Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (22,613)	$ (59,560)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	123	2,047
Comprehensive loss	(22,490)	(57,513)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,573	905
Comprehensive loss attributable to SAExploration	$ (25,063)	$ (58,418)