Note 5. Investment Partnerships (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Lion Fund
Total Assets	$ 203,507		$ 165,996
Total Liabilities	710		409
Revenue for nine months period	23,926	$ (14,112)	0
Earnings for nine months period	$ 23,792	$ (14,199)	0
Biglari Holdings' Ownership Interest	64.90%	60.90%
Lion Fund II
Total Assets	$ 917,197		819,323
Total Liabilities	174,601		141,274
Revenue for nine months period	112,715	$ (6,634)	0
Earnings for nine months period	$ 108,327	$ (8,389)	$ 0
Biglari Holdings' Ownership Interest	95.20%	93.50%