ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization and Background BRT Realty Trust ("BRT" or the "Trust") is a business trust organized in Massachusetts. BRT owns, operates and develops (i) multi-family properties, and (ii) commercial and mixed use real estate assets. The multi-family properties are generally acquired with venture partners in transactions in which the Trust contributes 80% of the equity. At September 30, 2015, the Trust owns 28 multi-family properties with 8,300 units and located in 11 states. BRT conducts its operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for Federal income tax purposes. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of BRT Realty Trust, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and its majority owned or controlled real estate entities and its interests in variable interest entities in which the Trust is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. RBH-TRB Newark Holdings LLC, referred to herein as the Newark Joint Venture, was determined to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support by its equity holders. It was determined that the Trust is the primary beneficiary of this joint venture because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Trust's consolidated joint ventures that own multi-family properties, other than the joint venture which owns a multi-family property in Kennesaw, GA, were determined to be VIE's because the voting rights of some equity investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and their right to receive the expected residual returns. In addition, substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of the investor that has disproportionately fewer voting rights. It was determined that the Trust is the primary beneficiary of these joint ventures because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The joint venture that owns the Kennesaw, GA property was determined not to be a VIE but is consolidated because the Trust has substantive participating rights in the entity giving it a controlling financial interest in the entity. With respect to its unconsolidated joint ventures, as (i) the Trust is primarily the managing member but does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities or the Trust is not the managing member and (ii) such entities are not VIE's, the Trust has determined that such joint ventures should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting for financial statement purposes. Certain items on the consolidated financial statements for the prior years have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation, including the reclassification of certain expenses from general and administrative to property acquisition costs and the reclassification of the operations and related assets of the Trust's loan and investment segment to discontinued operations. Income Tax Status The Trust qualifies as a real estate investment trust under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Trustees may, at their option, elect to operate the Trust as a business trust not qualifying as a real estate investment trust. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Trust believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and, as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that, if successfully challenged, could result in a material impact on the Trust's financial position or results of operations. The Trust's income tax returns for the previous six years are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Revenue Recognition Rental revenue from residential properties is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Rental payments are due in advance. Leases on residential properties are generally for terms that do not exceed one year. Rental revenue from commercial properties, including the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases, net of any rent concessions and lease incentives, is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease. Real Estate Properties Real estate properties are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and include real property acquired through acquisition, development or foreclosure. The Trust assesses the fair value of real estate acquired (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as above and below market leases and acquired in-place leases, if any) and acquired liabilities and allocates the acquisition price based on these assessments. Fixed-rate renewal options have been included in the calculation of the fair value of acquired leases where applicable. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the tangible assets. Intangible assets (and liabilities) are amortized over the remaining life of the related lease at the time of acquisition. There were no unamortized value of in-place leases at September 30, 2015 and 2014. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Real estate is classified as held for sale when management has determined that it has met the applicable criteria. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis. The Trust accounts for the sale of real estate when title passes to the buyer, sufficient equity payments have been received, there is no continuing involvement by the Trust and there is reasonable assurance that the remaining receivable, if any, will be collected. Real Estate Asset Impairments The Trust reviews each real estate asset owned, including investments in real estate ventures, to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Trust determines whether the carrying amount of the asset can be recovered. Recognition of impairment is required if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the asset are less than the asset's carrying amount and that carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. In evaluating a property for impairment, various factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate in the ordinary course of business. Valuation adjustments may be necessary in the event that effective interest rates, rent-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. If future evaluations result in a decrease in the value of the property below its carrying value, the reduction will be recognized as an impairment charge. The fair values related to the impaired real estate are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy. Fixed Asset Capitalization A variety of costs may be incurred in the development of the Trust's properties. After a determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific project that is benefited. The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, and other costs incurred during the period of development. A construction project is considered substantially completed when it is available for occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Trust ceases capitalization when the project is available for occupancy. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Equity Based Compensation Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is amortized over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the estimated fair value of such restricted stock at the grant date. For accounting purposes, the restricted shares are not included in the outstanding shares shown on the consolidated balance sheets until they vest; however, they are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share as they participate in the earnings of the Trust. Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Trust's objective in using derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk. The Trust does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Trust records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative; whether the Trust has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which they occur. Per Share Data Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding during such year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of beneficial interest were exercised or converted into shares of beneficial interest or resulted in the issuance of shares of beneficial interest that share in the earnings of the Trust. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding plus the dilutive effect of the Trust's unvested restricted stock using the treasury stock method. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, primarily direct United States treasury obligations with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Restricted Cash Restricted cash—Newark and restricted cash—multi-family consist principally of cash held for construction costs and property improvements at specific properties as may be required by contractual arrangements. Deferred Costs Fees and costs incurred in connection with multi-family property financings and the New Markets Tax Credits related to the Newark Joint Venture (Note 9) are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt obligations. Fees and costs paid related to the successful negotiation of leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Use of Estimates The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Segment Reporting As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Trust operates in two reportable segments: (i) multi-family real estate; and (ii) other real estate. The multi-family real estate segment includes the ownership, operation and development of the Trust's multi-family properties and the other real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, development, operation and disposition of the Trust's other real estate assets. In the year ended September 30, 2013, the Trust operated in a third segment, the loan and investment segment, which includes all activities related to the origination and servicing of the Trust's loan portfolio and other investments. The operations and assets related to this segment are reported as part of discontinued operations as the Trust no longer operates in this segment. New Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2018. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest, which amends the balance sheet presentation for debt issuance costs. Under the amended guidance, a company will present unamortized debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis, and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption being permitted. The Trust is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, which simplifies income statement presentation by eliminating extraordinary items from US GAAP. The ASU retains current presentation and disclosure requirements for an event or transaction that is of an unusual nature or of a type that indicates infrequency of occurrence. Transactions that meet both criteria would now also follow such presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective in annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted; however, adoption must occur at the beginning of an annual period. An entity can elect to apply the guidance prospectively or retrospectively. The Trust elected early adoption for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014, and its adoption did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Background

BRT Realty Trust ("BRT" or the "Trust") is a business trust organized in Massachusetts. BRT owns, operates and develops (i) multi-family properties, and (ii) commercial and mixed use real estate assets.

The multi-family properties are generally acquired with venture partners in transactions in which the Trust contributes 80% of the equity. At September 30, 2015, the Trust owns 28 multi-family properties with 8,300 units and located in 11 states.

BRT conducts its operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for Federal income tax purposes.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of BRT Realty Trust, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and its majority owned or controlled real estate entities and its interests in variable interest entities in which the Trust is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

RBH-TRB Newark Holdings LLC, referred to herein as the Newark Joint Venture, was determined to be a variable interest entity ("VIE") because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support by its equity holders. It was determined that the Trust is the primary beneficiary of this joint venture because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Trust's consolidated joint ventures that own multi-family properties, other than the joint venture which owns a multi-family property in Kennesaw, GA, were determined to be VIE's because the voting rights of some equity investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and their right to receive the expected residual returns. In addition, substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of the investor that has disproportionately fewer voting rights. It was determined that the Trust is the primary beneficiary of these joint ventures because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The joint venture that owns the Kennesaw, GA property was determined not to be a VIE but is consolidated because the Trust has substantive participating rights in the entity giving it a controlling financial interest in the entity.

With respect to its unconsolidated joint ventures, as (i) the Trust is primarily the managing member but does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities or the Trust is not the managing member and (ii) such entities are not VIE's, the Trust has determined that such joint ventures should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting for financial statement purposes.

Certain items on the consolidated financial statements for the prior years have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation, including the reclassification of certain expenses from general and administrative to property acquisition costs and the reclassification of the operations and related assets of the Trust's loan and investment segment to discontinued operations.

Income Tax Status

The Trust qualifies as a real estate investment trust under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Trustees may, at their option, elect to operate the Trust as a business trust not qualifying as a real estate investment trust.

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Trust believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and, as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that, if successfully challenged, could result in a material impact on the Trust's financial position or results of operations. The Trust's income tax returns for the previous six years are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue from residential properties is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Rental payments are due in advance. Leases on residential properties are generally for terms that do not exceed one year.

Rental revenue from commercial properties, including the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases, net of any rent concessions and lease incentives, is reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the lease.

Real Estate Properties

Real estate properties are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and include real property acquired through acquisition, development or foreclosure.

The Trust assesses the fair value of real estate acquired (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as above and below market leases and acquired in-place leases, if any) and acquired liabilities and allocates the acquisition price based on these assessments. Fixed-rate renewal options have been included in the calculation of the fair value of acquired leases where applicable. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the tangible assets. Intangible assets (and liabilities) are amortized over the remaining life of the related lease at the time of acquisition. There were no unamortized value of in-place leases at September 30, 2015 and 2014. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Real estate is classified as held for sale when management has determined that it has met the applicable criteria. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis.

The Trust accounts for the sale of real estate when title passes to the buyer, sufficient equity payments have been received, there is no continuing involvement by the Trust and there is reasonable assurance that the remaining receivable, if any, will be collected.

Real Estate Asset Impairments

The Trust reviews each real estate asset owned, including investments in real estate ventures, to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Trust determines whether the carrying amount of the asset can be recovered. Recognition of impairment is required if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the asset are less than the asset's carrying amount and that carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. In evaluating a property for impairment, various factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate in the ordinary course of business. Valuation adjustments may be necessary in the event that effective interest rates, rent-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. If future evaluations result in a decrease in the value of the property below its carrying value, the reduction will be recognized as an impairment charge. The fair values related to the impaired real estate are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy.

Fixed Asset Capitalization

A variety of costs may be incurred in the development of the Trust's properties. After a determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific project that is benefited. The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, and other costs incurred during the period of development. A construction project is considered substantially completed when it is available for occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Trust ceases capitalization when the project is available for occupancy.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Equity Based Compensation

Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is amortized over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the estimated fair value of such restricted stock at the grant date. For accounting purposes, the restricted shares are not included in the outstanding shares shown on the consolidated balance sheets until they vest; however, they are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share as they participate in the earnings of the Trust.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Trust's objective in using derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk. The Trust does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Trust records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative; whether the Trust has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which they occur.

Per Share Data

Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding during such year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of beneficial interest were exercised or converted into shares of beneficial interest or resulted in the issuance of shares of beneficial interest that share in the earnings of the Trust. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding plus the dilutive effect of the Trust's unvested restricted stock using the treasury stock method.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, primarily direct United States treasury obligations with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash—Newark and restricted cash—multi-family consist principally of cash held for construction costs and property improvements at specific properties as may be required by contractual arrangements.

Deferred Costs

Fees and costs incurred in connection with multi-family property financings and the New Markets Tax Credits related to the Newark Joint Venture (Note 9) are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt obligations. Fees and costs paid related to the successful negotiation of leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Segment Reporting

As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Trust operates in two reportable segments: (i) multi-family real estate; and (ii) other real estate. The multi-family real estate segment includes the ownership, operation and development of the Trust's multi-family properties and the other real estate segment includes all activities related to the ownership, development, operation and disposition of the Trust's other real estate assets. In the year ended September 30, 2013, the Trust operated in a third segment, the loan and investment segment, which includes all activities related to the origination and servicing of the Trust's loan portfolio and other investments. The operations and assets related to this segment are reported as part of discontinued operations as the Trust no longer operates in this segment.

New Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP.

The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method by which we will adopt the standard in 2018.

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest, which amends the balance sheet presentation for debt issuance costs. Under the amended guidance, a company will present unamortized debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis, and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption being permitted. The Trust is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, which simplifies income statement presentation by eliminating extraordinary items from US GAAP. The ASU retains current presentation and disclosure requirements for an event or transaction that is of an unusual nature or of a type that indicates infrequency of occurrence. Transactions that meet both criteria would now also follow such presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective in annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted; however, adoption must occur at the beginning of an annual period. An entity can elect to apply the guidance prospectively or retrospectively. The Trust elected early adoption for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014, and its adoption did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.