<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>294</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>274</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>96</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-operations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-consolidated-statement-of-stockholders-equity-deficit</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Liquidity and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-2-liquidity-and-basis-of-presentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Liquidity and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-3-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-4-property-and-equipment-</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Asset Held for Sale</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-5-asset-held-for-sale</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Asset Held for Sale</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-fair-value-measurement-and-financial-instruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-notes-payable</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Notes Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-8-convertible-debt-pik-notes</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-9-stockholders-equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-options-and-warrants-to-purchase-common-stock</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Per Share Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-11-per-share-data</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Per Share Data</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-12-income-taxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Related Parties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-13-related-parties</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Related Parties</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-14-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-15-financial-information-by-quarter-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 16 - Subsequent Event</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-16-subsequent-event</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 16 - Subsequent Event</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Document - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-schedule-ii-valuation-and-qualifying-accounts-</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-3-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-4-property-and-equipment-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-fair-value-measurement-and-financial-instruments-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Notes Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-notes-payable-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Notes Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-8-convertible-debt-pik-notes-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-options-and-warrants-to-purchase-common-stock-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-12-income-taxes-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Related Parties (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-13-related-parties-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Related Parties (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-15-financial-information-by-quarter-unaudited-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Disclosure - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-schedule-ii-valuation-and-qualifying-accounts-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Liquidity and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-2-liquidity-and-basis-of-presentation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Liquidity and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-3-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Statement - Note 3 - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-3-property-and-equipment-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-4-property-and-equipment-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Property and Equipment (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Statement - Note 4 - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-4-property-plant-and-equipment-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Asset Held for Sale (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-5-asset-held-for-sale-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Asset Held for Sale (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-fair-value-measurement-and-financial-instruments-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement and Financial Instruments (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Statement - Note 6 - Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-liabilities-measured-at-fair-value-on-a-recurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Statement - Note 6 - Derivatives Measured at Fair Value (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-derivatives-measured-at-fair-value-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Derivatives Measured at Fair Value (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Statement - Note 6 - Valuation Assumptions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-6-valuation-assumptions-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Valuation Assumptions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-notes-payable-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Statement - Note 7 - Summary of Note Payable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-summary-of-note-payable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Summary of Note Payable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>046 - Statement - Note 7 - Summary of Note Payable (Details) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-summary-of-note-payable-details-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Summary of Note Payable (Details) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>047 - Statement - Note 7 - Future Minimum Note Payments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-7-future-minimum-note-payments-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Future Minimum Note Payments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>048 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes) (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-8-convertible-debt-pik-notes-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Convertible Debt (PIK Notes) (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>049 - Statement - Note 8 - Convertible Debt PIK Notes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-8-convertible-debt-pik-notes-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Convertible Debt PIK Notes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>050 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-9-stockholders-equity-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>051 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-options-and-warrants-to-purchase-common-stock-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Options and Warrants to Purchase Common Stock (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>052 - Statement - Note 10 - Summary of the Status of the Warrants Outstanding (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-summary-of-the-status-of-the-warrants-outstanding-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Summary of the Status of the Warrants Outstanding (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>053 - Statement - Note 10 - Significant Assumptions Relating to the Valuation of Stock Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-significant-assumptions-relating-to-the-valuation-of-stock-options-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Significant Assumptions Relating to the Valuation of Stock Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>054 - Statement - Note 10 - Summary of the Status and Changes of the Options Granted Under the Stock Option Plans and Other Agreements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-summary-of-the-status-and-changes-of-the-options-granted-under-the-stock-option-plans-and-other-agreements-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Summary of the Status and Changes of the Options Granted Under the Stock Option Plans and Other Agreements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>055 - Statement - Note 10 - Summary of the Vesting Periods of Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-summary-of-the-vesting-periods-of-options-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Summary of the Vesting Periods of Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>056 - Statement - Note 10 - Summary of the Status of the Options Outstanding (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-10-summary-of-the-status-of-the-options-outstanding-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Summary of the Status of the Options Outstanding (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>057 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Per Share Data (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-11-per-share-data-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Per Share Data (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>058 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-12-income-taxes-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>059 - Statement - Note 12 - Summary of Deferred Tax Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-12-summary-of-deferred-tax-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Summary of Deferred Tax Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060 - Statement - Note 12 - Reconciliation of Differences between Effective and Statutory Income Tax Rates (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-12-reconciliation-of-differences-between-effective-and-statutory-income-tax-rates-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Reconciliation of Differences between Effective and Statutory Income Tax Rates (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061 - Statement - Note 13 - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-13-related-party-transactions-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-14-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>063 - Statement - Note 15 - Quarterly Financial Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-15-quarterly-financial-information-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Quarterly Financial Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>064 - Disclosure - Note 16 - Subsequent Event (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-note-16-subsequent-event-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 16 - Subsequent Event (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="amnl-20151231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>065 - Statement - Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.appliedminerals.com/20151231/role/statement-schedule-ii-valuation-and-qualifying-accounts-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>amnl-20151231.xml</File>
    <File>amnl-20151231.xsd</File>
    <File>amnl-20151231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>amnl-20151231_def.xml</File>
    <File>amnl-20151231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>amnl-20151231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
