Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Mar. 10, 2012
Jul. 02, 2011
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN    
Entity Central Index Key 0000862861    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Public Float     $ 21,464,570
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,554,427  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY