| Cover | Nov. 23, 2020 | Aug. 06, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Entity Registrant Name | PAE INCORPORATED | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-38643 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 82-3173473 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7799 Leesburg Pike | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 North | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Falls Church | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 22043 | |
| City Area Code | 703 | |
| Local Phone Number | 717-6000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true | |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001720821 | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 23, 2020 | |
| Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | |
| Trading Symbol | PAE | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Warrants | ||
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Title of 12(b) Security | Warrants | |
| Trading Symbol | PAEWW | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
