| Cover Page | Dec. 10, 2020 | Nov. 04, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 10, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | ARC Document Solutions, Inc. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-32407 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-1700361 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 12657 Alcosta Blvd, Suite 200 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Ramon | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94583 | |
| City Area Code | (925) | |
| Local Phone Number | 949-5100 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | ARC | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001305168 |
