CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPHREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,577	$ (5,795)	$ 576
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in cumulative translation adjustment	(410)	(10)	(118)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(410)	(10)	(118)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	13,167	(5,805)	458
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,772	6	(482)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to B. Riley Financial, Inc.	$ 11,395	$ (5,811)	$ 940