CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 1,769	$ 1,338
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	(873)	(2,009)
Retirement plans:
Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	105	16
Net actuarial losses arising during the period, net of taxes of $0	(1,096)	(1,256)
Total other comprehensive loss	(1,864)	(3,249)
Total comprehensive loss	(95)	(1,911)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	506	666
Comprehensive loss attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (601)	$ (2,577)