Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings including noncontrolling interest	$ 94,213	$ 94,876	$ 94,055
Other comprehensive loss (income):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(216)	1,998	1,100
Other comprehensive loss (income), net of tax	(216)	1,998	1,100
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest	94,429	92,878	92,955
Comprehensive earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(532)	(193)	(39)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 94,961	$ 93,071	$ 92,994