LEASES - Schedule of Operating and Finance Leases Presented on Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 7,902	$ 0
Finance lease assets	$ 766
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Total lease assets	$ 8,668
Current:
Operating lease liabilities	3,193	$ 0
Finance lease liabilities	$ 806
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	saex:LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeasesCurrent
Long-term - Operating lease liabilities	$ 4,807
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	saex:LongTermDebtAndFinanceLeasesNoncurrent
Total lease liabilities	$ 8,806