Note 5. Investment Partnerships (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Lion Fund
Total assets	$ 106,657		$ 107,207
Total liabilities	90		447
Revenue for the first six months	121	$ (49,773)
Earnings (loss) for the first six months	$ 88	$ (49,805)
Biglari Holdings' ownership interest	66.10%	65.30%
Lion Fund II
Total assets	$ 911,690		901,750
Total liabilities	165,787		$ 202,770
Revenue for the first six months	62,499	$ (99,751)
Earnings (loss) for the first six months	$ 58,068	$ (104,290)
Biglari Holdings' ownership interest	93.40%	92.20%