v3.8.0.1
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2017
Mar. 09, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001113809    
Trading Symbol bbw    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   14,900,452  
Entity Public Float     $ 142
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 30, 2017    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false