Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue	$ 595,824	[1]	$ 763,729	[1]	$ 558,134	[1]
Expenses:
Direct operating	424,365	[1]	603,275	[1]	455,899	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	123,924	[1]	158,388	[1]	112,897	[1]
General and administrative	65,467		75,608		81,394
Asset impairments	6,049	[1]	134,756	[1]	0	[1]
Total expenses	619,805		972,027		650,190
Loss from operations	(23,981)		(208,298)		(92,056)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	229		658		1,767
Interest expense	(52,093)		(48,198)		(39,594)
Gain (loss) from change in fair value of derivative liabilities	5,730		33,300		(6,415)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	(738)		(2,333)		365
Other, net	2,810		4,858		2,059
Total other expense, net	(44,062)		(11,715)		(41,818)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(68,043)		(220,013)		(133,874)
Provision for income taxes:
Current	10,295		10,147		13,986
Deferred	4,623		(8,107)		(9,176)
Total provision for income taxes	14,918	[1]	2,040	[1]	4,810	[1]
Net loss	(82,961)	[1]	(222,053)	[1]	(138,684)	[1]
Dividends and accretion	(10,102)		(9,198)		(8,850)
Loss applicable to common stockholders	$ (93,063)		$ (231,251)		$ (147,534)
For Basic and Diluted Shares:
Loss per common share (usd per share)	$ (4.89)		$ (12.70)		$ (8.46)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	19,043		18,211		17,441

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company re-assessed its operating segments and concluded that its multi-client data library business is a separate operating segment. Accordingly, prior periods have been restated.