Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,207	$ (108,338)
Gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps	(298)	(2,329)
Interest rate swap amount reclassified to net income (loss)	(341)	47
Income tax expense (benefit) on interest rate swaps reclassified to net income (loss)	(22)	373
Total interest rate swaps	(661)	(1,909)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(661)	(1,909)
Comprehensive income (loss)	7,546	(110,247)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	102	83
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.	$ 7,444	$ (110,330)