CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) earnings	$ (642)	$ (1,545)	$ 1,560	$ (2,861)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	22	272	(48)	116
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	96	38	193	77
Total other comprehensive income	118	310	145	193
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(524)	(1,235)	1,705	(2,668)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(27)	63	534	156
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (497)	$ (1,298)	$ 1,171	$ (2,824)