Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 16,786	$ 3,389	$ 12,009	$ (1,772)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	59	(415)	(917)	(125)
Other, net	142	421	424	843
Other comprehensive income (loss)	201	6	(493)	718
Comprehensive income (loss)	16,987	3,395	11,516	(1,054)
Comprehensive income attributed to noncontrolling interests	284	643	781	1,225
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ 16,703	$ 2,752	$ 10,735	$ (2,279)