BJ's Restaurants (BJRI) 10-Q 5 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	1-Oct-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'BJRI	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BJs RESTAURANTS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001013488	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	28,227,620

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$15,296	$15,074
Marketable securities	15,155	18,316
Accounts and other receivables	9,906	18,929
Inventories	6,917	6,061
Prepaids and other current assets	7,576	8,619
Deferred income taxes	17,100	15,721
Total current assets	71,950	82,720
Property and equipment, net	503,543	457,499
Long-term marketable securities	7,268	7,534
Goodwill	4,673	4,673
Notes receivable	'	110
Other assets, net	16,146	14,340
Total assets	603,580	566,876
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	21,014	25,665
Accrued expenses	62,740	56,819
Total current liabilities	83,754	82,484
Deferred income taxes	42,340	40,847
Deferred rent	21,599	18,645
Deferred lease incentives	50,692	48,422
Other liabilities	8,098	4,644
Total liabilities	206,483	195,042
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 125,000 shares authorized and 28,223 and 28,072 shares issued and outstanding as of October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively	181,669	180,940
Capital surplus	42,828	38,812
Retained earnings	172,600	152,082
Total shareholders' equity	397,097	371,834
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$603,580	$566,876

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, issued	'	'
Preferred stock, outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	125,000	125,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,223	28,072
Common stock, shares outstanding	28,223	28,072

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$188,245	$175,220	$575,357	$523,520
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	46,651	43,230	141,392	129,470
Labor and benefits	67,232	61,324	201,114	181,686
Occupancy and operating	43,731	38,412	127,258	110,146
General and administrative	11,366	10,445	36,691	32,339
Depreciation and amortization	12,465	10,562	35,874	30,148
Restaurant opening	3,235	2,394	6,285	6,041
Loss on disposal of assets	79	'	648	451
Legal settlements	'	'	'	350
Total costs and expenses	184,759	166,367	549,262	490,631
Income from operations	3,486	8,853	26,095	32,889
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	41	66	146	214
Interest expense	-10	-10	-30	-44
Gain on investment settlement	'	'	'	289
Other income, net	278	198	738	628
Total other income	309	254	854	1,087
Income before income taxes	3,795	9,107	26,949	33,976
Income tax expense	147	2,268	6,431	9,555
Net income	$3,648	$6,839	$20,518	$24,421
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.13	$0.24	$0.73	$0.87
Diluted	$0.13	$0.24	$0.71	$0.85
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	28,206	28,004	28,174	27,971
Diluted	28,922	28,850	28,895	28,859

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013		Oct. 02, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income	$20,518		$24,421
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	35,874		30,148
Deferred income taxes	114		4,269
Stock-based compensation expense	3,331		3,241
Loss on disposal of assets	648		451
Gain on investment settlement	'		-289
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'		'
Accounts and other receivables	9,330		3,608
Inventories	-856		-103
Prepaids and other current assets	1,043		1,691
Other assets, net	-1,875		-2,740
Accounts payable	5,089		4,496
Accrued expenses	5,921		1,439
Deferred rent	2,954		2,733
Deferred lease incentives	2,270		2,738
Other liabilities	567		1,825
Landlord contribution for tenant improvements, net	-225		1,404
Net cash provided by operating activities	84,703		79,332
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Purchases of property and equipment	-93,121		-85,772
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,971		'
Proceeds from marketable securities sold	23,041		30,683
Purchases of marketable securities	-19,614		-29,451
Collection of notes receivable	28		195
Net cash used in investing activities	-85,695		-84,345
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	771		740
Taxes paid on vested stock units under employee plans	-286		-53
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	729		1,319
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,214		2,006
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	222		-3,007
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,074		'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	15,296		19,384
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'		'
Cash paid for income taxes	4,616		2,374
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'		'
Fixed assets acquired by accounts payable	237		1,201
Stock-based compensation capitalized	$200	[1]	$148	[1]
[1]	Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in "Property and equipment, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company” or in the first person notations “we,” “us” and “our”) and our wholly owned subsidiaries. The financial statements presented herein include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A description of our accounting policies and other financial information is included in our audited consolidated financial statements as filed with the SEC on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2013. We believe that the disclosures included in our accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2013, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications of prior period’s financial statement amounts have been made to conform to the current period’s format.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	2.  MARKETABLE SECURITIES
	Our investment policy restricts the investment of our excess cash balances to instruments with historically minimal volatility, such as money market funds, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations, municipal and bank securities, and investment-grade corporate debt securities. All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents and included with cash and cash equivalents on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Marketable securities, which we have the intent and ability to hold until maturity, are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities, in the form of municipal variable rate demand notes with expected put dates prior to the contractual maturity of the underlying debt security and backed by financial institutions in the form of a letter of credit or liquidity facility, are classified as available-for-sale securities. These securities are reported at fair value, using a market approach and classified as Level 2 fair value measurements, as further described in Note 3. Any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities would be recorded in other comprehensive income. As of October 1, 2013, and January 1, 2013, there were no unrealized gains or losses with respect to available-for-sale securities.
	We determine the appropriate classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate the held-to-maturity or available-for-sale designations as of each balance sheet date. Marketable securities are classified as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date or the expected put date. Marketable securities with maturities or expected put dates of 12 months or less are classified as short-term and marketable securities with maturities or expected put dates greater than 12 months are classified as long-term. Gains or losses are determined on the specific identification cost method and recorded in earnings when realized.
	Investments in marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
			October 1, 2013				January 1, 2013
			Fair Value		Average		Fair Value		Average
					Maturity (1)				Maturity (1)
	Available-for-sale
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Municipal variable rate demand notes			$2,810		<1 month		$650		<1 month
			1-Oct-13				1-Jan-13
			Amortized		Average		Amortized		Average
			Cost		Maturity (1)		Cost		Maturity (1)
	Held-to-maturity
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations			$12,345		5 months		$13,587		7 months
	Domestic corporate obligations			–				4,079		6 months
				$12,345				$17,666
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Municipal securities and direct agency obligations			6,217		16 months		$5,392		16 months
	Domestic corporate obligations			1,051		13 months		2,142		22 months
				$7,268				$7,534
		-1	Average maturity is determined from the respective balance sheet dates and reported in the table as the lesser of the original maturity date or the expected put date for each investment type.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	3.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities was established by defining a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include:
		•	Level 1: Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
		•	Level 2: Defined as pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.
		•	Level 3: Defined as pricing inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
	At October 1, 2013, we had approximately $37.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Our marketable securities are held by institutional brokers, classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value (effectively Level 2), or variable rate demand notes classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. We have placed a majority of our temporary excess cash with major financial institutions and institutional brokers that, in turn, invest in instruments with historically minimal volatility, such as money market funds, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations, municipal and bank securities, and investment-grade corporate debt securities. Our investment policy limits the amount of exposure to any one institution or investment. We have not experienced any losses on these marketable securities to date, and we believe that we are not exposed to significant risk of loss on these marketable securities.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	4.  LONG-TERM DEBT
	Line of Credit
	On February 17, 2012, we entered into a $75 million unsecured revolving line of credit (“Line of Credit”) with a major financial institution. The Line of Credit expires on January 31, 2017, and may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We utilize the Line of Credit principally for letters of credit that are required to support certain self-insurance programs and for working capital and construction requirements as needed. As of October 1, 2013, there were no funded borrowings outstanding under the Line of Credit and there were outstanding letters of credit totaling approximately $9.2 million. The Line of Credit bears interest at either LIBOR plus a percentage not to exceed 1.50%, or at a rate ranging from the financial institution’s prime rate to 0.75% below the financial institution’s prime rate based on a Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio as defined in the Line of Credit agreement. The Line of Credit agreement requires compliance with a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, a Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio and certain non-financial covenants. At October 1, 2013, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	5.  NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options issued by us to sell common stock at set prices were exercised and if restrictions on restricted stock units issued by us were to lapse (collectively equity awards). The consolidated financial statements present basic and diluted net income per share.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share computations and the number of dilutive equity awards (stock options and restricted stock units) that were included in the dilutive net income per share computation (in thousands):
		For The Thirteen				For The Thirty-Nine
		Weeks Ended				Weeks Ended
		October 1,		October 2,		October 1,		October 2,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic and diluted net income per share		$3,648		$6,839		$20,518		$24,421
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic		28,206		28,004		28,174		27,971
	Dilutive effect of equity awards		716		846		721		888
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted		28,922		28,850		28,895		28,859
	For the thirteen weeks ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, there were approximately 0.7 million and 0.3 million shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because they are anti-dilutive. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, there were approximately 0.7 million and 0.2 million shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because they are anti-dilutive.

Related_Party

Related Party	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party	'
	6.  RELATED PARTY
	As of October 1, 2013, we believe that Jacmar Companies and their affiliates (collectively referred to herein as “Jacmar”) owned approximately 11.2% of our outstanding common stock. In addition, James Dal Pozzo, the Chief Executive Officer of Jacmar, is a member of our Board of Directors. Jacmar, through its affiliation with Distribution Market Advantage, Inc. (“DMA”), a national foodservice distribution consortium whose participants are prominent regional foodservice distributors, is currently our largest supplier of food, beverage, paper products and supplies. We began using DMA for our national foodservice distribution in July 2006. In July 2012, we finalized a new five-year agreement with DMA, after conducting another extensive competitive bidding process. Jacmar services our restaurants in California and Nevada, while other DMA distributors service our restaurants in all other states. We also understand that Jacmar and its affiliates are the controlling shareholders of the Shakey’s pizza parlor chain. We believe that Jacmar sells products to us at prices comparable to those offered by unrelated third parties based on our competitive bidding process. Jacmar supplied us with $61.3 million and $58.6 million of food, beverage, paper products and supplies for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively, which represents 22.8% and 24.4% of our total costs of sales and operating and occupancy costs, respectively. We had trade payables related to these products of $4.9 million and $3.7 million, at October 1, 2013 and January 1, 2013, respectively. Jacmar does not provide us with any produce, liquor, wine or beer products, all of which are provided by other vendors and are included in total cost of sales.

StockBased_Compentsation

Stock-Based Compentsation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compentsation	'
	7.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	We have two stock-based compensation plans – the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Plan – under which we may issue shares of our common stock to team members, officers, directors and consultants. Upon effectiveness of the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the 1996 Stock Option Plan was closed for purposes of new grants. Both of these plans have been approved by our shareholders. Under the Plan, we have granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights are charged against the Plan share reserve on the basis of one share for each one share granted while shares subject to other types of awards, including restricted stock units, are currently charged against the Plan share reserve on the basis of 1.5 shares for each one share granted. The Plan also contains other limits with respect to the terms of different types of incentive awards and with respect to the number of shares subject to awards that can be granted to a team member during any fiscal year. All options granted under the Plan expire within 10 years of their date of grant.
	Under the Plan, we issue RSUs as a component of the annual equity grant award to officers and other team members and in connection with the BJ’s Gold Standard Stock Ownership Program (the “GSSOP”). The GSSOP is a longer-term equity incentive program that utilizes Company RSUs or stock options and is dependent on each participant’s extended service with us in their respective positions and remaining in good standing during that service period (i.e., five years).
	The Plan permits us to set the vesting terms and exercise period for awards at our discretion. Stock options generally vest at 20% per year or cliff vest, either ratably in years three through five or 100% in year five, and expire ten years from date of grant. RSUs generally vest at 20% per year for non-GSSOP RSU grantees and generally cliff vest either at 33% on the third anniversary and 67% on the fifth anniversary or at 100% after the fifth anniversary for GSSOP participants.
	The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation (in thousands):
			For The Thirteen				For The Thirty-Nine
			Weeks Ended				Weeks Ended
			October 1,		October 2,		October 1,		October 2,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Labor and benefits stock-based compensation			$406		$323		$1,032		$874
	General and administrative stock-based compensation			$541		$806		$2,299		$2,367
	Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)			$96		$49		$200		$148
	-1	Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in “Property and equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Stock Options
	The fair value of each stock option grant issued is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
			For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
			October 1,		October 2,
			2013		2012
	Expected volatility			36.5%		37.6%
	Risk free interest rate			0.8%		0.7%
	Expected option life			5 years		5 years
	Dividend yield			0%		0%
	Fair value of options granted			$11.04		$15.13
	U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain assumptions and judgments regarding the grant date fair value. These judgments include expected volatility, risk free interest rate, expected option life, dividend yield and vesting percentage. These estimations and judgments are determined by us using many different variables that, in many cases, are outside of our control. The changes in these variables or trends, including stock price volatility and risk free interest rate, may significantly impact the grant date fair value resulting in a significant impact to our financial results.
	The exercise price of the stock options under our stock-based compensation plans shall be equal to or exceed 100% of the fair market value of the shares at the date of option grant. Stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013, was as follows:
			Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
			Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
			(in thousands)		Average		(in thousands)		Average
					Exercise				Exercise
					Price				Price
	Outstanding options at January 1, 2013			2,025		$22.08		1,403		$17.76
	Granted			186		$33.74
	Exercised			(49)		$14.91
	Forfeited			(56)		$40.98
	Outstanding options at October 1, 2013			2,106		$22.78		1,432		$18.23
	As of October 1, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options was $5.1 million, which is generally expected to be recognized over the next five years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Restricted stock unit activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013, was as follows:
			Shares		Weighted
			(in thousands)		Average
					Fair Value
	Outstanding RSUs at January 1, 2013			486		$28.14
	Granted			115		$34.05
	Vested or released			(86)		$17.00
	Forfeited			(54)		$34.48
	Outstanding RSUs at October 1, 2013			461		$30.97
	The fair value of the RSUs is the quoted market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each RSU is expensed ratably over the period during which the restrictions are expected to lapse (i.e., five years). As of October 1, 2013, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares was approximately $7.6 million, which is generally expected to be recognized over the next five years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8. INCOME TAXES
	As of October 1, 2013, unrecognized tax benefits recorded was approximately $0.2 million, of which approximately $0.1 million, if reversed, would impact our effective tax rate. We anticipate a decrease of $0.1 million to our liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve-month period due to the settlement of potential outstanding liabilities. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$897
	Reductions based on statute expirations and audit settlements	(679)
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$218
	Our uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by tax agencies. As of October 1, 2013, the earliest tax year still subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service is 2010. The earliest year still subject to examination by a significant state or local taxing jurisdiction is 2008.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings	'
	9.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
	We are subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and demands that arise in the ordinary course of our business and which typically involve claims from guests, employees and others related to operational, employment, real estate and intellectual property issues common to the foodservice industry. A number of these claims may exist at any given time. We are self-insured for a portion of our general liability insurance and our employee workers’ compensation programs. We maintain coverage with a third party insurer to limit our total exposure for these programs. We believe that most of our guest claims will be covered by our general liability insurance, subject to coverage limits and the portion of such claims that are self-insured. Punitive damages awards and employee unfair practice claims, however, are not covered by our general liability insurance. To date, we have not been ordered to pay punitive damages with respect to any claims, but there can be no assurance that punitive damages will not be awarded with respect to any future claims. We could be affected by adverse publicity resulting from allegations in lawsuits, claims and proceedings, regardless of whether these allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately determined to be liable. We currently believe that the final disposition of these types of lawsuits, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that our future results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, proceedings or claims.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company” or in the first person notations “we,” “us” and “our”) and our wholly owned subsidiaries. The financial statements presented herein include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A description of our accounting policies and other financial information is included in our audited consolidated financial statements as filed with the SEC on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2013. We believe that the disclosures included in our accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2013, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications of prior period’s financial statement amounts have been made to conform to the current period’s format.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy	'
	In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities was established by defining a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include:
		•	Level 1: Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
		•	Level 2: Defined as pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.
		•	Level 3: Defined as pricing inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
Marketable Securities, Policy	'
	Our investment policy restricts the investment of our excess cash balances to instruments with historically minimal volatility, such as money market funds, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations, municipal and bank securities, and investment-grade corporate debt securities. All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents and included with cash and cash equivalents on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Marketable securities, which we have the intent and ability to hold until maturity, are classified as held-to-maturity securities and reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Marketable securities, in the form of municipal variable rate demand notes with expected put dates prior to the contractual maturity of the underlying debt security and backed by financial institutions in the form of a letter of credit or liquidity facility, are classified as available-for-sale securities. These securities are reported at fair value, using a market approach and classified as Level 2 fair value measurements, as further described in Note 3. Any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities would be recorded in other comprehensive income. As of October 1, 2013, and January 1, 2013, there were no unrealized gains or losses with respect to available-for-sale securities.
	We determine the appropriate classification of our marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate the held-to-maturity or available-for-sale designations as of each balance sheet date. Marketable securities are classified as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument’s underlying contractual maturity date or the expected put date. Marketable securities with maturities or expected put dates of 12 months or less are classified as short-term and marketable securities with maturities or expected put dates greater than 12 months are classified as long-term. Gains or losses are determined on the specific identification cost method and recorded in earnings when realized.
Net Income Per Share, Policy	'
	Basic net income per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options issued by us to sell common stock at set prices were exercised and if restrictions on restricted stock units issued by us were to lapse (collectively equity awards). The consolidated financial statements present basic and diluted net income per share.

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Marketable Securities	'
	Investments in marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
			October 1, 2013				January 1, 2013
			Fair Value		Average		Fair Value		Average
					Maturity (1)				Maturity (1)
	Available-for-sale
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Municipal variable rate demand notes			$2,810		<1 month		$650		<1 month
			1-Oct-13				1-Jan-13
			Amortized		Average		Amortized		Average
			Cost		Maturity (1)		Cost		Maturity (1)
	Held-to-maturity
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations			$12,345		5 months		$13,587		7 months
	Domestic corporate obligations			–				4,079		6 months
				$12,345				$17,666
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Municipal securities and direct agency obligations			6,217		16 months		$5,392		16 months
	Domestic corporate obligations			1,051		13 months		2,142		22 months
				$7,268				$7,534
		-1	Average maturity is determined from the respective balance sheet dates and reported in the table as the lesser of the original maturity date or the expected put date for each investment type.

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Computations and Number of Dilutive Securities (Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units) Included in Dilutive Net Income Per Share Computation	'
	The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share computations and the number of dilutive equity awards (stock options and restricted stock units) that were included in the dilutive net income per share computation (in thousands):
		For The Thirteen				For The Thirty-Nine
		Weeks Ended				Weeks Ended
		October 1,		October 2,		October 1,		October 2,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic and diluted net income per share		$3,648		$6,839		$20,518		$24,421
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic		28,206		28,004		28,174		27,971
	Dilutive effect of equity awards		716		846		721		888
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted		28,922		28,850		28,895		28,859

StockBased_Compentsation_Table

Stock-Based Compentsation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Information Related to Stock-Based Compensation	'
	The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation (in thousands):
			For The Thirteen				For The Thirty-Nine
			Weeks Ended				Weeks Ended
			October 1,		October 2,		October 1,		October 2,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Labor and benefits stock-based compensation			$406		$323		$1,032		$874
	General and administrative stock-based compensation			$541		$806		$2,299		$2,367
	Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)			$96		$49		$200		$148
	-1	Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in “Property and equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model with Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	The fair value of each stock option grant issued is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
			For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
			October 1,		October 2,
			2013		2012
	Expected volatility			36.5%		37.6%
	Risk free interest rate			0.8%		0.7%
	Expected option life			5 years		5 years
	Dividend yield			0%		0%
	Fair value of options granted			$11.04		$15.13
Stock Option Activity	'
	Stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013, was as follows:
			Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
			Shares		Weighted		Shares		Weighted
			(in thousands)		Average		(in thousands)		Average
					Exercise				Exercise
					Price				Price
	Outstanding options at January 1, 2013			2,025		$22.08		1,403		$17.76
	Granted			186		$33.74
	Exercised			(49)		$14.91
	Forfeited			(56)		$40.98
	Outstanding options at October 1, 2013			2,106		$22.78		1,432		$18.23
Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
	Restricted stock unit activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 1, 2013, was as follows:
			Shares		Weighted
			(in thousands)		Average
					Fair Value
	Outstanding RSUs at January 1, 2013			486		$28.14
	Granted			115		$34.05
	Vested or released			(86)		$17.00
	Forfeited			(54)		$34.48
	Outstanding RSUs at October 1, 2013			461		$30.97

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$897
	Reductions based on statute expirations and audit settlements	(679)
	Balance at October 1, 2013	$218

Marketable_Securities_Addition

Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2013
			Maximum	Short-term marketable securities	Long-term marketable securities
				Maximum	Minimum
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Liquid investments maturity period	'	'	'3 months	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, unrealized gain (loss)	$0	$0	'	'	'
Marketable securities maturity period (in months)	'	'	'	'12 months	'12 months

Investments_in_Marketable_Secu

Investments in Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013		Jan. 01, 2013
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	$15,155		$18,316
Long-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	7,268		7,534
Held-to-maturity securities	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	7,268		7,534
Short-term marketable securities | Available-for-sale securities | Municipal variable rate demand notes	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term marketable securities, Fair Value	2,810		650
Marketable securities, maturity period (in months), maximum	'1 month	[1]	'1 month	[1]
Short-term marketable securities | Held-to-maturity securities	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	12,345		17,666
Short-term marketable securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	12,345		13,587
Marketable securities, Average Maturity (in months)	'5 months	[1]	'7 months	[1]
Short-term marketable securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Domestic corporate obligations	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	'		4,079
Marketable securities, Average Maturity (in months)	'		'6 months	[1]
Long-term marketable securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Municipal securities, U.S. Treasury and direct agency obligations	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	6,217		5,392
Marketable securities, Average Maturity (in months)	'16 months	[1]	'16 months	[1]
Long-term marketable securities | Held-to-maturity securities | Domestic corporate obligations	'		'
Investment [Line Items]	'		'
Long-term marketable securities, Amortized Cost	$1,051		$2,142
Marketable securities, Average Maturity (in months)	'13 months	[1]	'22 months	[1]
[1]	Average maturity is determined from the respective balance sheet dates and reported in the table as the lesser of the original maturity date or the expected put date for each investment type.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Additio

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities	$37.70

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_Infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 17, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Unsecured revolving line of credit	$75	'
Line of credit, expiration date	31-Jan-17	'
Letters of credit outstanding amount	'	$9.20
Maximum	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, adjustment to interest rate	1.50%	'
Minimum	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, adjustment to interest rate	0.75%	'

Reconciliation_of_Basic_and_Di

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Computations and Number of Dilutive Securities - Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units - Included in Dilutive Net Income Per Share Computation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income for basic and diluted net income per share	$3,648	$6,839	$20,518	$24,421
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	28,206	28,004	28,174	27,971
Dilutive effect of equity awards	716	846	721	888
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	28,922	28,850	28,895	28,859

Net_Income_Per_Share_Additiona

Net Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common stock equivalents excluded from calculation of diluted net income per share	0.7	0.3	0.7	0.2

Related_Party_Additional_Infor

Related Party - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expenses for supply of food, beverage, paper products and supplies	$61.30	$58.60	'
Percentage of total costs of sales and operating and occupancy costs	22.80%	24.40%	'
Trade payables	$4.90	'	$3.70
Jacmar Companies	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of outstanding common stock	11.20%	'	'
Agreement terms	'5 years	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
	CompensationPlan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of stock-based compensation plans	2
Number of shares charged to reserve per granted share	1
Share basis for number shares charged to reserve	1
Expiration term of stock options	'10 years
Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Exercise price of stock options under stock-based compensation plans	100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares charged to reserve per granted share	1.5
Share basis for number shares charged to reserve	1
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	20.00%
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	7.6
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expenses recognition period (in years)	'5 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Cliff Vesting Year Five	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Cliff Vesting Third Anniversary	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	33.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Cliff Vesting Fifth Anniversary [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	67.00%
2005 Equity Incentive Plan	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Service period	'Five years
Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expiration term of stock options	'10 years
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	20.00%
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	5.1
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expenses recognition period (in years)	'5 years
Stock Options | Cliff Vesting Year Five	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Stock options vesting percentage in year five	100.00%
Stock Options | Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period (in years)	'3 years
Stock Options | Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period (in years)	'5 years

Information_Related_to_StockBa

Information Related to Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013		Oct. 02, 2012		Oct. 01, 2013		Oct. 02, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Capitalized stock-based compensation	$96	[1]	$49	[1]	$200	[1]	$148	[1]
Labor and benefits stock-based compensation	'		'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation	406		323		1,032		874
General and administrative stock-based compensation	'		'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Stock-based compensation	$541		$806		$2,299		$2,367
[1]	Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in "Property and equipment, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

BlackScholes_OptionPricing_Mod

Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model with Weighted Average Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Expected volatility	36.50%	37.60%
Risk free interest rate	0.80%	0.70%
Expected option life	'5 years	'5 years
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Fair value of options granted	$11.04	$15.13

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Outsta

Summary of Stock Option Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Options Outstanding, Shares	'
Outstanding options, Beginning Balance	2,025
Granted	186
Exercised	-49
Forfeited	-56
Outstanding options, Ending Balance	2,106
Options Exercisable, Shares	'
Options Exercisable Outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,403
Options Exercisable Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,432
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Outstanding options, Beginning Balance	$22.08
Granted	$33.74
Exercised	$14.91
Forfeited	$40.98
Outstanding options, Ending Balance	$22.78
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Options Exercisable, Beginning Balance	$17.76
Options Exercisable, Ending Balance	$18.23

Restricted_Stock_Unit_Activity

Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Shares Outstanding	'
Outstanding RSUs Beginning Balance, Shares	486
Granted, Shares	115
Vested or released, Shares	-86
Forfeited, Shares	-54
Outstanding RSUs Ending Balance, Shares	461
Weighted Average Fair Value	'
Outstanding RSUs Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Fair Value	$28.14
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value	$34.05
Vested or released, Weighted Average Fair Value	$17
Forfeited, Weighted Average Fair Value	$34.48
Outstanding RSUs Ending Balance, Weighted Average Fair Value	$30.97

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefit	$218,000	$897,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate, if reversed	100,000	'
Anticipated decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits within next twelve-month period	$100,000	'

Reconciliation_of_Beginning_an

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Beginning Balance	$897
Reductions based on statute expirations and audit settlements	-679
Ending Balance	$218