ALT5 Sigma (ALTS) 10-K 30 Mar 15 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	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	862861
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-16
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	3-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,800,818
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$21.30

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,523	$1,948
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $27 and $8, respectively	10,954	12,278
Inventories, net of reserves of $175 and $682, respectively	16,113	16,654
Income taxes receivable	709	82
Other current assets	1,096	622
Deferred income tax assets	1,868	1,593
Total current assets	34,263	33,177
Property and equipment, net	11,761	11,424
Restricted cash	0	500
Other assets	708	927
Deferred income tax assets	14	21
Total assets	46,746	46,049
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,380	5,880
Accrued expenses	7,218	6,971
Line of credit	9,237	9,661
Current maturities of long-term obligations	1,138	1,131
Total current liabilities	23,973	23,643
Long-term obligations, less current maturities	5,118	5,447
Other liabilities	369	518
Deferred tax income liabilities	1,048	1,092
Total liabilities	30,508	30,700
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common Stock, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 5,571 shares and 5,556 shares, respectively	21,137	20,846
Accumulated deficit	-6,173	-6,944
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-661	-464
Total shareholders' equity	14,303	13,438
Noncontrolling interest	1,935	1,911
Total equity	16,238	15,349
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$46,746	$46,049

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$106	$27
Inventories, reserves	190	175
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Common Stock, issued shares (in shares)	5,788	5,571
Common Stock, outstanding shares (in shares)	5,788	5,571
Assets of the consolidated variable interest entity	9,814	9,949
Liabilities of the consolidated variable interest entity	$2,338	$1,874

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Revenues:
Retail	$67,023	$68,556
Recycling	45,914	41,002
Byproduct	17,993	18,320
Total revenues	130,930	127,878
Costs of revenues	98,120	95,187
Gross profit	32,810	32,691
Selling, general and administrative expenses	30,259	29,295
Operating income (loss)	2,551	3,396
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	-996	-1,252
Other expense, net	-46	-90
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	1,509	2,054
Provision for income taxes	714	-1,408
Net income (loss)	795	3,462
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-24	-315
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	771	3,147
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	5,676	5,562
Diluted (in shares)	5,780	5,742
Net income (loss)	795	3,462
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments	-197	-174
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-197	-174
Comprehensive income (loss)	598	3,288
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-24	-315
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$574	$2,973

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 29, 2012	$11,792	$20,577	($290)	($10,091)	$1,596
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Dec. 29, 2012		5,556
Net income (loss)	3,462			3,147	315
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-174		-174
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)		15
Issuance of Common Stock	36	36
Share-based compensation	233	233
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 28, 2013	15,349	20,846	-464	-6,944	1,911
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Dec. 28, 2013	5,571	5,571
Net income (loss)	795			771	24
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-197		-197
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)		217
Issuance of Common Stock	24	24
Share-based compensation	267	267
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Jan. 03, 2015	$16,238	$21,137	($661)	($6,173)	$1,935
Balance, Common Stock in Shares at Jan. 03, 2015	5,788	5,788

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$795	$3,462
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,355	1,369
Share-based compensation	267	233
Amortization of deferred financing costs	104	131
Amortization of deferred gain	-365	-488
Reversal of deferred income tax valuation allowance	0	-2,150
Deferred income taxes	-313	583
Other	82	83
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,232	-6,018
Inventories	541	620
Income taxes receivable	-627	440
Other current assets	-474	711
Other assets	35	-34
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	963	2,798
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	3,595	1,740
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-818	-501
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	500	-500
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	16	10
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-302	-991
Financing activities
Net borrowings (payments) under line of credit	-424	-898
Payments on debt obligations	-1,123	-1,032
Proceeds from issuance of debt obligations	0	220
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	-129
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	24	36
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities	-1,523	-1,803
Effect of changes in exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	-195	-172
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,575	-1,226
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,948
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,523	1,948
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash payments for interest	885	966
Cash payments (refunds) for income taxes	1,660	-274
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Equipment acquired under financing obligations and capital leases	$801	$78

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block]	Restatement of Prior Period Financial Statements
	The Company has restated its previously reported consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 28, 2013 in order to correct certain previously reported amounts.
	As previously disclosed, the California Board of Equalization (“BOE”) is conducting a sales and use tax examination covering the California operations of Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (the “Company”) for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company believed it was exempt from collecting sales taxes under service agreements with utility customers that included appliance replacement programs. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company received communication from the BOE indicating they are not in agreement with the Company’s interpretation of the law. As a result, the Company applied for and, as of February 9, 2015, received approval to participate in the California Board of Equalization’s Managed Audit Program. The period covered under this program includes 2011, 2012, 2013 and extends through the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014. At this time, our best estimate of the amount that will be assessed by the BOE covering all periods under audit is approximately $3.9 million ($2.4 million net of income taxes) in sales tax and interest related to the appliance replacement programs that we administered on behalf of our customers on which we did not assess, collect or remit sales tax. Sales taxes accrued related to the restatement are recorded as a reduction of recycling revenues. The Company has been working with outside consultants to arrive at our assessment estimate and will continue to engage the services of these sales tax experts throughout the Managed Audit Program process. The sales tax amounts that we will likely be assessed relate to transactions in the period under examination by the BOE. Such assessment, however, will be subject to protest and appeal, and would not need to be funded until the matter has been fully resolved. Resolution could take up to three years.
	The following is a summary of the impact of the correction of the sales tax error for periods previously reported during the quarters in the years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, including the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-14			28-Jun-14			27-Sep-14
	Reduction of revenues	$	(384	)	$	(378	)	(405		)
	Increase in interest expense	(20		)	(23		)	(25		)
	Benefit of income taxes	161			160			172
	Total effect of restatement items	$	(243	)	$	(241	)	$	(258	)
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-14						28-Jun-14						27-Sep-14
		As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	16,601		$	16,601		$	17,461		$	17,461		$	16,712		$	16,712
	Recycling	12,068			11,684			11,539			11,161			12,238			11,833
	Byproduct	4,823			4,823			4,211			4,211			4,682			4,682
	Total revenues	33,492			33,108			33,211			32,833			33,632			33,227
	Costs of revenues	24,047			24,047			24,707			24,707			24,937			24,937
	Gross profit	9,445			9,061			8,504			8,126			8,695			8,290
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,375			7,375			7,296			7,296			7,612			7,612
	Operating income	2,070			1,686			1,208			830			1,083			678
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net	(241		)	(261		)	(205		)	(228		)	(194		)	(219		)
	Other income (expense), net	(31		)	(31		)	43			43			(67		)	(67		)
	Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	1,798			1,394			1,046			645			822			392
	Provision for income taxes	690			529			462			302			317			145
	Net income	1,108			865			584			343			505			247
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(137		)	(137		)	8			8			51			51
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	971		$	728		$	592		$	351		$	556		$	298
	Income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.17		$	0.13		$	0.11		$	0.06		$	0.1		$	0.05
	Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.12		$	0.1		$	0.06		$	0.09		$	0.05
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	5,577			5,577			5,581			5,581			5,749			5,749
	Diluted	5,852			5,852			5,892			5,892			5,869			5,869
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-13			29-Jun-13			28-Sep-13			28-Dec-13
	Reduction of revenues	$	(280	)	$	(319	)	(300		)	(284		)
	Increase in interest expense	(11		)	(13		)	(16		)	(18		)
	Benefit of income taxes	—			—			—			1,070
	Total effect of restatement items	$	(291	)	$	(332	)	$	(316	)	$	768
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-13						29-Jun-13						28-Sep-13						28-Dec-13
		As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	18,059		$	18,059		$	17,801		$	17,801		$	17,018		$	17,018		$	15,678		$	15,678
	Recycling	8,300			8,020			10,260			9,941			11,823			11,523			11,802			11,518
	Byproduct	4,065			4,065			4,212			4,212			4,697			4,697			5,346			5,346
	Total revenues	30,424			30,144			32,273			31,954			33,538			33,238			32,826			32,542
	Costs of revenues	22,514			22,514			23,778			23,778			24,445			24,445			24,450			24,450
	Gross profit	7,910			7,630			8,495			8,176			9,093			8,793			8,376			8,092
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,485			7,485			7,295			7,295			7,291			7,291			7,224			7,224
	Operating income	425			145			1,200			881			1,802			1,502			1,152			868
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net	(283		)	(294		)	(322		)	(335		)	(320		)	(336		)	(269		)	(287		)
	Other income (expense), net	(13		)	(13		)	(7		)	(7		)	7			7			(77		)	(77		)
	Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	129			(162		)	871			539			1,489			1,173			806			504
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—			—			145			145			227			227			(710		)	(1,780		)
	Net income (loss)	129			(162		)	726			394			1,262			946			1,516			2,284
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	55			55			42			42			(128		)	(128		)	(284		)	(284		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	184		$	(107	)	$	768		$	436		$	1,134		$	818		$	1,232		$	2,000
	Income (loss) per common share:
	Basic	$	0.03		$	(0.02	)	$	0.14		$	0.08		$	0.2		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.36
Diluted	$	0.03		$	(0.02	)	$	0.13		$	0.08		$	0.2		$	0.14		$	0.21		$	0.34
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	5,556			5,556			5,556			5,556			5,564			5,564			5,571			5,571
Diluted	5,678			5,556			5,709			5,709			5,777			5,777			5,847			5,847
	Year Ended
	28-Dec-13
Reduction of revenues	$	(1,183	)
Increase in interest expense	(58		)
Benefit of income taxes	1,070
Total effect of restatement items	$	(171	)
	Year Ended
	28-Dec-13
	As previously reported			Restated
Revenues:
Retail	$	68,556		$	68,556
Recycling	42,185			41,002
Byproduct	18,320			18,320
Total revenues	129,061			127,878
Costs of revenues	95,187			95,187
Gross profit	33,874			32,691
Selling, general and administrative expenses	29,295			29,295
Operating income	4,579			3,396
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1,194		)	(1,252		)
Other income (expense), net	(90		)	(90		)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	3,295			2,054
Benefit from income taxes	(338		)	(1,408		)
Net income	3,633			3,462
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(315		)	(315		)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	3,318		$	3,147
Income per common share:
Basic	$	0.6		$	0.57
Diluted	$	0.58		$	0.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	5,562			5,562
Diluted	5,742			5,742
The following table sets forth the corrections to each of the individual line items affected in the consolidated balance sheet:
	December 28, 2013
	As previously reported			Error correction			Restated
Current deferred tax asset	$	523		$	1,070		1,593
Accrued expenses	$	4,288		$	2,683		6,971
Accumulated deficit	$	(5,331	)	$	(1,613	)	$	(6,944	)
The following table sets forth the $1,442 correction to the accumulated deficit at December 29, 2012 that resulted from the correction of the sales tax errors for fiscal 2011 and 2012 of $878 and $564, respectively:
	29-Dec-12
	As previously reported			Error correction			Restated
Accumulated deficit	$	(8,649	)	$	(1,442	)	$	(10,091	)
The Company did not present tables for adjustments within the consolidated statements of cash flows, since all of the foregoing adjustments were within the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. These adjustments did not affect total cash flows from operating activities, financing activities or investing activities for any period presented.
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatements Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the impact of the correction of the sales tax error for periods previously reported during the quarters in the years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, including the years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012 and December 31, 2011:
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-14			28-Jun-14			27-Sep-14
	Reduction of revenues	$	(384	)	$	(378	)	(405		)
	Increase in interest expense	(20		)	(23		)	(25		)
	Benefit of income taxes	161			160			172
	Total effect of restatement items	$	(243	)	$	(241	)	$	(258	)
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-14						28-Jun-14						27-Sep-14
		As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	16,601		$	16,601		$	17,461		$	17,461		$	16,712		$	16,712
	Recycling	12,068			11,684			11,539			11,161			12,238			11,833
	Byproduct	4,823			4,823			4,211			4,211			4,682			4,682
	Total revenues	33,492			33,108			33,211			32,833			33,632			33,227
	Costs of revenues	24,047			24,047			24,707			24,707			24,937			24,937
	Gross profit	9,445			9,061			8,504			8,126			8,695			8,290
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,375			7,375			7,296			7,296			7,612			7,612
	Operating income	2,070			1,686			1,208			830			1,083			678
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net	(241		)	(261		)	(205		)	(228		)	(194		)	(219		)
	Other income (expense), net	(31		)	(31		)	43			43			(67		)	(67		)
	Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	1,798			1,394			1,046			645			822			392
	Provision for income taxes	690			529			462			302			317			145
	Net income	1,108			865			584			343			505			247
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(137		)	(137		)	8			8			51			51
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	971		$	728		$	592		$	351		$	556		$	298
	Income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.17		$	0.13		$	0.11		$	0.06		$	0.1		$	0.05
	Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.12		$	0.1		$	0.06		$	0.09		$	0.05
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	5,577			5,577			5,581			5,581			5,749			5,749
	Diluted	5,852			5,852			5,892			5,892			5,869			5,869
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-13			29-Jun-13			28-Sep-13			28-Dec-13
	Reduction of revenues	$	(280	)	$	(319	)	(300		)	(284		)
	Increase in interest expense	(11		)	(13		)	(16		)	(18		)
	Benefit of income taxes	—			—			—			1,070
	Total effect of restatement items	$	(291	)	$	(332	)	$	(316	)	$	768
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-13						29-Jun-13						28-Sep-13						28-Dec-13
		As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated			As previously reported			Restated
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	18,059		$	18,059		$	17,801		$	17,801		$	17,018		$	17,018		$	15,678		$	15,678
	Recycling	8,300			8,020			10,260			9,941			11,823			11,523			11,802			11,518
	Byproduct	4,065			4,065			4,212			4,212			4,697			4,697			5,346			5,346
	Total revenues	30,424			30,144			32,273			31,954			33,538			33,238			32,826			32,542
	Costs of revenues	22,514			22,514			23,778			23,778			24,445			24,445			24,450			24,450
	Gross profit	7,910			7,630			8,495			8,176			9,093			8,793			8,376			8,092
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,485			7,485			7,295			7,295			7,291			7,291			7,224			7,224
	Operating income	425			145			1,200			881			1,802			1,502			1,152			868
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net	(283		)	(294		)	(322		)	(335		)	(320		)	(336		)	(269		)	(287		)
	Other income (expense), net	(13		)	(13		)	(7		)	(7		)	7			7			(77		)	(77		)
	Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	129			(162		)	871			539			1,489			1,173			806			504
	Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—			—			145			145			227			227			(710		)	(1,780		)
	Net income (loss)	129			(162		)	726			394			1,262			946			1,516			2,284
	Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	55			55			42			42			(128		)	(128		)	(284		)	(284		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	184		$	(107	)	$	768		$	436		$	1,134		$	818		$	1,232		$	2,000
	Income (loss) per common share:
	Basic	$	0.03		$	(0.02	)	$	0.14		$	0.08		$	0.2		$	0.15		$	0.22		$	0.36
	Diluted	$	0.03		$	(0.02	)	$	0.13		$	0.08		$	0.2		$	0.14		$	0.21		$	0.34
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	5,556			5,556			5,556			5,556			5,564			5,564			5,571			5,571
Diluted	5,678			5,556			5,709			5,709			5,777			5,777			5,847			5,847
	Year Ended
	28-Dec-13
Reduction of revenues	$	(1,183	)
Increase in interest expense	(58		)
Benefit of income taxes	1,070
Total effect of restatement items	$	(171	)
	Year Ended
	28-Dec-13
	As previously reported			Restated
Revenues:
Retail	$	68,556		$	68,556
Recycling	42,185			41,002
Byproduct	18,320			18,320
Total revenues	129,061			127,878
Costs of revenues	95,187			95,187
Gross profit	33,874			32,691
Selling, general and administrative expenses	29,295			29,295
Operating income	4,579			3,396
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1,194		)	(1,252		)
Other income (expense), net	(90		)	(90		)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	3,295			2,054
Benefit from income taxes	(338		)	(1,408		)
Net income	3,633			3,462
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(315		)	(315		)
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	3,318		$	3,147
Income per common share:
Basic	$	0.6		$	0.57
Diluted	$	0.58		$	0.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	5,562			5,562
Diluted	5,742			5,742
The following table sets forth the corrections to each of the individual line items affected in the consolidated balance sheet:
	December 28, 2013
	As previously reported			Error correction			Restated
Current deferred tax asset	$	523		$	1,070		1,593
Accrued expenses	$	4,288		$	2,683		6,971
Accumulated deficit	$	(5,331	)	$	(1,613	)	$	(6,944	)
The following table sets forth the $1,442 correction to the accumulated deficit at December 29, 2012 that resulted from the correction of the sales tax errors for fiscal 2011 and 2012 of $878 and $564, respectively:
	29-Dec-12
	As previously reported			Error correction			Restated
Accumulated deficit	$	(8,649	)	$	(1,442	)	$	(10,091	)
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal year:  We report on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year.  Our 2014 fiscal year (“2014”) ended on January 3, 2015, and included 53 weeks.  Our 2013 fiscal year (“2013”) ended on December 28, 2013, and included 52 weeks.
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Nature of business:  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.
	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 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.
	Reclassification:  The consolidated balance sheets included a reclassification of prior year accrued expenses to other noncurrent liabilities related to accrued rent that will reverse beyond the next fiscal year.
	Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories and deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, and the assumptions we use to value share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	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.
	Fiscal year:  We report on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year.  Our 2014 fiscal year (“2014”) ended on January 3, 2015, and included 53 weeks.  Our 2013 fiscal year (“2013”) ended on December 28, 2013, and included 52 weeks.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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.
	•	Inventory markdowns.
	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.
	•	Occupancy costs related to our recycling centers.
	•	Cost of recyclable appliances purchased under our GE contract.
	•	Processing costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to recycling and processing appliances.
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits.  We have determined that the fair value of the money-market accounts fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
	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 $106 and $27 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	Inventories:  Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013:
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	15,511			$	16,274
	Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	571				380
	Other	31				—
		$	16,113			$	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 aging reports and margin analyses in determining our provision estimate. A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded.
	Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using straight-line method over a range of estimated useful lives from 3 to 30 years.
	We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term.  Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.
	Property and equipment consists of the following as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013:
		Useful Life (Years)		January 3,				December 28,
				2015				2013
	Land	—		$	1,140			$	1,140
	Buildings and improvements	18-30		3,321				3,273
	Equipment (including computer software)	15-Mar		18,915				20,561
	Projects under construction	—		440				63
				23,816				25,037
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,055		)		(13,613		)
				$	11,761			$	11,424
	Depreciation and amortization expense:  Depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our recycling centers is presented in cost of revenues, and depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our ApplianceSmart stores and corporate assets, such as furniture and computers, is presented in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,275 and $1,289 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues was $868 and $817 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 $143 and $99 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense on software development costs was $134 and $145 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	97
	Fiscal year 2016	61
	Fiscal year 2017	25
		$	183
	Impairment of long-lived assets:  We evaluate long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment based on the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition.  Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss at that time.  We measure an impairment loss by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets.  We recognized no impairment charges during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 related to long-lived assets.
	Goodwill:  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair value for goodwill is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.  As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, we had goodwill of $38 allocated to our recycling segment which is presented as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Accounting for leases:  We conduct the majority of our retail and recycling operations from leased facilities.  The majority of our leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to rent.  The terms of our lease agreements typically range from five to ten years.  Most of the leases contain renewal and escalation clauses, and certain store leases require contingent rents based on factors such as revenue.  For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term.  We record any difference between straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of accrued rent in accrued expenses, a portion of which is included in other non-current liabilities.  Cash or lease incentives (tenant allowances) received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term.
	Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective appliances.  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, presented as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
		For the fiscal years ended
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Beginning balance	$	34			$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	31				40
	Actual costs incurred	(16		)		(16		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(19		)		(37		)
	Ending balance	$	30			$	34
	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.
	Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all 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 options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options 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 option 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.
	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.
	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.
	•	Inventory markdowns.
	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.
	•	Occupancy costs related to our recycling centers.
	•	Cost of recyclable appliances purchased under our GE contract.
	•	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.
Advertising expense:  Our policy is to expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was $1,905 and $2,092 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Taxes collected from customers:  We account for taxes collected from customers on a net basis.
Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:  Basic income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income (loss) 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 (loss) 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 with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective fiscal years in which they were dilutive, using the Treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming that 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 year.  For fiscal year 2014, we excluded options and warrants covering 383 common shares from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive.  For fiscal year 2013, we excluded options and a warrant covering 452 common shares from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrant is anti-dilutive.
A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income per share is as follows:
	For the fiscal year ended
	3-Jan-15				28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
Numerator:
Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	771			$	3,147
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,676				5,562
Employee stock options	104				7
Stock warrants	—				173
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,780				5,742
Income per common share:
Basic	$	0.14			$	0.57
Diluted	$	0.13			$	0.55

SaleLeaseback_Transaction

Sale-Leaseback Transaction	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Sale-Leaseback Transaction [Abstract]
Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block]	Sale-Leaseback Transaction
	On September 25, 2009, we completed the sale-leaseback of our St. Louis Park, Minnesota, building.  The building is a 126,458-square-foot facility that includes our corporate offices, a processing and recycling center, and an ApplianceSmart retail store.  Pursuant to the agreement entered into on August 11, 2009, we sold the St. Louis Park building for $4,627, net of fees, and leased the building back over an initial lease term of five years.  The sale of the building provided the Company with $2,032 in cash after repayment of the $2,595 mortgage.  The sale-leaseback transaction resulted in an adjustment of $2,191 to the net book value related to the land and building, and we recorded a deferred gain of $2,436.  Under the terms of the lease agreement, we are classifying the lease as an operating lease and amortizing the gain on a straight-line basis over five years.  We amortized $365 and $488 of the deferred gain for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The deferred gain amortization is netted against rent expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Variable_Interest_Entity

Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
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 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 January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013:
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	912	$	1,099
	Property and equipment, net	8,775		8,713
	Other assets	127		137
	Total assets	$	9,814	$	9,949
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	923	$	861
	Accrued expenses	199		202
	Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	795		797
	Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	3,737		3,796
	Other liabilities (a)	289		469
	Total liabilities	$	5,943	$	6,125
	(a) Other liabilities represent outstanding loans from ARCA and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	11,137	$	11,833
	Gross profit	2,461		2,766
	Operating income	334		956

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Other assets as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Deposits	$	375	$	411
	Recycling contract, net	100		179
	Deferred financing costs, net	174		278
	Patent costs	21		21
	Goodwill	38		38
		$	708	$	927
	For fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we recorded amortization expense of $79 and $80, respectively, related to our recycling contract.  For fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we recorded non-cash interest expense of $104 and $131, respectively, related to deferred financing costs.
	Estimated future amortization expense over the remaining life of our recycling contract is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	80
	Fiscal year 2016	20

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
				(as restated)
	Sales tax estimate, including interest (California)	$	3,922	$	2,683
	Compensation and benefits	1,322		1,317
	Accrued rebate and incentive checks	381		461
	Accrued rent	304		603
	Warranty	30		34
	Accrued payables	306		437
	Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	—		365
	Deferred revenue	276		346
	Other	677		725
		$	7,218	$	6,971

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of Credit	Line of Credit
	We have 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 30, 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. The affiliate loan balance is to be capped at $300 on December 31, 2014, and thereafter. As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, we were in compliance with all the covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
	Our 2015 financial results are being adversely affected by the low scrap prices and, as a result, it is probable that we may not be in compliance with certain covenants of the Revolving Credit Agreement at some point in 2015. In the event that we are not in compliance with our covenants it is possible our PNC Term Loan could be classified as a current obligation until such time as we obtain a waiver of compliance or amend the terms of our agreement with PNC.
	The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Agreement 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 1%.  As of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, the weighted average interest rate was 3.30% and 4.27%, respectively, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans, and the outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $9,237 and $9,661, respectively.  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 January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, our available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement was $4,882 and $3,966, respectively.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings
	Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 consist of the following:
		3-Jan-15		28-Dec-13
	PNC term loan	$	1,530	$	1,785
	Susquehanna term loans	3,316		3,783
	2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	348		381
	Capital leases and other financing obligations	1,062		482
	10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, paid in full in December 2014	—		147
		6,256		6,578
	Less current maturities	1,138		1,131
		$	5,118	$	5,447
	On January 24, 2011, we entered into a $2,550 term loan (“Term Loan”) with PNC Bank to finance 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 Term Loan interest rate is PNC Base Rate plus 2.25%, or 1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate plus 3.25%.  As of January 3, 2015, the weighted average interest rate was 3.45%, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans. As of December 28, 2013, the interest rate was 4.75%, which included both PNC LIBOR Rate and PNC Base Rate loans.
	On March 10, 2011, AAP entered into three separate commercial term loans (“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 Term Loans is $4,750, split into three separate loans for $2,100, $1,400 and $1,250.  The Term Loans mature in ten years and bear an interest rate of Prime plus 2.75%.  As of both January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, the interest rate was 6.00%.  The total monthly interest and principal payments are $54 and began on July 1, 2011.  Borrowings under the 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 Term Loans along with 4301 Operations, LLC and its owners. In connection with these Term Loans, Susquehanna Bank also has a security interest in the assets of the Company.
	The future annual maturities of borrowings are as follows:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	343	$	795	$	1,138
	Fiscal year 2016	306		689		995
	Fiscal year 2017	280		713		993
	Fiscal year 2018	274		737		1,011
	Fiscal year 2019	266		692		958
	Thereafter	255		906		1,161
		$	1,724	$	4,532	$	6,256
	Capital leases and other financing obligations:  We acquire certain equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations.  The cost of such equipment was approximately $2,667 and $2,020 as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively.  Accumulated amortization as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, was approximately $1,588 and $1,630, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization expense for equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations is included in cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses.
	The following schedule by fiscal year is the approximate remaining minimum payments required under the capital leases and other financing obligations, together with the present value as of January 3, 2015:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	98	$	333	$	431
	Fiscal year 2016	55		191		246
	Fiscal year 2017	28		176		204
	Fiscal year 2018	20		161		181
	Fiscal year 2019	11		76		87
	Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	212		937		1,149
	Less amount representing interest	18		69		87
	Present value of minimum payments	194		868		1,062
	Less current portion	88		305		393
	Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$	106	$	563	$	669

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating leases:  We lease the majority of our retail stores and recycling centers under noncancelable operating leases.  The leases typically require the payment of taxes, maintenance, utilities and insurance.
	Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of January 3, 2015, are as follows:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	4,671	$	440	$	5,111
	Fiscal year 2016	3,197		462		3,659
	Fiscal year 2017	2,785		464		3,249
	Fiscal year 2018	2,051		467		2,518
	Fiscal year 2019	841		488		1,329
	Thereafter	1,616		456		2,072
		$	15,161	$	2,777	$	17,938
	Rent expense for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was $4,882 and $4,838, respectively. We have an agreement to receive future sublease payments of $248 through March 2016.
	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.
	AMTIM Capital, Inc. (“AMTIM”) acts as our representative to market our recycling services in Canada under an arrangement that pays AMTIM for revenues generated by recycling services in Canada as set forth in the agreements between the parties.  A dispute has arisen between AMTIM and us with respect to the calculation of amounts due to AMTIM pursuant to the agreement.  In a lawsuit filed in the province of Ontario, AMTIM claims a discrepancy in the calculation of fees due to AMTIM by us of approximately $2.0 million.  Although the outcome of this claim is uncertain, we believe that no further amounts are due under the terms of the agreement and that we will continue to defend our position relative to this lawsuit.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	For fiscal year 2014, we recorded an income tax expense of $714. As of January 3, 2015, we maintained a valuation allowance of $604 against our state net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credits and capital loss carryforward deferred tax assets.
	The amounts related to fiscal year 2013 within this note have been restated to address the effects of the restatement on income taxes and deferred income tax balances.
	For fiscal year 2013, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1,408. As of December 29, 2012, we recorded a full valuation allowance against the majority of our U.S. deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of their realization. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we concluded, based on the assessment of all available evidence, including previous three-year cumulative income and estimates of future profitability, that it was more-likely-than-not that we would be able to realize the majority of our deferred tax assets in the future and as a result recorded a $2,150 non-cash reversal of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.  As of December 28, 2013, we maintained a valuation allowance of $613 against our state net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credits and capital loss carryforward deferred tax assets. During fiscal year 2013, we also utilized $372 in net operating loss deferred tax assets that were reduced by a full valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of future realization as of December 29, 2012.  In fiscal year 2013, we recorded a $1,114 tax provision related to taxable income primarily from our U.S. operations, which partially offset the $2,522 reduction in our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
	The provision for (benefit of) income taxes for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Current tax expense:
	Federal	$	852		$	123
	State	146			107
	Foreign	29			(71		)
	Current tax expense	$	1,027		$	159
	Deferred tax expense — domestic	(318		)	(1,569		)
	Deferred tax expense — foreign	5			2
	Provision for (benefit of) income taxes	$	714		$	(1,408	)
	A reconciliation of our provision for (benefit of) income taxes with the federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	512		$	1,000
	Portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at statutory rate	(8		)	(107		)
	State tax expense, net of federal tax effect	69			188
	Permanent differences	175			61
	Change in valuation allowance	(11		)	(372		)
	Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada	(44		)	(54		)
	Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—			(2,150		)
	Adjustment of deferred tax assets	7			(1		)
	Foreign income tax payable true-up	—			(4		)
	Other	14			31
		$	714		$	(1,408	)
	Income before provision for (benefit of) income taxes and noncontrolling interest was derived from the following sources for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 as shown below:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
	United States	$	1,411		$	2,291
	Canada	98			(237		)
		$	1,509		$	2,054
	The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, are as follows:
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	309		$	317
	Federal and state tax credits	242			199
	Reserves	246			210
	Accrued expenses	1,749			1,327
	Share-based compensation	348			307
	Deferred gain	—			142
	Property and equipment	14			21
	Other	25			—
	Total deferred tax assets	2,933			2,523
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(142		)	(148		)
	Property and equipment	(38		)	(29		)
	Investments	(1,315		)	(1,211		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,495		)	(1,388		)
	Valuation allowance	(604		)	(613		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	834		$	522
	The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Current assets	$	1,868		$	1,593
	Non-current assets	14			21
	Non-current liabilities	(1,048		)	(1,092		)
		$	834		$	522
Future utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) and tax credit carryforwards is subject to certain limitations under provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  This section relates to a 50 percent change in control over a three-year period.  We believe that the issuance of common stock during 1999 resulted in an “ownership change” under Section 382.  Accordingly, our ability to utilize NOL and tax credit carryforwards generated prior to February 1999 is limited to approximately $56 per year.
As of January 3, 2015, we had no federal NOL carryforwards not subject to IRC section 382 and a foreign tax credit carryforward of $256.  We also had state NOL carryforwards of $5,128.  The state NOL carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income or reduce taxes payable through 2030.  These state loss carryforwards began expiring in 2011.
We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position.  For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, we did not have any material uncertain tax positions.
It is our practice to recognize interest related to income tax matters as a component of interest expense and penalties as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.  As of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, we had an immaterial amount of accrued interest and penalties.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, foreign jurisdictions and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations from each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, foreign, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2011.  We are not currently under examination by any taxing jurisdiction.
We had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of January 3, 2015, that would reasonably be expected to affect our effective tax rate during the next twelve months.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity
	Common Stock:  During fiscal year 2014, 10 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $24 and had an intrinsic value of $9. During fiscal year 2013, 15 stock options were exercised that resulted in cash proceeds of $36 and had an intrinsic value of $7.
	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 years, while grants to non-employee directors vest in six months.  As of January 3, 2015, 517 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 January 3, 2015, 380 options were outstanding to employees and non-employee directors 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 January 3, 2015, options to purchase an aggregate of 8 shares were outstanding under the 1997 Plan.  We issue new common stock when stock options are exercised. The Company periodically grants stock options that vest based upon the achievement of performance targets. For performance based options, the Company evaluates the likelihood of the targets being met and records the expense over the probable vesting period.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
	Expected dividend yield	—			—
	Expected stock price volatility	83.82	%		90.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.16	%		1.47	%
	Expected life of options (years)	7.55			7.29
	Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Options				Weighted		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
		Outstanding				Average
						Exercise
						Price
	Balance at December 29, 2012	533				$	3.88
	Granted	315				2.13
	Exercised	(15		)		2.38
	Cancelled/expired	(67		)		3.11
	Balance at December 28, 2013	766				3.26		$	326	4.99
	Granted	219				3.04
	Exercised	(10		)		2.38
	Forfeited	(70		)		2.73
	Balance at January 3, 2015	905				$	3.25	$	212	4.56
	Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	$	635			$	3.5	$	170
	The weighted average fair value per option of options granted during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 was $2.34 and $1.68, respectively. We recognized share-based compensation expense of $267 and $233 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $2.67 on January 2, 2015, which theoretically could have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.  As of January 3, 2015, there were 265 in-the-money options exercisable.
	Based on the value of options outstanding as of January 3, 2015, estimated future share-based compensation expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	193
	Fiscal year 2016	139
	Fiscal year 2017	43
		$	375
	The estimate above does not include any expense for additional options that may be granted and vest during 2015, 2016 and 2017.
	Warrants:  On October 21, 2009, we issued a warrant to GE to purchase 248 shares of common stock at a price of $0.75 per share.  The fair market value of the warrant issued was $479 and it was exercisable in full at any time during a term of ten years.  The fair value per share of common stock underlying the warrant issued to GE was $1.93 based on our closing stock price of $1.97.  The exercise price may be reduced and the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased under the warrant may be increased if the Company issues or sells additional shares of common stock at a price lower than the then-current warrant exercise price or the then-current market price of the common stock.  The shares underlying the warrant include legal restrictions regarding the transfer or sale of the shares.  As a result of our private placement offering in April 2010, the number of shares of common stock underlying the warrant increased to 254 shares and the exercise price decreased to $0.73 per share as defined in the agreement.  There was no accounting charge as a result of the change in warrant shares or exercise price due to the treatment of the warrant as permanent equity. In July 2014, the warrant to purchase 254 shares of common stock was exercised on a cashless basis, which resulted in GE receiving 207 shares of common stock.
	As of January 3, 2015, we had fully vested warrants outstanding to purchase 24 shares of common stock at a price of $3.55 per share and expire in May 2020.
	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.

Major_Customers_and_Suppliers

Major Customers and Suppliers	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Major Customers and Suppliers [Abstract]
Major Customers and Suppliers	Major Customers and Suppliers
	For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, one customer represented 14% of our total revenues. For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, one customer represented 10% of our total revenues.  As of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, three customers and two customers, respectively, each represented more than 10% of our total trade receivables, for a total of 46% and 42%, respectively, of our total trade receivables.
	During the two fiscal years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, we purchased a vast majority of appliances for resale from three suppliers.  We have and are continuing to secure other vendors from which to purchase appliances.  However, the curtailment or loss of one of these suppliers or any appliance supplier could adversely affect our operations.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
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. The recycling segment also includes byproduct revenue, which is primarily generated through the recycling of appliances and includes all revenues from AAP.  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 sales 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 increase in recycling segment revenues for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015, presented in the following table was the result of an increase in revenues related to appliance replacement programs.
	The following tables present our segment information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	68,023		$	69,642
	Recycling	62,907			58,236
	Total revenues	$	130,930		$	127,878
	Operating income (loss):
	Retail	$	(1,764	)	$	(1,064	)
	Recycling	4,969			5,087
	Unallocated corporate costs	(654		)	(627		)
	Total operating income	$	2,551		$	3,396
	Assets:
	Retail	$	15,778		$	17,682
	Recycling	23,805			23,290
	Corporate assets not allocable	7,163			5,077
	Total assets	$	46,746		$	46,049
	Cash capital expenditures:
	Retail	$	443		$	11
	Recycling	132			354
	Corporate	243			136
	Total cash capital expenditures	$	818		$	501
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	Retail	$	164		$	191
	Recycling	886			815
	Corporate	305			363
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,355		$	1,369
	Interest expense:
	Retail	$	240		$	494
	Recycling	466			481
	Corporate	290			280
	Total interest expense	$	996		$	1,255

Benefit_Contribution_Plan

Benefit Contribution Plan	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Benefit Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Benefit Contribution Plan	Benefit Contribution Plan
	We have a defined contribution salary deferral plan covering substantially all employees under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  We contribute an amount equal to 10 cents for each dollar contributed by each employee up to a maximum of 5% of each employee’s compensation.  AAP also has a 401(k) plan which includes a safe harbor matching contribution of 4% of the employee’s contribution.  We recognized expense for contributions to the plans of $74 and $58 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o1

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of business and basis of presentation	Nature of business:  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.
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 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.
Estimates	Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the valuation allowances for accounts receivable, inventories and deferred tax assets, accrued expenses, and the assumptions we use to value share-based compensation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassification:  The consolidated balance sheets included a reclassification of prior year accrued expenses to other noncurrent liabilities related to accrued rent that will reverse beyond the next fiscal year.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  We maintain our cash in bank deposit and money-market accounts, which, at times, exceed federally insured limits.  We have determined that the fair value of the money-market accounts fall within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
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 $106 and $27 to be adequate to cover any exposure to loss as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, respectively.
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 the following as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013:
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	15,511			$	16,274
	Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	571				380
	Other	31				—
		$	16,113			$	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 aging reports and margin analyses in determining our provision estimate. A revised cost basis is used once a provision for obsolescence is recorded.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment: Property and equipment are stated at cost. We compute depreciation using straight-line method over a range of estimated useful lives from 3 to 30 years.
	We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term.  Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations as incurred.
	Property and equipment consists of the following as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013:
		Useful Life (Years)		January 3,				December 28,
				2015				2013
	Land	—		$	1,140			$	1,140
	Buildings and improvements	18-30		3,321				3,273
	Equipment (including computer software)	15-Mar		18,915				20,561
	Projects under construction	—		440				63
				23,816				25,037
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,055		)		(13,613		)
				$	11,761			$	11,424
Depreciation and amortization expense	Depreciation and amortization expense:  Depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our recycling centers is presented in cost of revenues, and depreciation and amortization expense related to buildings and equipment from our ApplianceSmart stores and corporate assets, such as furniture and computers, is presented in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,275 and $1,289 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues was $868 and $817 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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 $143 and $99 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense on software development costs was $134 and $145 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	97
	Fiscal year 2016	61
	Fiscal year 2017	25
		$	183
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets:  We evaluate long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  We assess impairment based on the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets, including cash flows from disposition.  Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment loss at that time.  We measure an impairment loss by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value (estimated discounted future cash flows or appraisal of assets) of the long-lived assets.  We recognized no impairment charges during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 related to long-lived assets.
Goodwill	Goodwill:  We test goodwill annually for impairment.  Additionally, goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of an entity below its carrying value. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, market values and projections regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors are used to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  If these estimates or related projections change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We allocate goodwill to our two reporting segments, retail and recycling.  We compare the fair value of each reporting segment to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment.  If the fair value of a reporting segment is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  To determine the fair value of our reporting segments, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate.  The factor most sensitive to change with respect to the discounted cash flow analyses is the estimated future cash flows of each reporting segment, which is, in turn, sensitive to the estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses.  If actual revenue growth and/or margins are lower than expectations, the impairment test results could differ.  Fair value for goodwill is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate.  As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, we had goodwill of $38 allocated to our recycling segment which is presented as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Cost of Revenue	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.
	•	Inventory markdowns.
	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.
	•	Occupancy costs related to our recycling centers.
	•	Cost of recyclable appliances purchased under our GE contract.
	•	Processing costs, including employee compensation and benefits, related to recycling and processing appliances.
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.
Accounting for leases	Accounting for leases:  We conduct the majority of our retail and recycling operations from leased facilities.  The majority of our leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to rent.  The terms of our lease agreements typically range from five to ten years.  Most of the leases contain renewal and escalation clauses, and certain store leases require contingent rents based on factors such as revenue.  For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date we take possession of the property to the end of the initial lease term.  We record any difference between straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the leases as part of accrued rent in accrued expenses, a portion of which is included in other non-current liabilities.  Cash or lease incentives (tenant allowances) received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent from the date we take possession of the property through the end of the initial lease term.
Product warranty	Product warranty:  We provide a warranty for the replacement or repair of certain defective appliances.  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, presented as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
		For the fiscal years ended
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Beginning balance	$	34			$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	31				40
	Actual costs incurred	(16		)		(16		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(19		)		(37		)
	Ending balance	$	30			$	34
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.
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation:  We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for all 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 options and awards using historical volatility.  We estimate a 0%-5% forfeiture rate for stock options issued to employees and Board of Directors members, but will continue to review these estimates in future periods.  The risk-free rates for the expected terms of the stock options 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 option 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.
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.
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.
Advertising expense	Advertising expense:  Our policy is to expense advertising costs as incurred.  Advertising expense was $1,905 and $2,092 for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Taxes collected from customers [Policy Text Block]	Taxes collected from customers:  We account for taxes collected from customers on a net basis.
Basic and diluted income per common share	Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:  Basic income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income (loss) 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 (loss) 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 with exercise prices below average market prices, for the respective fiscal years in which they were dilutive, using the Treasury stock method.  We calculated the number of additional shares by assuming that 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 year.  For fiscal year 2014, we excluded options and warrants covering 383 common shares from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrants is anti-dilutive.  For fiscal year 2013, we excluded options and a warrant covering 452 common shares from the diluted weighted average share outstanding calculation as the effect of these options and warrant is anti-dilutive.
	A reconciliation of the denominator in the basic and diluted income per share is as follows:
		For the fiscal year ended
		3-Jan-15				28-Dec-13
						(as restated)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	771			$	3,147
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,676				5,562
	Employee stock options	104				7
	Stock warrants	—				173
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,780				5,742
	Income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.14			$	0.57
	Diluted	$	0.13			$	0.55

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	97
	Fiscal year 2016	61
	Fiscal year 2017	25
		$	183
Schedule of inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market	Inventories, consisting principally of appliances, are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a specific identification basis, or market and consist of the following as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013:
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Appliances held for resale	$	15,511			$	16,274
	Processed metals to be sold from recycled appliances	571				380
	Other	31				—
		$	16,113			$	16,654
Schedule of property and equipment	Property and equipment consists of the following as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013:
		Useful Life (Years)		January 3,				December 28,
				2015				2013
	Land	—		$	1,140			$	1,140
	Buildings and improvements	18-30		3,321				3,273
	Equipment (including computer software)	15-Mar		18,915				20,561
	Projects under construction	—		440				63
				23,816				25,037
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(12,055		)		(13,613		)
				$	11,761			$	11,424
Schedule of warranty accrual	Changes in our warranty accrual, presented as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets, for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
		For the fiscal years ended
		January 3,				December 28,
		2015				2013
	Beginning balance	$	34			$	47
	Standard accrual based on units sold	31				40
	Actual costs incurred	(16		)		(16		)
	Periodic accrual adjustments	(19		)		(37		)
	Ending balance	$	30			$	34
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 per share is as follows:
		For the fiscal year ended
		3-Jan-15				28-Dec-13
						(as restated)
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to controlling interest	$	771			$	3,147
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	5,676				5,562
	Employee stock options	104				7
	Stock warrants	—				173
	Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	5,780				5,742
	Income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.14			$	0.57
	Diluted	$	0.13			$	0.55

Variable_Interest_Entity_Table

Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Variable Interest Entity
Summary of assets and liabilities	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities of AAP as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013:
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Assets
	Current assets	$	912	$	1,099
	Property and equipment, net	8,775		8,713
	Other assets	127		137
	Total assets	$	9,814	$	9,949
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	923	$	861
	Accrued expenses	199		202
	Current maturities of long-term debt obligations	795		797
	Long-term debt obligations, net of current maturities	3,737		3,796
	Other liabilities (a)	289		469
	Total liabilities	$	5,943	$	6,125
Summary of operating results	The following table summarizes the operating results of AAP for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Revenues	$	11,137	$	11,833
	Gross profit	2,461		2,766
	Operating income	334		956

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of other assets	Other assets as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		January 3, 2015		December 28, 2013
	Deposits	$	375	$	411
	Recycling contract, net	100		179
	Deferred financing costs, net	174		278
	Patent costs	21		21
	Goodwill	38		38
		$	708	$	927
Schedule of expected recycling contract amortization expense	Estimated future amortization expense over the remaining life of our recycling contract is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	80
	Fiscal year 2016	20

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of accrued expenses	Accrued expenses as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
				(as restated)
	Sales tax estimate, including interest (California)	$	3,922	$	2,683
	Compensation and benefits	1,322		1,317
	Accrued rebate and incentive checks	381		461
	Accrued rent	304		603
	Warranty	30		34
	Accrued payables	306		437
	Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	—		365
	Deferred revenue	276		346
	Other	677		725
		$	7,218	$	6,971

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
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 January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 consist of the following:
		3-Jan-15		28-Dec-13
	PNC term loan	$	1,530	$	1,785
	Susquehanna term loans	3,316		3,783
	2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment	348		381
	Capital leases and other financing obligations	1,062		482
	10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, paid in full in December 2014	—		147
		6,256		6,578
	Less current maturities	1,138		1,131
		$	5,118	$	5,447
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The future annual maturities of borrowings are as follows:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	343	$	795	$	1,138
	Fiscal year 2016	306		689		995
	Fiscal year 2017	280		713		993
	Fiscal year 2018	274		737		1,011
	Fiscal year 2019	266		692		958
	Thereafter	255		906		1,161
		$	1,724	$	4,532	$	6,256
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	The following schedule by fiscal year is the approximate remaining minimum payments required under the capital leases and other financing obligations, together with the present value as of January 3, 2015:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	98	$	333	$	431
	Fiscal year 2016	55		191		246
	Fiscal year 2017	28		176		204
	Fiscal year 2018	20		161		181
	Fiscal year 2019	11		76		87
	Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	212		937		1,149
	Less amount representing interest	18		69		87
	Present value of minimum payments	194		868		1,062
	Less current portion	88		305		393
	Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$	106	$	563	$	669

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases	Minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of January 3, 2015, are as follows:
		ARCA		AAP		Total
	Fiscal year 2015	$	4,671	$	440	$	5,111
	Fiscal year 2016	3,197		462		3,659
	Fiscal year 2017	2,785		464		3,249
	Fiscal year 2018	2,051		467		2,518
	Fiscal year 2019	841		488		1,329
	Thereafter	1,616		456		2,072
		$	15,161	$	2,777	$	17,938

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for (benefit of) income taxes for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Current tax expense:
	Federal	$	852		$	123
	State	146			107
	Foreign	29			(71		)
	Current tax expense	$	1,027		$	159
	Deferred tax expense — domestic	(318		)	(1,569		)
	Deferred tax expense — foreign	5			2
	Provision for (benefit of) income taxes	$	714		$	(1,408	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of our provision for (benefit of) income taxes with the federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is shown below:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Income tax expense at statutory rate	$	512		$	1,000
	Portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at statutory rate	(8		)	(107		)
	State tax expense, net of federal tax effect	69			188
	Permanent differences	175			61
	Change in valuation allowance	(11		)	(372		)
	Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada	(44		)	(54		)
	Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	—			(2,150		)
	Adjustment of deferred tax assets	7			(1		)
	Foreign income tax payable true-up	—			(4		)
	Other	14			31
		$	714		$	(1,408	)
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before provision for (benefit of) income taxes and noncontrolling interest was derived from the following sources for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 as shown below:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
	United States	$	1,411		$	2,291
	Canada	98			(237		)
		$	1,509		$	2,054
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Current assets	$	1,868		$	1,593
	Non-current assets	14			21
	Non-current liabilities	(1,048		)	(1,092		)
		$	834		$	522
	The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of January 3, 2015, and December 28, 2013, are as follows:
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	309		$	317
	Federal and state tax credits	242			199
	Reserves	246			210
	Accrued expenses	1,749			1,327
	Share-based compensation	348			307
	Deferred gain	—			142
	Property and equipment	14			21
	Other	25			—
	Total deferred tax assets	2,933			2,523
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses	(142		)	(148		)
	Property and equipment	(38		)	(29		)
	Investments	(1,315		)	(1,211		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,495		)	(1,388		)
	Valuation allowance	(604		)	(613		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	834		$	522

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes Model	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
	Expected dividend yield	—			—
	Expected stock price volatility	83.82	%		90.5	%
	Risk-free interest rate	2.16	%		1.47	%
	Expected life of options (years)	7.55			7.29
Schedule of all outstanding options, activity [Table Text Block]	Additional information relating to all outstanding options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Options				Weighted		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
		Outstanding				Average
						Exercise
						Price
	Balance at December 29, 2012	533				$	3.88
	Granted	315				2.13
	Exercised	(15		)		2.38
	Cancelled/expired	(67		)		3.11
	Balance at December 28, 2013	766				3.26		$	326	4.99
	Granted	219				3.04
	Exercised	(10		)		2.38
	Forfeited	(70		)		2.73
	Balance at January 3, 2015	905				$	3.25	$	212	4.56
	Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	$	635			$	3.5	$	170
Summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of excercise prices
Schedule of estimated future share-based compensation expense	Based on the value of options outstanding as of January 3, 2015, estimated future share-based compensation expense is as follows:
	Fiscal year 2015	$	193
	Fiscal year 2016	139
	Fiscal year 2017	43
		$	375

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment information	The following tables present our segment information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
		For the fiscal years ended
		3-Jan-15			28-Dec-13
					(as restated)
	Revenues:
	Retail	$	68,023		$	69,642
	Recycling	62,907			58,236
	Total revenues	$	130,930		$	127,878
	Operating income (loss):
	Retail	$	(1,764	)	$	(1,064	)
	Recycling	4,969			5,087
	Unallocated corporate costs	(654		)	(627		)
	Total operating income	$	2,551		$	3,396
	Assets:
	Retail	$	15,778		$	17,682
	Recycling	23,805			23,290
	Corporate assets not allocable	7,163			5,077
	Total assets	$	46,746		$	46,049
	Cash capital expenditures:
	Retail	$	443		$	11
	Recycling	132			354
	Corporate	243			136
	Total cash capital expenditures	$	818		$	501
	Depreciation and amortization expense:
	Retail	$	164		$	191
	Recycling	886			815
	Corporate	305			363
	Total depreciation and amortization expense	$	1,355		$	1,369
	Interest expense:
	Retail	$	240		$	494
	Recycling	466			481
	Corporate	290			280
	Total interest expense	$	996		$	1,255

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o2

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
	W	W
	state
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
Interest in a joint venture (as a percent)	50.00%
Number of states generating recyclable appliances	12
Number of weeks reflected in operating results	52	52
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%

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o3

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation Restatement of Prior Period Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred income tax assets				$1,593,000				$1,868,000	$1,593,000
Accrued expenses				6,971,000				7,218,000	6,971,000
Accumulated deficit				6,944,000				6,173,000	6,944,000	10,091,000
Retail	16,712,000	17,461,000	16,601,000	15,678,000	17,018,000	17,801,000	18,059,000	67,023,000	68,556,000
Recycling	11,833,000	11,161,000	11,684,000	11,518,000	11,523,000	9,941,000	8,020,000	45,914,000	41,002,000
Byproduct	4,682,000	4,211,000	4,823,000	5,346,000	4,697,000	4,212,000	4,065,000	17,993,000	18,320,000
Revenues	33,227,000	32,833,000	33,108,000	32,542,000	33,238,000	31,954,000	30,144,000	130,930,000	127,878,000
Costs of revenues	24,937,000	24,707,000	24,047,000	24,450,000	24,445,000	23,778,000	22,514,000	98,120,000	95,187,000
Gross Profit	8,290,000	8,126,000	9,061,000	8,092,000	8,793,000	8,176,000	7,630,000	32,810,000	32,691,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,612,000	7,296,000	7,375,000	7,224,000	7,291,000	7,295,000	7,485,000	30,259,000	29,295,000
Operating Income (Loss)	678,000	830,000	1,686,000	868,000	1,502,000	881,000	145,000	2,551,000	3,396,000
Interest Expense	-219,000	-228,000	-261,000	-287,000	-336,000	-335,000	-294,000	-996,000	-1,255,000
Other expense, net	-67,000	43,000	-31,000	-77,000	7,000	-7,000	-13,000	-46,000	-90,000
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	392,000	645,000	1,394,000	504,000	1,173,000	539,000	-162,000	1,509,000	2,054,000
Provision for income taxes	145,000	302,000	529,000	-1,780,000	227,000	145,000	0	714,000	-1,408,000
Net income (loss)	247,000	343,000	865,000	2,284,000	946,000	394,000	-162,000	795,000	3,462,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	51,000	8,000	-137,000	-284,000	-128,000	42,000	55,000	-24,000	-315,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	298,000	351,000	728,000	2,000,000	818,000	436,000	-107,000	771,000	3,147,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.06	$0.13	$0.36	$0.15	$0.08	($0.02)	$0.14	$0.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.06	$0.12	$0.34	$0.14	$0.08	($0.02)	$0.13	$0.55
Basic (in shares)	5,749	5,581	5,577	5,571	5,564	5,556	5,556	5,676	5,562
Diluted (in shares)	5,869	5,892	5,852	5,847	5,777	5,709	5,556	5,780	5,742
Interest Income (Expense), Net								996,000	1,252,000
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Deferred income tax assets				523,000					523,000
Accrued expenses				4,288,000					4,288,000
Accumulated deficit				5,331,000					5,331,000	8,649,000
Retail	16,712,000	17,461,000	16,601,000	15,678,000	17,018,000	17,801,000	18,059,000		68,556,000
Recycling	12,238,000	11,539,000	12,068,000	11,802,000	11,823,000	10,260,000	8,300,000		42,185,000
Byproduct	4,682,000	4,211,000	4,823,000	5,346,000	4,697,000	4,212,000	4,065,000		18,320,000
Revenues	33,632,000	33,211,000	33,492,000	32,826,000	33,538,000	32,273,000	30,424,000		129,061,000
Costs of revenues	24,937,000	24,707,000	24,047,000	24,450,000	24,445,000	23,778,000	22,514,000		95,187,000
Gross Profit	8,695,000	8,504,000	9,445,000	8,376,000	9,093,000	8,495,000	7,910,000		33,874,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,612,000	7,296,000	7,375,000	7,224,000	7,291,000	7,295,000	7,485,000		29,295,000
Operating Income (Loss)	1,083,000	1,208,000	2,070,000	1,152,000	1,802,000	1,200,000	425,000		4,579,000
Interest Expense	-194,000	-205,000	-241,000	-269,000	-320,000	-322,000	-283,000		-1,194,000
Other expense, net	-67,000	43,000	-31,000	-77,000	7,000	-7,000	-13,000		-90,000
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	822,000	1,046,000	1,798,000	806,000	1,489,000	871,000	129,000		3,295,000
Provision for income taxes	317,000	462,000	690,000	-710,000	227,000	145,000	0		-338,000
Net income (loss)	505,000	584,000	1,108,000	1,516,000	1,262,000	726,000	129,000		3,633,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	51,000	8,000	-137,000	-284,000	-128,000	42,000	55,000		-315,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	556,000	592,000	971,000	1,232,000	1,134,000	768,000	184,000		3,318,000
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.11	$0.17	$0.22	$0.20	$0.14	$0.03		$0.60
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.10	$0.17	$0.21	$0.20	$0.13	$0.03		$0.58
Basic (in shares)	5,749	5,581	5,577	5,571	5,564	5,556	5,556		5,562
Diluted (in shares)	5,869	5,892	5,852	5,847	5,777	5,709	5,678		5,742
sales tax error correction [Member]
Sales Tax Estimate								3,900,000
Sales Tax Estimate, Net								2,400,000
Deferred income tax assets				1,070,000					1,070,000
Accrued expenses				2,683,000					2,683,000
Accumulated deficit				1,613,000					1,613,000	1,442,000
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Description										564	878
Revenues	-405,000	-378,000	-384,000	-284,000	-300,000	-319,000	-280,000		-1,183,000
Provision for income taxes	172,000	160,000	161,000	1,070,000	0	0	0		1,070,000
Interest Income (Expense), Net	-25,000	-23,000	-20,000	-18,000	-16,000	-13,000	-11,000		-58,000
Total effect of restatement items	($258,000)	($241,000)	($243,000)	$768,000	($316,000)	($332,000)	($291,000)		($171,000)

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2014	$80
2015	20
Recycling contract, net	100	179
Trade receivables
Trade Receivable Period to be Recognized as Past Due Minimum	90 days
Accounts receivable, allowance	106	27
Advertising Expense	1,905	2,092
Restricted cash	0	500
Software development costs
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2014	97
2015	61
2016	25
Recycling contract, net	$183

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Goodwill	$38	$38
Inventories
Appliances held for resale	15,511	16,274
Processed metals from recycled appliances held for resale	571	380
Other Inventory, Net of Reserves	31	0
Less provision for inventory obsolescence	-190	-175
Inventory, Net	$16,113	$16,654

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Property and equipment
Depreciation and amortization	$1,275	$1,289
Property plant and equipment, gross	23,816	25,037
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-12,055	-13,613
Property plant and equipment, net	11,761	11,424
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenues	868	817
Estimated amortization expense
2014	80
2015	20
Land
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	1,140	1,140
Buildings and improvements
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	3,321	3,273
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	18 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Equipment (including computer software)
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	18,915	20,561
Equipment (including computer software) | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Equipment (including computer software) | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	15 years
Projects under construction
Property and equipment
Property plant and equipment, gross	440	63
Software development costs
Property and equipment
Costs capitalized	143	99
Amortization	134	145
Estimated amortization expense
2014	97
2015	61
2016	$25
Property and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Property and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
URT [Member]
Property and equipment
Estimated useful life	15 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$38	$38
Goodwill	$38	$38

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease term	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease term	10 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie8

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in warranty accrual
Beginning Balance	$34		$47
Standard accrual based on units sold	31	40
Actual costs incurred	-16	-16
Periodic accrual adjustments	-19	-37
Ending Balance	$30	$34	$47

Significant_Accounting_Policie9

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 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	$267	$233

Recovered_Sheet1

Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$298	$351	$728	$2,000	$818	$436	($107)	$771	$3,147
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	5,749	5,581	5,577	5,571	5,564	5,556	5,556	5,676	5,562
Employee stock options (in shares)								104	7
Stock warrants (in shares)								0	173
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	5,869	5,892	5,852	5,847	5,777	5,709	5,556	5,780	5,742
Income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.06	$0.13	$0.36	$0.15	$0.08	($0.02)	$0.14	$0.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.05	$0.06	$0.12	$0.34	$0.14	$0.08	($0.02)	$0.13	$0.55

SaleLeaseback_Transaction_Deta

Sale-Leaseback Transaction (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2009	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 25, 2009
				sqft
Sale-Leaseback Transaction [Abstract]
Area of building (Sq ft)				126,458
Proceeds, net of fees	$4,627
Initial lease period (in years)	5 years
Proceeds from Sale of building	2,032	16	10
Repayments of mortgage	2,595
Adjustment to net book value				2,191
Deferred gain				2,436
Amortization of deferred gain		$365	$488

Variable_Interest_Entity_Detai

Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets
Current assets				$33,177				$34,263	$33,177
Property and equipment, net				11,424				11,761	11,424
Goodwill				38				38	38
Other assets				927				708	927
Total				9,949				9,814	9,949
Liabilities
Accounts payable				5,880				6,380	5,880
Accrued expenses				6,971				7,218	6,971
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations				1,131				1,138	1,131
Long-term obligations, less current maturities				5,447				5,118	5,447
Other liabilities				518				369	518
Total				1,874				2,338	1,874
Operating results of AAP
Revenues	33,227	32,833	33,108	32,542	33,238	31,954	30,144	130,930	127,878
Gross profit (loss)	8,290	8,126	9,061	8,092	8,793	8,176	7,630	32,810	32,691
Operating income (loss)	678	830	1,686	868	1,502	881	145	2,551	3,396
AAP
Variable Interest Entity, Classification of Carrying Amount, Assets
Current assets				1,099				912	1,099
Property and equipment, net				8,713				8,775	8,713
Other assets				137				127	137
Total				9,949				9,814	9,949
Liabilities
Accounts payable				861				923	861
Accrued expenses				202				199	202
Current maturities of long-term debt obligations				797				795	797
Long-term obligations, less current maturities				3,796				3,737	3,796
Other liabilities				469				289	469
Total				6,125				5,943	6,125
Operating results of AAP
Revenues								11,137	11,833
Gross profit (loss)								2,461	2,766
Operating income (loss)								$334	$956

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deposits	$375	$411
Recycling contract, net	100	179
Debt issuance costs, net	174	278
Patent costs	21	21
Goodwill	38	38
Total	708	927
Amortization expense related to recycling contract	80	80
Non-cash interest expense related to debt issuance costs	104	131
Estimated amortization expense of recycling contract
2014	80
2015	$20

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Sales and Excise Tax Payable	$3,922	$2,683
Compensation and benefits	1,322	1,317
Accrued rebate and incentive checks	381	461
Accrued rent	304	603
Warranty expense	30	34	47
Accrued payables	306	437
Current portion of deferred gain on sale-leaseback of building	0	365
Deferred revenue	276	346
Other	677	725
Total	$7,218	$6,971

Line_of_Credit_Details

Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 14, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Jan. 24, 2014
Line of Credit
Outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement			9,237	$9,661
Revolving line of credit | PNC
Line of Credit
Amount of revolving line of credit			15,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)			3.30%	4.27%
Available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement			4,882	3,966
Revolving line of credit | PNC | Base Rate
Line of Credit
Interest rate on the revolving line of credit	PNC Base Rate
Interest rate margin (as a percent)			1.75%
Debt covenant, interest rate increase	1.00%	1.00%
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%
Debt Covenant, Loan Affiliate Maximum Balance					300
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 on the revolving line of credit			one-month LIBOR rate
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
Maximum [Member] | Revolving line of credit | PNC
Line of Credit
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1

Borrowings_Details

Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Feb. 28, 2011	Jan. 30, 2011	Mar. 30, 2011	Dec. 28, 2013
		payment		loan
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	$6,256				$6,578
Less current maturities	1,138				1,131
Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations, less current maturities	5,118				5,447
AAP
Borrowings
Less current maturities	795				797
Long-term debt, capital lease and other financing obligations, less current maturities	3,737				3,796
Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	1,530				1,785
Monthly installments	21
Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building | PNC
Borrowings
Monthly installments		21
Debt instrument number payment after consecutive debt payments		120
Balloon Payment	1,254
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage			2,550
Number of consecutive monthly principal payments plus interest		119
Interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)	3.45%				4.75%
Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building | Base Rate | PNC
Borrowings
Interest rate	PNC Base Rate
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.25%
Floating rate term loan, due in monthly installments of $21, plus interest, due February 2021, collateralized by land and building | LIBOR Rate | PNC
Borrowings
Interest rate	1-, 2- or 3-month PNC LIBOR Rate
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	3.25%
Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	3,316				3,783
Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment | Susquehanna Bank
Borrowings
Monthly installments	54
Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment | Susquehanna Bank | AAP
Borrowings
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage				4,750
Interest rate at the end of the period (as a percent)	6.00%				6.00%
Number of separate commercial term loans entered into during period				3
Term Loans maturity period (in years)				10 years
Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment | Prime | Susquehanna Bank
Borrowings
Interest rate margin (as a percent)	2.75%
Floating rate term loans, due in monthly installments of $54, including interest, due March 2021, collateralized by equipment | Prime | Susquehanna Bank | AAP
Borrowings
Interest rate				Prime
Debt instrument term loan one | Susquehanna Bank | AAP
Borrowings
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage				2,100
Debt instrument term loan two | Susquehanna Bank | AAP
Borrowings
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage				1,400
Debt instrument term loan three | Susquehanna Bank | AAP
Borrowings
Term loan to refinance the existing mortgage				1,250
2.75% note, due in monthly installments of $3, including interest, due October 2024, collateralized by equipment
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	348				381
Monthly installments	3
10.00% note, due in monthly installments of $10, including interest, due December 2014
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	1,062				482
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	10.00%
Monthly installments	10
Capital leases and other financing obligations
Borrowings
Long-term debt, capital lease obligations and other financing obligations	0				147
Capital leases and other financing obligations
Cost of equipment acquired under capital leases and other financing obligations	2,667				2,020
Accumulated amortization	$1,588				$1,630

Borrowings_Details_1

Borrowings (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2014	$1,138
2015	995
2016	993
2017	1,011
2018	958
Thereafter	1,161
Long-term Debt	6,256
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2014	431
2015	246
2016	204
2017	181
2018	87
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	1,149
Less amount representing interest	87
Present value of minimum payments	1,062
Less current portion	393
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	669
ARCA
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2014	343
2015	306
2016	280
2017	274
2018	266
Thereafter	255
Long-term Debt	1,724
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2014	98
2015	55
2016	28
2017	20
2018	11
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	212
Less amount representing interest	18
Present value of minimum payments	194
Less current portion	88
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	106
AAP
Future Annual Maturities of borrowings
2014	795
2015	689
2016	713
2017	737
2018	692
Thereafter	906
Long-term Debt	4,532
Remaining minimum payments required under the capital lease together with the present value
2014	333
2015	191
2016	176
2017	161
2018	76
Total minimum lease and other financing obligation payments	937
Less amount representing interest	69
Present value of minimum payments	868
Less current portion	305
Capital lease and other financing obligations, net of current portion	$563

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
	manufacturer
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	$5,111
2014	3,659
2015	3,249
2016	2,518
2017	1,329
Thereafter	2,072
Total	17,938
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4,882	4,838
Future sublease rentals payments receivable through March 2016	248
Number of appliance manufacturers that have material contracts with the Company	3
ARCA
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	4,671
2014	3,197
2015	2,785
2016	2,051
2017	841
Thereafter	1,616
Total	15,161
AAP
Minimum future payments operating leases
2013	440
2014	462
2015	464
2016	467
2017	488
Thereafter	456
Total	$2,777

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus								2013
Number of previous periods of cumulative income before infrequent and unusual items								3 years
Noncash reversal of valuation allowance									$2,150,000
Non-cash reversal of deferred tax assets								0	2,150,000
Operating loss carryforward utilized									372,000
Provision for income taxes
Federal								852,000	123,000
State								146,000	107,000
Foreign								29,000	-71,000
Current tax expense								1,027,000	159,000
Deferred tax expense b domestic								-318,000	-1,569,000
Deferred tax expense b foreign								5,000	2,000
Provision for income taxes	145,000	302,000	529,000	-1,780,000	227,000	145,000	0	714,000	-1,408,000
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes with federal statutory rate
Income tax expense at statutory rate								512,000	1,000,000
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at statutory rate								-8,000	-107,000
State tax expense, net of federal tax effect								69,000	188,000
Permanent differences								175,000	61,000
Change in valuation allowance								-11,000	-372,000
Recognition of tax effect for the cumulative undistributed earnings from Canada								-44,000	-54,000
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance								0
Adjustment of deferred tax assets								7,000	-1,000
Foreign income tax payable true-up								0	-4,000
Other								14,000	31,000
Provision for income taxes at effective tax rate	145,000	302,000	529,000	-1,780,000	227,000	145,000	0	714,000	-1,408,000
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest
United States								1,411,000	2,291,000
Canada								98,000	-237,000
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	392,000	645,000	1,394,000	504,000	1,173,000	539,000	-162,000	1,509,000	2,054,000
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards				317,000				309,000	317,000
Federal and state tax credits				199,000				242,000	199,000
Reserves				210,000				246,000	210,000
Accrued expenses				1,327,000				1,749,000	1,327,000
Share-based compensation				307,000				348,000	307,000
Deferred gain				142,000				0	142,000
Property and equipment				21,000				14,000	21,000
Property and equipment				0				25,000	0
Total deferred tax assets				2,523,000				2,933,000	2,523,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Investments				-1,211,000				-1,315,000	-1,211,000
Prepaid expenses				-148,000				-142,000	-148,000
Property and equipment				-29,000				-38,000	-29,000
Total deferred tax liabilities				1,388,000				1,495,000	1,388,000
Valuation allowance				-613,000				-604,000	-613,000
Net deferred tax liabilities				-522,000				-834,000	-522,000
Percentage of likelihood of realization that the tax position must exceed in order for the amount to be recognized								50.00%
US
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Non-cash reversal of deferred tax assets									2,522
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes									1,114
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes with federal statutory rate
Provision for income taxes at effective tax rate									$1,114

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current assets	$1,868	$1,593
Non-current assets	14	21
Deferred income tax liabilities	-1,048	-1,092
Net deferred tax liabilities	$834	$522

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Percentage of change in control	50.00%
Period of change in control	3 years
Limitation On Use of Carryforward Annual Amount as per Section 382	$56
State
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,128
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward
Carry Forwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$256

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	9-May-13	Jan. 01, 2011
Shareholders' Equity
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Issuance of Common Stock	$24,000	$36,000
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 6 months 21 days	4 years 11 months 26 days
Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	212	326
Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Issuance of Common Stock (in Shares)	217,000	15,000
Issuance of Common Stock	24,000	36,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Exercised	-10,000
2011 Plan
Shareholders' Equity
Maximum number of shares of common stock which can be issued	700,000
Stock options
Shareholders' Equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	170,000
Options Outstanding	905,000	766,000		533,000
Granted (in shares)	219,000	315,000
Granted, exercise price	$3.04	$2.13
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$2.34	$1.68
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility (as a percent)	83.82%	90.50%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.16%	1.47%
Expected life of options (in years)	7 years 6 months 18 days	7 years 3 months 15 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Balance	766,000			533,000
Granted (in shares)	219,000	315,000
Exercised	-10,000	-15,000
Cancelled/expired	-70,000	-67,000
Options Outstanding Balance	905,000	766,000		533,000
Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	635
Weighted average exercise Price, balance	$3.26			$3.88
Granted, exercise price	$3.04	$2.13
Exercisesd, exercise Price	$2.38	$2.38
Expired, exercise price	$2.73	$3.11
Weighted Average Exercise Price, balance	$3.25	$3.26		$3.88
Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	$3.50
Stock options | Common Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$9,000	$7,000
Stock options | 2011 Plan
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	517,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Balance	517,000
Stock options | 2011 Plan | Employees
Shareholders' Equity
Vesting period			2 years
Stock options | 2011 Plan | Non-employee directors
Shareholders' Equity
Vesting period			6 months
Stock options | 2006 Plan
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	380,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Balance	380,000
Stock options | 1997 Plan
Shareholders' Equity
Options Outstanding	8,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding Balance	8,000

Shareholders_Equity_Details_2

Shareholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Jan. 02, 2015	Oct. 21, 2009
Shareholders' Equity
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 6 months 21 days	4 years 11 months 26 days
Options exercisable at January 3, 2015	$212	$326
Closing stock price used for calculation of intrinsic value			$2.67	$1.97
5.05 to 6.41 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Exercise price, minimum	$5.05
Exercise price, maximum	$6.41
3.55 to 4.69 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Exercise price, minimum	$3.55
Exercise price, maximum	$4.69
2.22 to 2.80 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Exercise price, minimum	$2.22
Exercise price, maximum	$2.80
1.87 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Exercise price, minimum	$1.87

Stockholders_Equity_Details_3

Stockholders' Equity (Details 3)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2009	Jan. 03, 2015
Preferred Stock
Number of authorized shares of preferred stock		2
Non Employee Member [Member]
Preferred Stock
Warrant exercisable period	0 years
Warrant [Member]
Preferred Stock
Warrant exercisable period	10 years

Shareholders_Equity_Stockholde

Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Fiscal year 2015	$193
Fiscal year 2016	139
Fiscal year 2017	43
Share-based Compensation Expense	$375

Shareholders_Equity_Details_5

Shareholders' Equity (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2009	Jan. 02, 2015	Oct. 21, 2009	Apr. 30, 2010
Warrants [Line Items]
Share Price				$2.67	$1.97
Number of shares in the money	265
GE Common Stock Warrant
Warrants [Line Items]
Exercise Price of warrant					$0.75	$0.73
Number of shares of common stock which can be purchased		0			248	254
Warrants Fair Value					$479
Fair value per share					$1.93
Warrant exercisable period			10 years
Number of shares in the money		0
Non Employee Member Stock Warrant
Warrants [Line Items]
Exercise Price of warrant	3.55
Number of shares of common stock which can be purchased	24
Warrant exercisable period			0 years

Major_Customers_and_Suppliers_

Major Customers and Suppliers (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
	customers	customers
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers representing more than 10% of total receivables	1
Percentage of customers representing 10% of total trade receivables	14.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Trade Receivable
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers representing more than 10% of total receivables	3	2
Percentage of customers representing 10% of total trade receivables	46.00%	42.00%
Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of suppliers concentration risk	3

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
								segment
Segment Information
Revenues	$33,227	$32,833	$33,108	$32,542	$33,238	$31,954	$30,144	$130,930	$127,878
Operating income (loss)	678	830	1,686	868	1,502	881	145	2,551	3,396
Assets				46,049				46,746	46,049
Cash capital expenditures								818	501
Depreciation and amortization								1,355	1,369
Interest Expense	219	228	261	287	336	335	294	996	1,255
Interest Expense								-996	-1,252
Number of Reportable Segments								2
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7,612	7,296	7,375	7,224	7,291	7,295	7,485	30,259	29,295
Retail
Segment Information
Revenues								68,023	69,642
Operating income (loss)								-1,764	-1,064
Assets				17,682				15,778	17,682
Cash capital expenditures								443	11
Depreciation and amortization								164	191
Interest Expense								240	494
Recycling
Segment Information
Revenues								62,907	58,236
Operating income (loss)								4,969	5,087
Assets				23,290				23,805	23,290
Cash capital expenditures								132	354
Depreciation and amortization								886	815
Interest Expense								466	481
Unallocated corporate
Segment Information
Operating income (loss)								-654	-627
Assets				5,077				7,163	5,077
Cash capital expenditures								243	136
Depreciation and amortization								305	363
Interest Expense								$290	$280

Benefit_Contribution_Plan_Deta

Benefit Contribution Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Benefit Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Employer contribution per dollar	$0.10
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	5.00%
Employer contribution safe habor matching percent	4.00%
Recognized expenses for contributions	$74,000	$58,000