Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (4,407)	$ (5,268)	$ 5,662	$ (1,546)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(193)	(347)	2,590	(390)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(4,600)	(5,615)	8,252	(1,936)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,187	1,164	2,607	2,573
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to SAExploration	$ (5,787)	$ (6,779)	$ 5,645	$ (4,509)