Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 26, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 27,831	$ 15,731	$ 55,013	$ 39,199
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(282)	780	(647)	(137)
Other, net	2	1	1	424
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(280)	781	(646)	287
Comprehensive income	27,551	16,512	54,367	39,486
Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to noncontrolling interests	(2,050)	505	(2,752)	1,287
Comprehensive income attributed to PAE Incorporated	$ 29,601	$ 16,007	$ 57,119	$ 38,199