ALT5 Sigma (ALTS) 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	9-May-14
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'APPLIANCE RECYCLING CENTERS OF AMERICA INC /MN	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000862861	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	5,580,927

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,898		$1,948
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $27, for both periods	11,211		12,278
Inventories, net of reserves of $227 and $175, respectively	16,207		16,654
Income taxes receivable	79		82
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	1,069		622
Other current assets	523		523
Total current assets	31,987		32,107
Property and equipment, net	11,258		11,424
Restricted cash	500		500
Other assets	881		927
Deferred income taxes	20		21
Total assets	44,646	[1]	44,979	[1]
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	5,843		5,880
Accrued expenses	4,304		4,806
Line of credit	8,336		9,661
Current maturities of long-term obligations	1,122		1,131
Accrued Income Taxes, Current	587		0
Total current liabilities	20,192		21,478
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	5,302		5,447
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,092		1,092
Total liabilities	26,586	[1]	28,017	[1]
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Shareholders' equity:	'		'
Common Stock, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 5,581 shares and 5,571 shares, respectively	20,917		20,846
Accumulated deficit	-4,360		-5,331
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-545		-464
Total shareholders' equity	16,012		15,051
Noncontrolling interest	2,048		1,911
Total equity	18,060		16,962
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$44,646		$44,979
[1]	Assets of ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (AAP), our consolidated variable interest entity (VIE), that can only be used to settle obligations of AAP were $9,844 and $9,949 as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively. Liabilities of AAP for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. were $1,644 and $1,874 as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$27	$27
Inventories, reserves	227	175
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Common Stock, issued shares (in shares)	5,581	5,571
Common Stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	5,581	5,571
Assets of the consolidated variable interest entity	9,844	9,949
Liabilities of the consolidated variable interest entity	$1,644	$1,874

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'
Retail	$16,601	$18,059
Recycling	12,068	8,300
Byproduct	4,823	4,065
Total revenues	33,492	30,424
Costs of revenues	24,047	22,514
Gross profit	9,445	7,910
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,375	7,485
Operating income (loss)	2,070	425
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net	-241	-283
Other income (expense), net	-31	-13
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	1,798	129
Provision for income taxes	690	0
Net income (loss)	1,108	129
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-137	55
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	971	184
Income (loss) per common share:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.03
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	5,577	5,556
Diluted (in shares)	5,852	5,678
Net income (loss)	1,108	129
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	-81	-58
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-81	-58
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,027	71
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-137	55
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$890	$126

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	$1,108	$129
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	334	337
Share-based compensation	47	4
Amortization of deferred gain	-122	-121
Amortization of debt issuance costs	27	49
Other	1	16
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,061	-571
Inventories	447	2,879
Other current assets	-444	335
Other assets	0	-24
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-417	1,277
Income taxes payable	587	0
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	2,629	4,310
Investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-56	-45
Increase in restricted cash	0	-500
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	12	0
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-44	-545
Financing activities	'	'
Net payments under line of credit	-1,325	-2,790
Payments on debt obligations	-254	-205
Proceeds from issuance of debt obligations	0	80
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	24	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-42
Net cash flows used in financing activities	-1,555	-2,957
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	-80	-57
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	950	751
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,948	3,174
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,898	3,925
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information	'	'
Cash payments for interest	213	205
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds	103	1
Non-cash investing and financing activities	'	'
Equipment acquired under capital lease and other financing obligations	100	0
Accrued debt issuance costs related to amended credit agreement	$0	$98

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  We also sell new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart®.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture operating under the name ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America for interim financial information and Article 8 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, normal and recurring adjustments and accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation for the periods indicated have been included.  Operating results for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, are presented using 13-week periods.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year.
	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the year ended December 28, 2013, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014.
	Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.
	AAP is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with GE acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  GE sells its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to ARCA, which collects, processes and recycles the appliances.  The agreement requires that ARCA will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  AAP established a regional processing center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the agreement is for six years from the first date of appliance collection, which was March 31, 2010.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and has the exclusive rights to service the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity due to our contribution in excess of 50% of the total equity, subordinated debt and other forms of financial support. We have a controlling financial interest in AAP, through our contractual agreement with GE which is material to AAP and we have provided substantially all of the financial support to fund the operations of AAP since its inception.
	Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
	Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable:  Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
	Short- and long-term debt:  The fair value of short- and long-term debt approximates carrying value and has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.
	No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts.  In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of our Company.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Trade receivables:  We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $27 as of both March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss.
	Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	16,239		$	16,449
	Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	195			380
	Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(227		)	(175		)
		$	16,207		$	16,654
	We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.  A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded.
	Property and equipment:  Property and equipment consists of the following:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	1,140		$	1,140
	Buildings and improvements	3,271			3,273
	Equipment (including computer software)	20,666			20,561
	Projects under construction	72			63
		25,149			25,037
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(13,891		)	(13,613		)
		$	11,258		$	11,424
	Software development costs:  We capitalize software developed for internal use and are amortizing such costs over their estimated useful lives of three years.  Costs capitalized were $22 and $24 for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, respectively.
	Restricted cash:  Restricted cash consists of a reserve required by our bankcard processor to cover chargebacks, adjustments, fees and other charges that may be due from us.
	Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units, which varies based on the product sold.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary.
	Changes in our warranty accrual are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance	$	34		$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	6			11
	Actual costs incurred	(4		)	(4		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(6		)	(12		)
	Ending Balance	$	30		$	42
	Revenue recognition:  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize revenue generated from appliance replacement programs when we deliver the new appliance and collect and process the old appliance. The delivery, collection and processing activities under our replacement programs typically occur within one business day and are required to complete the earnings process; there are no other performance obligations. We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of certain types of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when all of the following requirements have been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  These requirements are met upon collection of cash due to the uncertainty around collectability and the involvement of various third parties and partners. We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which are recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.
	Retail segment cost of revenues:  Costs of revenues in our retail segment are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Purchase of appliance inventories, including freight to and from our distribution centers;
	•	Shipping, receiving and distribution of appliance inventories to our retail stores, including employee compensation and benefits;
	•	Delivery and service of appliances, including employee compensation and benefits, after the appliances are sold to the consumer;
	•	Early payment discounts and allowances offered by appliance manufacturers; and
	•	Inventory markdowns and shortages.
	Recycling segment cost of revenues: Costs of revenues in our recycling segment are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Transportation costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to collecting appliances for recycling and delivering appliances under our replacement programs;
	•	Purchase of appliance inventories, including freight to our recycling center warehouses, early payment discounts, and warehousing costs for appliances used in our replacement programs;
	•	Cost of recyclable appliances purchased under our GE contract; and
	•	Processing costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to recycling and processing appliances.
	Selling, general and administrative expenses:  Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Employee compensation and benefits related to management, corporate services, and retail sales;
	•	Outside and outsourced corporate service fees;
	•	Occupancy costs related to our retail stores and corporate office;
	•	Advertising costs;
	•	Bank charges and costs associated with credit and debit card interchange fees; and
	•	Other administrative costs, such as supplies, travel and lodging.
	Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected vesting period for share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock awards issued to all employees and members of the Board of Directors, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.  Based on these valuations, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $47 and $4 for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, respectively.
	Based on the value of options outstanding as of March 29, 2014, estimated future share-based compensation expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2014	190
	Fiscal year 2015	191
	Fiscal year 2016	113
	Fiscal year 2017	16
		$	510
	The estimate above does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
	Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable. We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to either recording or retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
	Comprehensive income (loss):  Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity.  Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.
	Basic and diluted income per share:  Basic income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued.  Potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock include unexercised stock options and warrants.  Basic per share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential Common Stock instruments unless their effect is anti-dilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share.  In calculating diluted weighted average shares and per share amounts, we included stock options and warrants with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective reporting periods in which they were dilutive, using the treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming the outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Stock at the average market price during the quarter.  For the three months ended March 29, 2014, we excluded 364 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 30, 2013, we excluded 556 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation as the effect of these options were anti-dilutive.
	A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:
	Three Months Ended
	March 29,			March 30,
	2014			2013
Numerator:
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	971		$	184
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic	5,577			5,556
Employee stock options	81			—
Stock warrants	194			122
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted	5,852			5,678
Income per share:
Basic	$	0.17		$	0.03
Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.03

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Variable Interest Entity	'
Variable Interest Entity	'
	Variable Interest Entity
	The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity due to our contribution in excess of 50% of the total equity, subordinated debt and other forms of financial support. We have a controlling financial interest in AAP through our contractual agreement with GE, which is material to AAP, and we have provided substantially all of the financial support to fund the operations of AAP since its inception.  The financial position and results of operations for AAP are reported in our recycling segment.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	1,072	$	1,099
	Property and equipment, net	8,638		8,713
	Other assets	134		137
	Total Assets	$	9,844	$	9,949
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	575	$	861
	Accrued expenses	223		202
	Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	788		797
	Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	3,736		3,796
	Other liabilities (a)	424		469
	Total Liabilities	$	5,746	$	6,125
	(a)          Other liabilities represent loans between ARCA and AAP that are eliminated in consolidation.
	The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Revenues	$	2,824	$	2,577
	Gross profit	890		316
	Operating income (loss)	342		(53		)
	Net income (loss)	274		(110		)

Other_Assets

Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Other assets as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Deposits	$	411	$	411
	Recycling contract, net	160		179
	Debt issuance costs, net	251		278
	Patent costs	21		21
	Goodwill	38		38
		$	881	$	927
	For the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, we recorded amortization expense of $19 and $20, respectively, related to our recycling contract. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, we recorded non-cash interest expense of $27 and $49, respectively, related to debt issuance costs.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and benefits	$	1,343	$	1,317
	Accrued incentive and rebate checks	461		461
	Accrued rent	862		1,121
	Warranty expense	30		34
	Accrued payables	227		437
	Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	244		365
	Deferred revenue	196		346
	Other	941		725
		$	4,304	$	4,806

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Line of Credit	'
	Line of Credit
	On January 24, 2011, we entered into a Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement, as amended, (“Revolving Credit Agreement”) with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) that provides us with a $15,000 revolving line of credit.  See Note 8 for further discussion regarding the Term Loan entered into with PNC.  The Revolving Credit Agreement has a stated maturity date of January 24, 2016, if not renewed.  The Revolving Credit Agreement includes a lockbox agreement and a subjective acceleration clause and as a result we have classified the revolving line of credit as a current liability.  The Revolving Credit Agreement is collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of our assets and PNC is also secured by an inventory repurchase agreement with Whirlpool Corporation for Whirlpool purchases only.  We also issued a $750 letter of credit in favor of Whirlpool Corporation.  The Revolving Credit Agreement requires starting with the fiscal quarter ending March 29, 2014, and continuing at the end of each quarter thereafter, that we meet a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0, measured on a trailing twelve-month basis.  The Revolving Credit Agreement limits investments we can purchase, the amount of other debt and leases we can incur, the amount of loans we can issue to our affiliates and the amount we can spend on fixed assets, along with prohibiting the payment of dividends. As of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	The interest rate on the revolving line of credit is PNC Base Rate plus 1.75%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 2.75%.  The PNC Base Rate shall mean, for any day, a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to the highest of (i) the interest rate per annum announced from time to time by PNC at its prime rate, (ii) the Federal Funds Open Rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points (1%).  As of March 29, 2014, the outstanding line of credit balance was $8,336 with a weighted average interest rate of 3.12%.  As of December 28, 2013, the outstanding line of credit balance was $9,661 with a weighted average interest rate of 4.27%, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.
	The amount of revolving borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement is based on a formula using accounts receivable and inventories.  We may not have access to the full $15,000 revolving line of credit due to the formula using accounts receivable and inventories, the amount of the letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation and the amount of outstanding loans between PNC and our AAP joint venture.  As of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $5,288 and $3,966, respectively.

Deferred_Gain

Deferred Gain	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Deferred Gain	'
	Deferred Gain
	In connection with the September 25, 2009, sale-leaseback of our St. Louis Park, Minnesota, building, we recorded a deferred gain of $2,436.  The deferred gain is being amortized over the initial lease period of five years. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, we amortized $122 and $121, respectively, of the deferred gain. The deferred gain amortization is netted against rent expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings	'
	Borrowings
	Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	PNC term loan	$	1,721	$	1,785
	Susquehanna term loans	3,678		3,783
	2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	374		381
	10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $13, including interest, due December 2014	111		147
	Capital leases and other financing obligations	540		482
		6,424		6,578
	Less current maturities	1,122		1,131
		$	5,302	$	5,447
	On January 24, 2011, we entered into a $2,550 Term Loan (“Term Loan”) with PNC Bank to refinance the mortgage on our California facility.  The Term Loan is payable as follows, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default or termination of the Revolving Credit Agreement: 119 consecutive monthly principal payments of $21 plus interest commencing on February 1, 2011, and continuing on the first day of each month thereafter followed by a 120th payment of all unpaid principal, interest and fees on February 1, 2021. If the Revolving Credit Agreement is not renewed, a balloon payment of $1,254 in principal plus interest and additional fees will be due on January 24, 2016. The Term Loan is collateralized with our California facility located in Compton, California. The interest rate is PNC Base Rate plus 2.25%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 3.25%. As of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, the weighted average interest rate was 3.67% and 5.50%, respectively, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.
	On March 10, 2011, ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC entered into three separate commercial term loans (“AAP Term Loans”) with Susquehanna Bank, pursuant to the guidelines of the U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Program.  The total amount of the AAP Term Loans is $4,750, split into three separate loans for $2,100; $1,400; and $1,250.  The AAP Term Loans mature in ten years and bear an interest rate of Prime plus 2.75%.  As of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, the interest rate was 6.00%.  Borrowings under the AAP Term Loans are secured by substantially all of the assets of AAP along with liens on the business assets and certain personal assets of the owners of 4301 Operations, LLC. We are a guarantor of the AAP Term Loans along with 4301 Operations, LLC and its owners.
	Capital leases and other financing obligations:  We acquire certain equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations.  The cost of the equipment was approximately $1,992 and $2,020 as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively.  Accumulated amortization as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, was approximately $1,624 and $1,630, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization expense is included in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Contracts:  We have entered into material contracts with three appliance manufacturers.  Under the agreements there are no minimum purchase commitments; however, we have agreed to indemnify the manufacturers for certain claims, allegations or losses with respect to appliances we sell.
	Litigation:  We are party from time to time to ordinary course disputes that we do not believe to be material or have merit.  We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these ordinary course disputes.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Our overall effective tax rate, based on projected full-year taxable income, was 42% and 0% for the three months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013. The higher tax rate is attributable to the use of a net operating loss with a corresponding valuation allowance in the quarter ended March 30, 2013. The effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate of 34% due primarily to the impact of state taxes and share-based compensation.
	We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.  The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon sufficient future taxable income during the periods when deductible temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be available to reduce taxable income. We have concluded based on the weight of negative evidence that a valuation allowance should be maintained against certain deferred tax assets that we do not expect to utilize as of March 29, 2014.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Stock options:  The 2011 Stock Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”) authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms: (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, and (iii) other share-based awards, including but not limited to restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares and expires on the earlier of May 12, 2021, or the date that all shares reserved under the 2011 Plan are issued or no longer available.
	The 2011 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 700 shares of Common Stock pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan.  Options granted to employees typically vest over two to three years while grants to non-employee directors vest in six months.  As of March 29, 2014, 497 options were outstanding under the 2011 Plan.  Our 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan”) expired on June 30, 2011, but the options outstanding under the 2006 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of March 29, 2014, 381 options were outstanding under the 2006 Plan.  Our Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) has expired, but the options outstanding under the expired 1997 Plan continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.  As of March 29, 2014, options to purchase an aggregate of 8 shares were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.
	During the first quarter of 2014, we granted 130 stock options from our 2011 Plan with exercise prices ranging from $2.89 per share to $3.00 per share, a vesting period of 36 months and weighted average fair values ranging from $2.21 per share to $2.30 per share.
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during the first quarter of 2014 using the Black-Scholes Model:
	Expected dividend yield	—
	Expected stock price volatility	86.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%
	Expected life of options (years)	7
	Stock warrants:  As of March 29, 2014, we had 278 warrants outstanding that were fully vested and have exercise prices ranging from $0.73 per share to $3.55 per share, which begin to expire in October 2019.
	Preferred Stock:  Our amended Articles of Incorporation authorize two million shares of Preferred Stock that may be issued from time to time in one or more series having such rights, powers, preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may determine.  To date no such preferred shares have been issued.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We operate within targeted markets through two reportable segments: retail and recycling.  The retail segment is comprised of income generated through our ApplianceSmart stores, which includes appliance sales and byproduct revenues from collected appliances.  The recycling segment includes all fees charged and costs incurred for collecting, recycling and installing appliances for utilities and other customers and includes byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances. We have included the results from consolidating AAP in our recycling segment.  The nature of products, services and customers for both segments varies significantly.  As such, the segments are managed separately.  Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”).  The CODM evaluates performance and allocates resources based on revenues and income from operations of each segment.  Income from operations represents revenues less cost of revenues and operating expenses, including certain allocated selling, general and administrative costs.  There are no inter-segment sales or transfers.
	The following tables present our segment information for periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	16,937		$	18,321
	Recycling	16,555			12,103
	Total revenues	$	33,492		$	30,424
	Operating income (loss):
	Retail	$	103		$	(182	)
	Recycling	2,127			792
	Unallocated corporate	(160		)	(185		)
	Total operating income	$	2,070		$	425
	Assets:
	Retail	$	22,707		$	19,227
	Recycling	17,230			15,010
	Corporate assets not allocable	4,709			5,967
	Total assets	$	44,646		$	40,204
	Cash capital expenditures:
	Retail	$	—		$	—
	Recycling	4			2
	Corporate assets not allocable	52			43
	Total cash capital expenditures	$	56		$	45
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Retail	$	43		$	53
	Recycling	210			194
	Unallocated corporate	81			90
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	334		$	337
	Interest expense:
	Retail	$	65		$	112
	Recycling	92			91
	Unallocated corporate	84			80
	Total interest expense	$	241		$	283

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of business and basis of presentation	'
	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and subsidiaries (“we,” the “Company” or “ARCA”) are in the business of providing turnkey appliance recycling and replacement services for electric utilities and other sponsors of energy efficiency programs.  We also sell new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned stores under the name ApplianceSmart®.  In addition, we have a 50% interest in a joint venture operating under the name ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (“AAP”), which recycles appliances from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States for General Electric Company (“GE”) acting through its GE Appliances business component.  These appliances include units manufactured by GE as well as by other manufacturers.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America for interim financial information and Article 8 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, normal and recurring adjustments and accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation for the periods indicated have been included.  Operating results for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, are presented using 13-week periods.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year.
	These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto for the year ended December 28, 2013, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014.
Principles of consolidation	'
	Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. and our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	ApplianceSmart, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed through a corporate reorganization in July 2011 to hold our business of selling new major household appliances through a chain of Company-owned retail stores.  ARCA Canada Inc., a Canadian corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in September 2006 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility energy efficiency programs.  ARCA Recycling, Inc., a California corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary that was formed in November 1991 to provide turnkey recycling services for electric utility efficiency programs.  The operating results of our wholly owned subsidiaries are consolidated in our financial statements.
	AAP is a joint venture that was formed in October 2009 between ARCA and 4301 Operations, LLC (“4301”) to support ARCA’s agreement, as amended, with GE acting through its GE Appliances business component.  Both ARCA and 4301 have a 50% interest in AAP.  GE sells its recyclable appliances generated from twelve states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States to ARCA, which collects, processes and recycles the appliances.  The agreement requires that ARCA will only recycle, and will not sell for re-use or resale, the recyclable appliances purchased from GE.  AAP established a regional processing center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at which the recyclable appliances are processed.  The term of the agreement is for six years from the first date of appliance collection, which was March 31, 2010.  AAP commenced operations in February 2010 and has the exclusive rights to service the GE agreement as a subcontractor for ARCA.  The financial position and results of operations of AAP are consolidated in our financial statements based on our conclusion that AAP is a variable interest entity due to our contribution in excess of 50% of the total equity, subordinated debt and other forms of financial support. We have a controlling financial interest in AAP, through our contractual agreement with GE which is material to AAP and we have provided substantially all of the financial support to fund the operations of AAP since its inception.
Fair value of financial instruments	'
	Fair value of financial instruments:  The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
	Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable:  Due to their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value.
	Short- and long-term debt:  The fair value of short- and long-term debt approximates carrying value and has been estimated based on discounted cash flows using interest rates being offered for similar debt having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.
	No separate comparison of fair values versus carrying values is presented for the aforementioned financial instruments since their fair values are not significantly different than their balance sheet carrying amounts.  In addition, the aggregate fair values of the financial instruments would not represent the underlying value of our Company.
Trade receivables	'
	Trade receivables:  We carry unsecured trade receivables at the original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a monthly review of all outstanding amounts.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  We write off trade receivables when we deem them uncollectible.  We record recoveries of trade receivables previously written off when we receive them.  We consider a trade receivable to be past due if any portion of the receivable balance is outstanding for more than ninety days.  We do not charge interest on past due receivables.  Our management considers the allowance for doubtful accounts of $27 as of both March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss.
Inventories	'
	Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	16,239		$	16,449
	Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	195			380
	Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(227		)	(175		)
		$	16,207		$	16,654
	We provide estimated provisions for the obsolescence of our appliance inventories, including adjustments to market, based on various factors, including the age of such inventory and our management’s assessment of the need for such provisions.  We look at historical inventory agings and margin analysis in determining our provision estimate.  A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded.
Software development costs	'
	Software development costs:  We capitalize software developed for internal use and are amortizing such costs over their estimated useful lives of three years.  Costs capitalized were $22 and $24 for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, respectively.
Restricted cash	'
	Restricted cash:  Restricted cash consists of a reserve required by our bankcard processor to cover chargebacks, adjustments, fees and other charges that may be due from us.
Product warranty	'
	Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective units, which varies based on the product sold.  Our standard warranty policy requires us to repair or replace certain defective units at no cost to our customers.  We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty and record an accrual in the amount of such costs at the time we recognize product revenue.  Factors that affect our warranty accrual for covered units include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims on these units, and the cost of such claims.  We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty accrual and adjust the amounts as necessary.
	Changes in our warranty accrual are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance	$	34		$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	6			11
	Actual costs incurred	(4		)	(4		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(6		)	(12		)
	Ending Balance	$	30		$	42
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue recognition:  We recognize revenue from appliance sales in the period the consumer purchases and pays for the appliance, net of an allowance for estimated returns.  We recognize revenue from appliance recycling when we collect and process a unit.  We recognize revenue generated from appliance replacement programs when we deliver the new appliance and collect and process the old appliance. The delivery, collection and processing activities under our replacement programs typically occur within one business day and are required to complete the earnings process; there are no other performance obligations. We recognize byproduct revenue upon shipment.  We recognize revenue on extended warranties with retained service obligations on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty.  On extended warranty arrangements that we sell but others service for a fixed portion of the warranty sales price, we recognize revenue for the net amount retained at the time of sale of the extended warranty to the consumer.  As a result of our recycling processes, we are able to produce carbon offsets from the destruction of certain types of ozone-depleting refrigerants.  We record revenue from the sale of carbon offsets in the period when all of the following requirements have been met: (i) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (ii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, (iii) title, ownership and risk of loss associated with the credits have been transferred to the customer, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.  These requirements are met upon collection of cash due to the uncertainty around collectability and the involvement of various third parties and partners. We include shipping and handling charges to customers in revenue, which are recognized in the period the consumer purchases and pays for delivery.
Retail segment cost of revenues and Recycling segment cost of revenues	'
	Recycling segment cost of revenues: Costs of revenues in our recycling segment are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Transportation costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to collecting appliances for recycling and delivering appliances under our replacement programs;
	•	Purchase of appliance inventories, including freight to our recycling center warehouses, early payment discounts, and warehousing costs for appliances used in our replacement programs;
	•	Cost of recyclable appliances purchased under our GE contract; and
	•	Processing costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to recycling and processing appliances.
	Retail segment cost of revenues:  Costs of revenues in our retail segment are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Purchase of appliance inventories, including freight to and from our distribution centers;
	•	Shipping, receiving and distribution of appliance inventories to our retail stores, including employee compensation and benefits;
	•	Delivery and service of appliances, including employee compensation and benefits, after the appliances are sold to the consumer;
	•	Early payment discounts and allowances offered by appliance manufacturers; and
	•	Inventory markdowns and shortages.
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'
	Selling, general and administrative expenses:  Selling, general and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of the following:
	•	Employee compensation and benefits related to management, corporate services, and retail sales;
	•	Outside and outsourced corporate service fees;
	•	Occupancy costs related to our retail stores and corporate office;
	•	Advertising costs;
	•	Bank charges and costs associated with credit and debit card interchange fees; and
	•	Other administrative costs, such as supplies, travel and lodging.
Share-based compensation	'
	Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected vesting period for share-based awards granted.  We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of awards at the grant date.  We calculate the expected volatility for stock awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock awards issued to all employees and members of the Board of Directors, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life represents the period that the stock awards are expected to be outstanding.  The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our Common Stock.  Based on these valuations, we recognized share-based compensation expense of $47 and $4 for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013, respectively.
	Based on the value of options outstanding as of March 29, 2014, estimated future share-based compensation expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2014	190
	Fiscal year 2015	191
	Fiscal year 2016	113
	Fiscal year 2017	16
		$	510
	The estimate above does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Income taxes	'
	Income taxes:  We account for income taxes under the liability method.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years.  Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amounts we believe to be realizable. We regularly evaluate both positive and negative evidence related to either recording or retaining a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
Comprehensive income (loss)	'
	Comprehensive income (loss):  Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity.  Our other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.
Basic and diluted income per share	'
	Basic and diluted income per share:  Basic income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued.  Potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock include unexercised stock options and warrants.  Basic per share amounts are computed, generally, by dividing net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential Common Stock instruments unless their effect is anti-dilutive, thereby reducing the loss or increasing the income per common share.  In calculating diluted weighted average shares and per share amounts, we included stock options and warrants with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective reporting periods in which they were dilutive, using the treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming the outstanding stock options were exercised and that the proceeds from such exercises were used to acquire Common Stock at the average market price during the quarter.  For the three months ended March 29, 2014, we excluded 364 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 30, 2013, we excluded 556 options and warrants from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding calculation as the effect of these options were anti-dilutive.
	A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	971		$	184
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding — basic	5,577			5,556
	Employee stock options	81			—
	Stock warrants	194			122
	Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted	5,852			5,678
	Income per share:
	Basic	$	0.17		$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.03

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	'
	Based on the value of options outstanding as of March 29, 2014, estimated future share-based compensation expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2014	190
	Fiscal year 2015	191
	Fiscal year 2016	113
	Fiscal year 2017	16
		$	510
Schedule of inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market	'
	Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	16,239		$	16,449
	Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	195			380
	Less provision for inventory obsolescence	(227		)	(175		)
		$	16,207		$	16,654
Schedule of property and equipment	'
	Property and equipment:  Property and equipment consists of the following:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	1,140		$	1,140
	Buildings and improvements	3,271			3,273
	Equipment (including computer software)	20,666			20,561
	Projects under construction	72			63
		25,149			25,037
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(13,891		)	(13,613		)
		$	11,258		$	11,424
Schedule of warranty accrual	'
	Changes in our warranty accrual are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance	$	34		$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	6			11
	Actual costs incurred	(4		)	(4		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(6		)	(12		)
	Ending Balance	$	30		$	42
Schedule of reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share	'
	A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income or loss per share is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	971		$	184
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding — basic	5,577			5,556
	Employee stock options	81			—
	Stock warrants	194			122
	Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted	5,852			5,678
	Income per share:
	Basic	$	0.17		$	0.03
	Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.03

Variable_Interest_Entity_Table

Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Variable Interest Entity	'
Summary of assets and liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	1,072	$	1,099
	Property and equipment, net	8,638		8,713
	Other assets	134		137
	Total Assets	$	9,844	$	9,949
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	575	$	861
	Accrued expenses	223		202
	Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	788		797
	Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	3,736		3,796
	Other liabilities (a)	424		469
	Total Liabilities	$	5,746	$	6,125
Summary of operating results	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for the three months ended March 29, 2014, and March 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Revenues	$	2,824	$	2,577
	Gross profit	890		316
	Operating income (loss)	342		(53		)
	Net income (loss)	274		(110		)

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of other assets	'
	Other assets as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Deposits	$	411	$	411
	Recycling contract, net	160		179
	Debt issuance costs, net	251		278
	Patent costs	21		21
	Goodwill	38		38
		$	881	$	927

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accrued expenses	'
	Accrued expenses as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and benefits	$	1,343	$	1,317
	Accrued incentive and rebate checks	461		461
	Accrued rent	862		1,121
	Warranty expense	30		34
	Accrued payables	227		437
	Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	244		365
	Deferred revenue	196		346
	Other	941		725
		$	4,304	$	4,806

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations	'
	Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	PNC term loan	$	1,721	$	1,785
	Susquehanna term loans	3,678		3,783
	2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	374		381
	10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $13, including interest, due December 2014	111		147
	Capital leases and other financing obligations	540		482
		6,424		6,578
	Less current maturities	1,122		1,131
		$	5,302	$	5,447

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholder's Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during the first quarter of 2014 using the Black-Scholes Model:
	Expected dividend yield	—
	Expected stock price volatility	86.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1	%
	Expected life of options (years)	7

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment information	'
	The following tables present our segment information for periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2014			2013
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	16,937		$	18,321
	Recycling	16,555			12,103
	Total revenues	$	33,492		$	30,424
	Operating income (loss):
	Retail	$	103		$	(182	)
	Recycling	2,127			792
	Unallocated corporate	(160		)	(185		)
	Total operating income	$	2,070		$	425
	Assets:
	Retail	$	22,707		$	19,227
	Recycling	17,230			15,010
	Corporate assets not allocable	4,709			5,967
	Total assets	$	44,646		$	40,204
	Cash capital expenditures:
	Retail	$	—		$	—
	Recycling	4			2
	Corporate assets not allocable	52			43
	Total cash capital expenditures	$	56		$	45
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Retail	$	43		$	53
	Recycling	210			194
	Unallocated corporate	81			90
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	334		$	337
	Interest expense:
	Retail	$	65		$	112
	Recycling	92			91
	Unallocated corporate	84			80
	Total interest expense	$	241		$	283

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o1

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
	W
	state
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
Interest in a joint venture (as a percent)	50.00%
Number of States in which Entity Operates	12
Number of weeks reflected in operating results	13
Term of contractual agreement between GE and the entity	'6 years
4301	'
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
Interest in a joint venture (as a percent)	50.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Trade receivables	'	'
Trade receivable period to be recognized	'90 days	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$27	$27

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories	'	'
Appliances held for resale	$16,239	$16,449
Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	195	380
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	-227	-175
Inventory, Net	$16,207	$16,654

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Land

Land

Buildings and improvements

Buildings and improvements

Equipment (including computer software)

Equipment (including computer software)

Projects under construction

Projects under construction

Software development costs

Software development costs

Property and equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property plant and equipment, gross

$25,149

$25,037

$1,140

$1,140

$3,271

$3,273

$20,666

$20,561

$72

$63

'

'

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

-13,891

-13,613

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property plant and equipment, net

11,258

11,424

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

Costs capitalized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$22

$24

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Changes in warranty accrual	'	'
Beginning Balance	$34	$47
Standard accrual based on units sold	6	11
Actual costs incurred	-4	-4
Periodic accrual adjustments	-6	-12
Ending Balance	$30	$42

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated forfeiture rate, minimum (as a percent)	0.00%	'
Estimated forfeiture rate, maximum (as a percent)	5.00%	'
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	'
Share-based compensation expense recognized	$47	$4
Fiscal year 2014	190	'
Fiscal year 2015	191	'
Fiscal year 2016	113	'
Fiscal year 2017	16	'
Total	$510	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie8

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Basic and diluted income per share	'	'
Options and warrants excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	364	556
Numerator:	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$971	$184
Denominator:	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	5,577	5,556
Employee stock options (in shares)	81	0
Stock warrants (in shares)	194	122
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	5,852	5,678
Income per share:	'	'
Basic (loss) (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.03
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.17	$0.03

Variable_Interest_Entity_Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets	'		'	'
Current assets	$31,987		'	$32,107
Property and equipment, net	11,258		'	11,424
Other assets	881		'	927
Total	9,844		'	9,949
Liabilities	'		'	'
Accounts payable	5,843		'	5,880
Accrued expenses	4,304		'	4,806
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	1,122		'	1,131
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	5,302		'	5,447
Total	1,644		'	1,874
Operating results of AAP	'		'	'
Revenues	33,492		30,424	'
Gross profit (loss)	9,445		7,910	'
Operating income (loss)	2,070		425	'
Net income (loss)	1,108		129	'
AAP	'		'	'
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets	'		'	'
Current assets	1,072		'	1,099
Property and equipment, net	8,638		'	8,713
Other assets	134		'	137
Total	9,844		'	9,949
Liabilities	'		'	'
Accounts payable	575		'	861
Accrued expenses	223		'	202
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	788		'	797
Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	3,736		'	3,796
Other liabilities	424	[1]	'	469	[1]
Total	5,746		'	6,125
Operating results of AAP	'		'	'
Revenues	2,824		2,577	'
Gross profit (loss)	890		316	'
Operating income (loss)	342		-53	'
Net income (loss)	$274		($110)	'
[1]	Other liabilities represent loans between ARCA and AAP that are eliminated in consolidation.

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$38	'	$38
Deposits	411	'	411
Recycling contract, net	160	'	179
Debt issuance costs, net	251	'	278
Patent costs	21	'	21
Total	881	'	927
Amortization expense related to recycling contract	19	20	'
Non-cash interest expense related to debt issuance costs	27	49	'
Payment of debt issuance costs	$0	$42	'

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Compensation and benefits	$1,343	$1,317	'	'
Accrued incentive and rebate checks	461	461	'	'
Accrued rent	862	1,121	'	'
Warranty expense	30	34	42	47
Accrued payables	227	437	'	'
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	244	365	'	'
Deferred revenue	196	346	'	'
Other	941	725	'	'
Total	$4,304	$4,806	'	'

Line_of_Credit_Details

Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Line of Credit	'	'
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit	'one-month LIBOR rate	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement	$8,336,000	$9,661,000
Revolving line of credit | PNC	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Amount of revolving line of credit	15,000,000	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1	'
Trailing period for measurement of fixed charge coverage ratio (in months)	'12 months	'
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	1.75%	'
Outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement	8,336,000	9,661,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	3.12%	4.27%
Available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement	5,288,000	3,966,000
Revolving line of credit | PNC | Base Rate	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit	'PNC Base Rate	'
Revolving line of credit | PNC | LIBOR Rate	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit	'1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate	'
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.75%	'
Revolving line of credit | PNC | Federal Funds Open Rate	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit	'Federal Funds Open Rate	'
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	0.50%	'
Revolving line of credit | PNC | One month LIBOR rate	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	1.00%	'
Letter of credit | PNC	'	'
Line of Credit	'	'
Letter of credit issued in favor of Whirlpool Corporation	$750,000	'

Deferred_Gain_Details

Deferred Gain (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred gain of sale-leaseback transaction	$2,436	'
Initial lease period for amortization of deferred gain (in years)	'5 years	'
Amortization of deferred gain	$122	$121

Borrowings_Details

Borrowings (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2011

Jan. 30, 2011

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 30, 2011

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 29, 2014

Mar. 30, 2011

Mar. 30, 2011

Mar. 30, 2011

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Mar. 29, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

AAP

AAP

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment

Debt instrument term loan one

Debt instrument term loan two

Debt instrument term loan three

2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment

2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment

10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014

10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014

Capital leases and other financing obligations

Capital leases and other financing obligations

PNC

PNC

PNC

PNC

Base Rate

Base Rate, Condition One

LIBOR Rate

Susquehanna Bank

Susquehanna Bank

Base Rate

Prime

Susquehanna Bank

Susquehanna Bank

Susquehanna Bank

payment

PNC

PNC

PNC

AAP

AAP

Susquehanna Bank

Susquehanna Bank

AAP

AAP

AAP

loan

AAP

AAP

Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Document Period End Date

29-Mar-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations

$6,424,000

$6,578,000

'

'

$1,721,000

$1,785,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,678,000

$3,783,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$374,000

$381,000

$111,000

$147,000

$540,000

$482,000

Less current maturities

1,122,000

1,131,000

788,000

797,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations, less current maturities

5,302,000

5,447,000

3,736,000

3,796,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

10.00%

'

'

'

Monthly installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000

'

13,000

'

'

'

Balloon Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,254,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,750,000

'

'

'

2,100,000

1,400,000

1,250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of consecutive monthly principal payments plus interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

119

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

'one-month LIBOR rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'PNC Base Rate

'

'1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'Prime

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate margin (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

3.25%

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.67%

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of separate commercial term loans entered into during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term Loans maturity period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases and other financing obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of equipment acquired under capital leases and other financing obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,992,000

2,020,000

Accumulated amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,624,000

$1,630,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Mar. 29, 2014
	manufacturer
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Number of appliance manufacturers that have material contracts with the Company	3

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective tax rate	42.00%	0.00%
Statutory rate	34.00%	'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Oct. 21, 2009	Oct. 21, 2009
		2011 Plan	Stock options	Stock options	Stock options	Stock options	Stock options	Minimum [Member]	Maximum	Warrant [Member]	Warrant [Member]
				2011 Plan	2011 Plan	2006 Plan	1997 Plan	Stock options	Stock options	Minimum [Member]	Maximum
					Director			2011 Plan	2011 Plan
								Employees	Employees
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2.89	$3	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2.21	$2.30	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	'	0.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares of common stock which can be issued	'	700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'	'6 months	'	'	'2 years	'3 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	'	'	'	130,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	497,000	'	381,000	8,000	'	'	'	'
Warrants outstanding	$278	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise price of warrants	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.73	3.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	'	'	86.50%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	'	'	2.10%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'	'	'7 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details_2

Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)	Mar. 29, 2014
Preferred Stock	'
Number of authorized shares of preferred stock	2,000,000

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014		Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
	segment
Segment Information	'		'	'
Revenues	$33,492		$30,424	'
Operating income (loss)	2,070		425	'
Assets	44,646	[1]	40,204	44,979	[1]
Cash capital expenditures	56		45	'
Depreciation and amortization	334		337	'
Interest Expense	241		283	'
Interest Expense	-241		-283	'
Number of reportable segments	2		'	'
Retail	'		'	'
Segment Information	'		'	'
Revenues	16,937		18,321	'
Operating income (loss)	103		-182	'
Assets	22,707		19,227	'
Cash capital expenditures	0		0	'
Depreciation and amortization	43		53	'
Interest Expense	65		112	'
Recycling	'		'	'
Segment Information	'		'	'
Revenues	16,555		12,103	'
Operating income (loss)	2,127		792	'
Assets	17,230		15,010	'
Cash capital expenditures	4		2	'
Depreciation and amortization	210		194	'
Interest Expense	92		91	'
Unallocated corporate	'		'	'
Segment Information	'		'	'
Operating income (loss)	-160		-185	'
Assets	4,709		5,967	'
Cash capital expenditures	52		43	'
Depreciation and amortization	81		90	'
Interest Expense	$84		$80	'
[1]	Assets of ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC (AAP), our consolidated variable interest entity (VIE), that can only be used to settle obligations of AAP were $9,844 and $9,949 as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively. Liabilities of AAP for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. were $1,644 and $1,874 as of March 29, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively.