v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2016
Nov. 04, 2016
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 --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)   15,850,618
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false