Name:	dwsn_AdditionalPercentageOverFairValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsIssuedForThoseWhoChoseCashSettlementOption
Namespace Prefix:	dwsn_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount of aggregate value of cash settlement option.

No definition available.

Name:	dwsn_AggregateValueOfCashSettlementOption
Namespace Prefix:	dwsn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate vesting date fair value of awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan.)

No definition available.

Name:	dwsn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateVestingDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	dwsn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate cash settlement date fair value of restricted stock units under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes share and unit options.

No definition available.

Name:	dwsn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsCashSettlementDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	dwsn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cost to be recognized for nonvested award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes share and unit options.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480429/718-10-50-2

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(01)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480429/718-10-50-2

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

No definition available.