Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Jan. 02, 2010
Activity related to allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 88	$ 90	$ 65
Provision	0	0	32
Deduction	1	2	7
Balance at end of period	$ 87	$ 88	$ 90

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Namespace Prefix:	irbt_
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A valuation allowance for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 11B

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=SL6953423-111524

-Subparagraph (c)(1)

+ Details

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- Definition

Charge to expense for financing receivables that are expected to be uncollectible.

+ References

+ Details

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- Definition

Reduction to the allowance for credit losses related to financing receivables deemed uncollectible.

+ References

+ Details

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