Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (25,297)	$ (13,845)	$ (60,117)	$ (22,858)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	192	(362)	2,005	(434)
Comprehensive loss	(25,105)	(14,207)	(58,112)	(23,292)
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	10	(75)	904	1,972
Comprehensive loss attributable to SAExploration	$ (25,115)	$ (14,132)	$ (59,016)	$ (25,264)