Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (4,777)	$ (5,160)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(976)	290
Other, net	281	422
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(695)	712
Comprehensive loss	(5,472)	(4,448)
Comprehensive income attributed to noncontrolling interests	498	582
Comprehensive loss attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ (5,970)	$ (5,030)