v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jul. 02, 2016
Aug. 05, 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)   15,854,728
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jul. 02, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false