An Interior Ministry statement alleged one of the US journalists was seen "wearing a mask and participating in attacks on police alongside other rioters in Sitra".
The US Embassy in Manama issued a statement on Monday saying officials are "aware of the arrest of four US citizens in Bahrain", but declined to comment further citing privacy concerns.
Bahraini protesters walk past burning tyres during clashes with riot police in the village of Sitra, south of the capital Manama, on January 8, 2016
Low-level unrest continues in Bahrain`s Shiite communities
The reporters` identities and what, if any, media outlets they are affiliated with was not immediately clear.
Bahraini police one woman and three men had been arrested.
A statement from the state-run Bahrain News Agency said the journalists had "been afforded full legal rights in line with the kingdom`s procedures and constitution while investigations continue".
Witnesses told the AP news agency the Americans were being held amid a long crackdown on dissent in the island nation.
The reporters were said to be on the island covering the anniversary of Bahrain`s 2011 uprising - the largest of the Arab Spring wave of demonstrations.
The protests were driven by the country`s Shiite majority, who demanded greater political rights from the Sunni-led monarchy.
Some low-level unrest continues five years on, particularly in Shiite communities.
Bahrain requires international journalists to obtain special media visas before entering Bahrain to work.
The country is considered a US ally and is home to the US Navy`s 5th Fleet.
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