(LOSS) EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Basic (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income attributable to SAExploration	$ (5,594)	$ (6,432)	$ 3,055	$ (4,119)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	9,969	7,919	9,968	7,761
Basic (loss) earnings per common share	$ (0.56)	$ (0.81)	$ 0.31	$ (0.53)
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Net (loss) income attributable to SAExploration	$ (5,594)	$ (6,432)	$ 3,055	$ (4,119)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	9,969	7,919	9,968	7,761
Effect of dilutive securities	0	0	48	0
Weighted average common shares outstanding, as adjusted	9,969	7,919	10,016	7,761
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share	$ (0.56)	$ (0.81)	$ 0.31	$ (0.53)
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per common share	10,702	11,177	10,496	11,177