This paper is an overview of the history mainly about the application of fractal theory in the field of radar target detection. First,the deficiency of the traditional radar target detection is analysed.Then,the development of the fractal theory in the field of target detection is presented based on the fractal model going from the easy to the difficult,and the focal points are placed on the aspects of routine radar target detection and image target detection(SAR image).Finally,the researching prospect of applying fractal theory to target detection is presented.