Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,826	$ (50,061)	$ (31,578)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,583	317	(1,061)
Other, net	427	1,687	1,686
Other comprehensive income	2,010	2,004	625
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,836	(48,057)	(30,953)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to noncontrolling interests	(1,084)	(178)	2,656
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ 16,920	$ (47,879)	$ (33,609)