Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 15, 2013	Jun. 15, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Shares			18,068,852
Total Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' Equity	$ 150,728	$ 150,728	$ 149,391
Noncontrolling Interest	880	880	0
Total Equity	151,608	151,608	149,391
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Mirachem Acquisition		834
Net income attributable to Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. common shareholders	1,031	591
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest	26	46
Net income	1,057	637
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	15,323
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan		225
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock		225
Exercise of stock options		(7,192)
Exercise of stock options		76
Share-based compensation		445
Common Stock [Member]
Shares	18,152,691	18,152,691	18,068,852
Common Stock, Value, Issued	182	182	181
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock - ESPP		15,323
Exercise of stock options		7,192
Share-based compensation		61,324
Share-based compensation		1
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Paid-in Capital	142,357	142,357	141,612
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan		225
Exercise of stock options		76
Share-based compensation		444
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained earnings	8,189	8,189	7,598
Parent [Member]
Total Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. Stockholders' Equity	150,728	150,728	149,391
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc. common shareholders		591
Exercise of stock options		76
Share-based compensation		445
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest	880	880	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Mirachem Acquisition		$ 834