The harmonic current detection is an essential part for an active power filter (APF). A random harmonic current detection method for single-phase active power filter without the phase locked loop (PLL) is proposed. The detection errors caused by low pass filters are analyzed, and an improved method has been proposed which can increase the detection accuracy and response speed. This method can detect the single order harmonic current and decompose it. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show the validity of the proposed method.