v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2016
Oct. 24, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name IRIDEX CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0001006045  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 2016  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Trading Symbol IRIX  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   10,148,110