Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 2,618	$ (916)	$ 14,623	$ (2,893)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, net of tax of $4		(6)		(6)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment	$ (279)	37	(287)	17
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(279)	31	(287)	11
Total comprehensive income (loss)	2,339	(885)	14,336	(2,882)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,155	(48)	1,814	86
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.	$ 1,184	$ (837)	$ 12,522	$ (2,968)