CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) earnings	$ (2,864)	$ 1,769
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	87	(873)
Retirement plans:
Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	168	105
Net actuarial losses arising during the period, net of taxes of $0	(2,053)	(1,096)
Total other comprehensive loss	(1,798)	(1,864)
Total comprehensive loss	(4,662)	(95)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	751	506
Comprehensive loss attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (5,413)	$ (601)