Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 25, 2010	Mar. 24, 2010
Percentage of equity method investment	49.00%			49.00%	49.00%
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Short-term restricted cash	$ 1,500,000	$ 3,300,000
Multi-client data library capitalized income	3,800,000	2,400,000	2,800,000
Multi-client data library impairment charges	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses
Total foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ (1,900,000)	$ (1,700,000)	$ 1,000,000
Concentration of Credit and Foreign Sales Risk
International sales comprised of total net revenue	69.00%	66.00%	60.00%
Maximum [Member]
Percentage of equity method investment	50.00%
Amortization of customer relationship intangible asset	15 years
Range of product warranty	3 years
Revenue Recognition
Time-based licenses, company recognizes revenue		P5Y
Minimum [Member]
Percentage of equity method investment	20.00%
Amortization of customer relationship intangible asset	10 years
Range of product warranty	30 days
Revenue Recognition
Time-based licenses, company recognizes revenue		P2Y
Copyrights [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets other than goodwill, estimated period of benefit minimum	5 years
Copyrights [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets other than goodwill, estimated period of benefit minimum	4 years