Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 29, 2020	Sep. 25, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0000010329
Entity Registrant Name	BASSETT FURNITURE INDUSTRIES INC
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--11-28
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Aug. 29, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-00209
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
Entity Tax Identification Number	54-0135270
Entity Address, Address Line One	3525 Fairystone Park Highway
Entity Address, City or Town	Bassett
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	24055
City Area Code	276
Local Phone Number	629-6000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock ($5.00 par value)
Trading Symbol	BSET
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,976,513