v3.3.1.900
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2016
Mar. 11, 2016
Jul. 04, 2015
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)   15,829,725  
Entity Public Float     $ 223,366,732
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Jan. 02, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false