Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (5,675)	$ 27,457	$ (114,013)	$ 68,014
(Loss) in fair value of interest rate swaps	(461)	(657)	(2,790)	(1,029)
Interest rate swap amounts reclassified to interest expense	176	(45)	223	(94)
Income taxes on derivatives	166	147	539	236
Total derivatives (loss)	(119)	(555)	(2,028)	(887)
Amortization to net income of prior service cost		(25)		(50)
Amortization to net income of actuarial loss		14		29
Income taxes on pension and other postretirement benefit plans		2		5
Total pension and other postretirement benefit plans		(9)		(16)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(119)	(564)	(2,028)	(903)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(5,794)	26,893	(116,041)	67,111
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	41	43	124	90
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.	$ (5,835)	$ 26,850	$ (116,165)	$ 67,021