| Cover | Mar. 31, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 1-32693 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Basic Energy Services, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001109189 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-2091194 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 801 Cherry Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 2100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Forth Worth |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 76102 |
| City Area Code | 817 |
| Local Phone Number | 334-4100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value per share* |
| Trading Symbol | BASX* |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
