Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 10,731	$ (31,625)	$ 22,739	$ (33,397)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	780	(432)	(137)	(557)
Other, net	1	422	424	1,265
Other comprehensive income (loss)	781	(10)	287	708
Comprehensive income (loss)	11,512	(31,635)	23,026	(32,689)
Comprehensive income attributed to noncontrolling interests	505	298	1,287	1,523
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ 11,007	$ (31,933)	$ 21,739	$ (34,212)