CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (1,545)	$ (1,873)	$ (2,861)	$ (2,156)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	272	(772)	116	(1,179)
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	38	27	77	53
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	310	(745)	193	(1,126)
Total comprehensive loss	(1,235)	(2,618)	(2,668)	(3,282)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	63	144	156	328
Comprehensive loss attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (1,298)	$ (2,762)	$ (2,824)	$ (3,610)