CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Net loss	$ (2,923,000)	$ (3,329,000)	$ (5,709,000)	$ (3,669,000)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	(600,000)	662,000	(970,000)	1,443,000
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	65,000	65,000	130,000	130,000
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(535,000)	727,000	(840,000)	1,573,000
Total comprehensive loss	(3,458,000)	(2,602,000)	(6,549,000)	(2,096,000)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	21,000	(348,000)	(19,000)	(406,000)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (3,479,000)	$ (2,254,000)	$ (6,530,000)	$ (1,690,000)