CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (1,316)	$ (283)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	(156)	(407)
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	39	26
Total other comprehensive loss	(117)	(381)
Total comprehensive loss	(1,433)	(664)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	93	184
Comprehensive loss attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (1,526)	$ (848)