LOSS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to SAExploration	$ (30,015)	$ (12,985)	$ (26,960)	$ (17,104)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)	9,969	7,930	10,582	7,818
Loss per share available to common stockholders (basic and diluted)	$ (3.01)	$ (1.64)	$ (2.55)	$ (2.19)
Potentially antidilutive shares excluded from diluted loss available to common stockholders	10,672	11,026	10,689	11,026