Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 26,052		$ 54,940		$ 26,798		$ 27,078		$ 26,925		$ 33,662		$ 32,028		$ 28,019		$ 134,868	$ 120,634	$ 127,562
Gross profit	8,874		14,538		9,452		10,582		8,051		8,674		7,170		6,778
Loss before income taxes and non-controlling interest	(3,366)		1,503		(1,323)		(149)		(2,684)		(959)		(2,564)		(3,030)		(3,335)	(9,237)	(16,600)
Net loss attributable to Telos Corporation (1)(2)	$ (4,305)	[1]	$ (91)	[1]	$ (1,912)	[1]	$ (867)	[1]	$ (9,380)	[1],[2]	$ (1,406)	[1],[2]	$ (2,408)	[1],[2]	$ (2,746)	[1],[2]	$ (7,175)	$ (15,940)	$ (12,288)

[1] Changes in net income are the result of several factors, including seasonality of the government year-end buying season, as well as the nature and timing of other deliverables.

[2] A full valuation allowance was recorded against the Company's deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2015.