Ascent Industries Co. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Environmental Compliance Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2010	Jan. 01, 2011	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2000 solid_waste_management_units
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Environmental remediation reserves	576			$ 626
Minimum [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Environmental remediation costs, period of recognition (years)	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Environmental remediation costs, period of recognition (years)	4 years
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Number of environmental remediation sites (sites)	2
Spartanburg Plant [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Number of solid waste management units					14
Environmental charges		968
Augusta Plant [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Environmental remediation reserves	501			551
Bristol, Tennessee Facility [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
Environmental remediation reserves	75			75
Number of solid waste management units	2
Superfund Site [Member]
Environmental Exit Cost [Line Items]
De minimis environmental remediation settlement			$ 2