Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.3.0.814
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Oct. 03, 2015
Sep. 27, 2014
Nov. 09, 2015
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN    
Entity Central Index Key 0000862861    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-02    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Oct. 03, 2015 Oct. 03, 2015  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     5,900,818