CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,213	$ (198)	$ (943)	$ (1,522)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	132	356	(1,047)	(1,345)
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	26	(3)	79	13
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	158	353	(968)	(1,332)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	1,371	155	(1,911)	(2,854)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	242	18	570	(32)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ 1,129	$ 137	$ (2,481)	$ (2,822)