v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 09, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name DAWSON GEOPHYSICAL CO    
Entity Central Index Key 0000799165    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 163,401,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   21,663,628  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY