Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-8182
Entity Registrant Name	PIONEER ENERGY SERVICES CORP.
Entity Incorporation State	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-2088619
Entity Address, Address Line One	1250 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 1000
Entity Address, City or Town	San Antonio
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	78209
City Area Code	855
Local Phone Number	884-0575
Title of 12(b) Security
Trading Symbol
Security Exchange Name
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,837,641
Entity Central Index Key	0000320575
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Bankruptcy Proceedings, Reporting Current	true