Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2021	Mar. 29, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,273	$ 26,150
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(994)	(976)
Other, net	(1)	281
Other comprehensive loss	(995)	(695)
Comprehensive income	11,278	25,455
Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to noncontrolling interests	(1,254)	498
Comprehensive income attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ 12,532	$ 24,957