Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.1.9
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Jan. 03, 2015
Mar. 19, 2015
Jun. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN    
Entity Central Index Key 0000862861    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Jan. 03, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,800,818dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding  
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Public Float     $ 21.3dei_EntityPublicFloat