| Cover | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-32472 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000799165 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-2095844 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 508 West Wall |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Midland |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 79701 |
| City Area Code | 432 |
| Local Phone Number | 684-3000 |
| 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 |
| Trading Symbol | DWSN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
