, Titan refills and the distribution of third party manufactured cosmeceuticals (or “Skincare”) are classified as “Product” revenue. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company terminated its agreement with Merz Pharma GmbH (“Merz”) for the distribution of its Radiesse dermal filler product. In addition to Product revenue, the Company generates revenue from the sale of post-warranty service contracts, parts, detachable hand piece replacements (except for Titan) and service labor for the repair and maintenance of products that are out of warranty, all of which is classified as “Service” revenue.
	Headquartered in Brisbane, California, the Company has wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and all inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company markets, sells and services its products outside of the United States through its direct employees as well as a global distributor network.
	Unaudited Interim Financial Information
	The interim financial information filed is unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that the Company considers necessary for the fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial condition of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. The December 31, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year or any other interim period. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s previously filed audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 16, 2015.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these estimates, including those related to revenue elements, warranty obligations, sales commissions, accounts receivable and sales allowances, provision for excess and obsolete inventories, fair values of marketable investments, fair values of acquired intangible assets, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of performance stock units and options to purchase the Company’s stock, recoverability of deferred tax assets, legal matters and claims, and effective income tax rates, among others. Management bases these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and shall take effective on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and the early application of the standard is not permitted. The Company is presently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet selected a transition method.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard update provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new guidance is effective for all annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016. The new guidance will not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note_2_Cash_Cash_Equivalents_a

Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]	Note 2. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments
	The Company invests its cash primarily in money market funds, commercial paper, corporate notes and bonds, municipal bonds, and debt securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies. The Company considers all highly liquid investments, with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Investments with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are accounted for as “available-for-sale,” are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders’ equity, are held for use in current operations and are classified in current assets as “marketable investments.”
	The following tables summarize the components, and the unrealized gains and losses position, related to the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments (in thousands):
	31-Mar-15	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Market Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	6,553	$	—	$	—		$	6,553
	Money market funds		3,759		—		—			3,759
	Commercial paper		3,150		—		—			3,150
	Total cash and cash equivalents		13,462		—		—			13,462
	Marketable investments:
	U.S. government notes		14,320		35		—			14,355
	U.S. government agencies		18,259		34		(3	)		18,290
	Municipal securities		3,914		3		(3	)		3,914
	Commercial paper		10,735		4		—			10,739
	Corporate debt securities		15,280		19		(2	)		15,297
	Total marketable investments		62,508		95		(8	)		62,595
	Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments	$	75,970	$	95	$	(8	)	$	76,057
	31-Dec-14	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Market Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	7,761	$	—	$	—		$	7,761
	Money market funds		242		—		—			242
	Commercial paper		1,800		—		—			1,800
	Total cash and cash equivalents		9,803		—		—			9,803
	Marketable investments:
	U.S. government notes		18,345		17		(1	)		18,361
	U.S. government agencies		19,768		33		(1	)		19,800
	Municipal securities		3,607		3		(3	)		3,607
	Commercial paper		10,693		2		—			10,695
	Corporate debt securities		18,875		13		(8	)		18,880
	Total marketable investments		71,288		68		(13	)		71,343
	Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments	$	81,091	$	68	$	(13	)	$	81,146
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, total gross unrealized losses were $8,000 and $13,000, respectively, and were related to interest rate changes on available-for-sale marketable investments. The Company has concluded that it is more-likely-than-not that the securities will be held until maturity or the recovery of their cost basis. No securities were in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.
	The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Company’s available-for-sale securities, classified as marketable investments as of March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Amount
	Due in less than one year	$	34,249
	Due in 1 to 3 years		28,346
		$	62,595

Note_3_Fair_Value_of_Financial

Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
		●	Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.
		●	Level 2: Directly or indirectly observable inputs as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities that are valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
		●	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
	In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.
	As of March 31, 2015, financial assets measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis and classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as described above were as follows (in thousands):
	31-Mar-15		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	3,759	$	—	$	—	$	3,759
	Commercial paper			—		3,150		—		3,150
	Marketable investments:
	Available-for-sale securities			—		62,595		—		62,595
	Total assets at fair value		$	3,759	$	65,745	$	—	$	69,504
	As of December 31, 2014, financial assets measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis and classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as described above was as follows (in thousands):
	31-Dec-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	242	$	—	$	—	$	242
	Commercial paper			—		1,800		—		1,800
	Marketable investments:
	Available-for-sale securities			—		71,343		—		71,343
	Total assets at fair value		$	242	$	73,143	$	—	$	73,385
	The Company’s Level 2 investments include U.S. government-backed securities and corporate securities that are valued based upon observable inputs that may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. The average remaining maturity of the Company’s Level 2 investments as of March 31, 2015 is less than 36 months and all of these investments are rated by S&P and Moody’s at A or better.

Note_4_Inventories

Note 4 - Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4. Inventories
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	7,201	$	7,185
	Finished goods		4,654		3,803
	Total	$	11,855	$	10,988

Note_5_Warranty

Note 5 - Warranty	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5. Warranty
	The Company provides a standard one-year warranty on all systems. Warranty coverage provided is for labor and parts necessary to repair the systems during the warranty period. The Company accounts for the estimated warranty cost of the standard warranty coverage as a charge to costs of revenue when revenue is recognized. The estimated warranty cost is based on historical product performance. To determine the estimated warranty reserve, the Company utilizes historical service costs to calculate the expected service expense per system and applies this to the equivalent number of units exposed under warranty. The Company updates these estimated charges every quarter.
	The following table provides the changes in the product warranty accrual for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning Balance	$	1,167		$	1,202
	Add: Accruals for warranties issued during the period		816			456
	Less: Settlements made during the period		(780	)		(587	)
	Ending Balance	$	1,203		$	1,071

Note_6_Deferred_Service_Contra

Note 6 - Deferred Service Contract Revenue	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6. Deferred Service Contract Revenue
	The Company generates Service revenue from the sale of extended service contracts and from time and material services provided to customers who are not under a warranty or extended service contract. Service contract revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period of the applicable contract. Service revenue, from customers whose systems are not under a service contract, is recognized as the services are provided.
	The following table provides changes in the deferred service contract revenue balance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning Balance	$	12,949		$	11,637
	Add: Payments received		2,802			3,711
	Less: Revenue recognized		(3,223	)		(3,056	)
	Ending Balance	$	12,528		$	12,292
	Costs for extended service contracts were $1.7 million for both of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_and

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense
	Share Repurchase Program
	On February 18, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors modified Cutera, Inc.’s stock buyback program (“Modified Stock Buyback Program”), from $10 million to $40 million, under which the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares can be repurchased through a 10b5-1 program based on predetermined pricing and volume parameters, as well as open-market purchase that are subject to management discretion and regulatory restrictions.
	In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 386,155 shares of its common stock for approximately $5.21 million. As of March 31, 2015, there remained an additional $34.8 million to be purchased under the Modified Stock Buyback Program. The number of shares to be repurchased, and the timing of such repurchases, will be based on several factors, including the price of the Company's common stock, regulatory restrictions, and general market and business conditions. All shares repurchased are retired and returned to authorized but unissued status.
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	Stock-based compensation expense by department recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Cost of revenue	$	103	$	132
	Sales and marketing		185		71
	Research and development		182		124
	General and administrative		491		298
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	961	$	625
	Under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, the Company issued 648,653 shares of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2015, in conjunction with stock options exercised.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the following number of equity awards of the Company’s common stock was granted (in thousands):
		Shares
	Stock options		70
	Restricted stock units		13
	Performance stock units		—
	As of March 31, 2015, there was $3.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense, net of projected forfeitures, related to non-vested equity awards. The expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Note_8_Net_Loss_Per_Share

Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 8. Net Loss Per Share
	Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, as the effect of the potential common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive and as such is excluded from the calculations of the diluted net loss per share.
	The following numbers of shares outstanding, prior to the application of the treasury stock method, were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share for the periods presented because including them would have had an anti-dilutive effect (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Options to purchase common stock		3,164		3,693
	Restricted stock units		318		170
	Performance stock units		62		34
	Employee stock purchase plan shares		33		21
	Total		3,577		3,918

Note_9_Income_Taxes

Note 9 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9. Income Taxes
	The Company’s quarterly income taxes reflect an estimate of the corresponding year’s annual effective tax rate and include, when applicable, adjustments from discrete tax items. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s tax expense was $50,000 and $37,000, respectively, and was primarily related to income taxes of the Company’s non-U.S. operations as the Company’s U.S. operations were in a loss position and the Company maintains a 100% valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets.
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had a 100% valuation allowance against its U.S. deferred tax assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets, the Company considered available positive and negative evidence giving greater weight to its recent cumulative losses and lesser weight to its projected financial results due to the subjectivity involved in forecasting future periods. The Company also considered, commensurate with its objective verifiability, the forecast of future taxable income including the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation and Litigation Settlements
	The Company is named from time to time as a party to product liability, contractual lawsuits and other general corporate matters in the normal course of business. The Company routinely assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes related to legal matters and claims, as well as ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of the reserves required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each known issue, historical experience, whether it is more likely than not that the Company shall incur a loss, and whether the loss is estimable. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had an immaterial accrual for legal matters and claims and did not expect to incur any material costs beyond the amounts accrued. .

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Description of Operations and Principles of Consolidation
	Cutera, Inc. (“Cutera” or the “Company”) is a global provider of laser and other energy-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. The Company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets laser and other energy-based product platforms for use by physicians and other qualified practitioners, which enable them to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their customers. The Company currently markets the following key product platforms: CoolGlide®, xeo®, solera®, GenesisPlusTM, excel VTM, truSculptTM, excel HRTM and enlightenTM. The Company’s products offer multiple hand pieces and applications, which allow customers to upgrade their systems. The sales of systems, upgrades, hand pieces, Titan refills and the distribution of third party manufactured cosmeceuticals (or “Skincare”) are classified as “Product” revenue. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company terminated its agreement with Merz Pharma GmbH (“Merz”) for the distribution of its Radiesse dermal filler product. In addition to Product revenue, the Company generates revenue from the sale of post-warranty service contracts, parts, detachable hand piece replacements (except for Titan) and service labor for the repair and maintenance of products that are out of warranty, all of which is classified as “Service” revenue.
	Headquartered in Brisbane, California, the Company has wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and all inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information [Policy Text Block]	Unaudited Interim Financial Information
	The interim financial information filed is unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that the Company considers necessary for the fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial condition of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. The December 31, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year or any other interim period. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s previously filed audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 16, 2015.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these estimates, including those related to revenue elements, warranty obligations, sales commissions, accounts receivable and sales allowances, provision for excess and obsolete inventories, fair values of marketable investments, fair values of acquired intangible assets, useful lives of intangible assets and property and equipment, fair values of performance stock units and options to purchase the Company’s stock, recoverability of deferred tax assets, legal matters and claims, and effective income tax rates, among others. Management bases these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accountings Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or ASU 2014-09, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and shall take effective on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and the early application of the standard is not permitted. The Company is presently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and has not yet selected a transition method.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This standard update provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new guidance is effective for all annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016. The new guidance will not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note_2_Cash_Cash_Equivalents_a1

Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]	31-Mar-15	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Market Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	6,553	$	—	$	—		$	6,553
	Money market funds		3,759		—		—			3,759
	Commercial paper		3,150		—		—			3,150
	Total cash and cash equivalents		13,462		—		—			13,462
	Marketable investments:
	U.S. government notes		14,320		35		—			14,355
	U.S. government agencies		18,259		34		(3	)		18,290
	Municipal securities		3,914		3		(3	)		3,914
	Commercial paper		10,735		4		—			10,739
	Corporate debt securities		15,280		19		(2	)		15,297
	Total marketable investments		62,508		95		(8	)		62,595
	Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments	$	75,970	$	95	$	(8	)	$	76,057
	31-Dec-14	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Market Value
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	7,761	$	—	$	—		$	7,761
	Money market funds		242		—		—			242
	Commercial paper		1,800		—		—			1,800
	Total cash and cash equivalents		9,803		—		—			9,803
	Marketable investments:
	U.S. government notes		18,345		17		(1	)		18,361
	U.S. government agencies		19,768		33		(1	)		19,800
	Municipal securities		3,607		3		(3	)		3,607
	Commercial paper		10,693		2		—			10,695
	Corporate debt securities		18,875		13		(8	)		18,880
	Total marketable investments		71,288		68		(13	)		71,343
	Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments	$	81,091	$	68	$	(13	)	$	81,146
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]		Amount
	Due in less than one year	$	34,249
	Due in 1 to 3 years		28,346
		$	62,595

Note_3_Fair_Value_of_Financial1

Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	31-Mar-15	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	3,759	$	—	$	—	$	3,759
	Commercial paper		—		3,150		—		3,150
	Marketable investments:
	Available-for-sale securities		—		62,595		—		62,595
	Total assets at fair value	$	3,759	$	65,745	$	—	$	69,504
	31-Dec-14	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	242	$	—	$	—	$	242
	Commercial paper		—		1,800		—		1,800
	Marketable investments:
	Available-for-sale securities		—		71,343		—		71,343
	Total assets at fair value	$	242	$	73,143	$	—	$	73,385

Note_4_Inventories_Tables

Note 4 - Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	7,201	$	7,185
	Finished goods		4,654		3,803
	Total	$	11,855	$	10,988

Note_5_Warranty_Tables

Note 5 - Warranty (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning Balance	$	1,167		$	1,202
	Add: Accruals for warranties issued during the period		816			456
	Less: Settlements made during the period		(780	)		(587	)
	Ending Balance	$	1,203		$	1,071

Note_6_Deferred_Service_Contra1

Note 6 - Deferred Service Contract Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning Balance	$	12,949		$	11,637
	Add: Payments received		2,802			3,711
	Less: Revenue recognized		(3,223	)		(3,056	)
	Ending Balance	$	12,528		$	12,292

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_and1

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Cost of revenue	$	103	$	132
	Sales and marketing		185		71
	Research and development		182		124
	General and administrative		491		298
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	961	$	625
Schedule of Equity Awards Granted [Table Text Block]		Shares
	Stock options		70
	Restricted stock units		13
	Performance stock units		—

Note_8_Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Options to purchase common stock		3,164		3,693
	Restricted stock units		318		170
	Performance stock units		62		34
	Employee stock purchase plan shares		33		21
	Total		3,577		3,918

Note_2_Cash_Cash_Equivalents_a2

Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	$8,000	$13,000

Note_2_Cash_Cash_Equivalents_a3

Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments (Details) - Unrealized Gains and Losses Related to Marketable Investments (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents:
Amortized Cost	$13,462,000	$9,803,000	$10,743,000	$16,242,000
Fair Market Value	13,462,000	9,803,000
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	62,508,000	71,288,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	95,000	68,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-8,000	-13,000
Fair Market Value	62,595,000	71,343,000
Amortized Cost	75,970,000	81,091,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	95,000	68,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-8,000	-13,000
Fair Market Value	76,057,000	81,146,000
US Treasury and Government [Member]
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	14,320,000	18,345,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	35,000	17,000
Gross Unrealized Losses		-1,000
Fair Market Value	14,355,000	18,361,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	35,000	17,000
Gross Unrealized Losses		-1,000
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	18,259,000	19,768,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	34,000	33,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,000	-1,000
Fair Market Value	18,290,000	19,800,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	34,000	33,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,000	-1,000
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	3,914,000	3,607,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,000	3,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,000	-3,000
Fair Market Value	3,914,000	3,607,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,000	3,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,000	-3,000
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	10,735,000	10,693,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,000	2,000
Fair Market Value	10,739,000	10,695,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	4,000	2,000
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Marketable investments:
Amortized Cost	15,280,000	18,875,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	19,000	13,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,000	-8,000
Fair Market Value	15,297,000	18,880,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	19,000	13,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,000	-8,000
Cash [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Amortized Cost	6,553,000	7,761,000
Fair Market Value	6,553,000	7,761,000
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Amortized Cost	3,759,000	242,000
Fair Market Value	3,759,000	242,000
Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents:
Amortized Cost	3,150,000	1,800,000
Fair Market Value	$3,150,000	$1,800,000

Note_2_Cash_Cash_Equivalents_a4

Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Investments (Details) - Maturities of Available-for-Sale Securities (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities of Available-for-Sale Securities [Abstract]
Due in less than one year	$34,249
Due in 1 to 3 years	28,346
	$62,595	$71,343

Note_3_Fair_Value_of_Financial2

Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Maximum Maturity Period Of Investments	36 months

Note_3_Fair_Value_of_Financial3

Note 3 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Summary of Fair Value of Financial Instruments (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	$13,462	$9,803
Marketable investments:
Marketable Investments	62,595	71,343
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	3,759	242
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Marketable investments:
Total assets at fair value	3,759	242
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	3,150	1,800
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Marketable investments:
Marketable Investments	62,595	71,343
Total assets at fair value	65,745	73,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	3,759	242
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	3,150	1,800
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Marketable investments:
Marketable Investments	62,595	71,343
Total assets at fair value	69,504	73,385
Money Market Funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	3,759	242
Commercial Paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash Equivalents	$3,150	$1,800

Note_4_Inventories_Details_Sum

Note 4 - Inventories (Details) - Summary of Inventories (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$7,201	$7,185
Finished goods	4,654	3,803
Total	$11,855	$10,988

Note_5_Warranty_Details_Summar

Note 5 - Warranty (Details) - Summary of Warranties (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Warranties [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$1,167	$1,202
Add: Accruals for warranties issued during the period	816	456
Less: Settlements made during the period	-780	-587
Ending Balance	$1,203	$1,071

Note_6_Deferred_Service_Contra2

Note 6 - Deferred Service Contract Revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue, Costs Incurred	$1.70	$1.70

Note_6_Deferred_Service_Contra3

Note 6 - Deferred Service Contract Revenue (Details) - Summary of Deferred Service Contract Revenue (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Summary of Deferred Service Contract Revenue [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$12,949	$11,637
Ending Balance	12,528	12,292
Add: Payments received	2,802	3,711
Less: Revenue recognized	($3,223)	($3,056)

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_and2

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Feb. 18, 2015	Feb. 17, 2015
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$3.90
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 146 days
Modified Stock Buyback Program [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	34.8	40	10
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)	386,155
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$5.21
2004 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period (in Shares)	648,653

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_and3

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense by Department (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$961	$625
Cost of Sales [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	103	132
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	185	71
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	182	124
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$491	$298

Note_7_Stockholders_Equity_and4

Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - Summary of Equity Awards Granted	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - Summary of Equity Awards Granted [Line Items]
Stock options	70
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 7 - Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - Summary of Equity Awards Granted [Line Items]
Equity Awards	13

Note_8_Net_Loss_Per_Share_Deta

Note 8 - Net Loss Per Share (Details) - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	3,577	3,918
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	3,164	3,693
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	318	170
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	62	34
ESPP [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities	33	21

Note_9_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$50,000	$37,000
Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Percentage	100.00%	100.00%