Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jul. 02, 2016
Aug. 10, 2016
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN  
Entity Central Index Key 0000862861  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jul. 02, 2016  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-02  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? No  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,950,818
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017