CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total capital at beginning of period	$ 168,041	$ 124,827	$ 199,385
Net income (loss)	133,077	92,139	(24,558)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	10,495	0	0
Contributions from members	97,892	1,075
Share-based compensation	6,147
Distributions to Mohegan Tribe	(53,000)	(50,000)	(50,000)
Total capital at end of period	362,652	168,041	124,827
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total capital at beginning of period	169,452	125,058	199,236
Net income (loss)	132,650	94,394	(24,178)
Distributions to Mohegan Tribe	(53,000)	(50,000)	(50,000)
Total capital at end of period	249,102	169,452	125,058
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total capital at beginning of period	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,106
Distributions to Mohegan Tribe	0	0	0
Total capital at end of period	5,106	0	0
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority Total Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total capital at beginning of period	169,452	125,058	199,236
Net income (loss)	132,650	94,394	(24,178)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,106
Distributions to Mohegan Tribe	(53,000)	(50,000)	(50,000)
Total capital at end of period	254,208	169,452	125,058
Non-controlling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total capital at beginning of period	(1,411)	(231)	149
Net income (loss)	427	(2,255)	(380)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	5,389
Contributions from members	97,892	1,075
Share-based compensation	6,147
Distributions to Mohegan Tribe	0	0	0
Total capital at end of period	$ 108,444	$ (1,411)	$ (231)