v3.4.0.3
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 02, 2016
May. 06, 2016
Entity Registrant Name BUILD A BEAR WORKSHOP INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001113809  
Trading Symbol bbw  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-02  
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)   15,817,751
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Apr. 02, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false