CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) earnings	$ (1,034)	$ 2,202
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $0	(6)	(70)
Retirement plans - amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost, net of taxes of $0	24	97
Total other comprehensive income	18	27
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(1,016)	2,229
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(17)	561
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Barnwell Industries, Inc.	$ (999)	$ 1,668