Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 01, 2019	Jun. 26, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000010329
Trading Symbol	BSET
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--11-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		10,409,751
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 01, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Address, Address Line One	3525 Fairystone Park Highway
EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode	VA
EntityAddressCityOrTown	Bassett
EntityAddressStateOrProvince	VA
EntityAddressPostalZipCode	24055
CityAreaCode	276
LocalPhoneNumber	629-6000
EntityTaxIdentificationNumber	54-0135270
EntityFileNumber	000-00209
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock