Equity Method Investments Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 OceanGeo [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 OceanGeo [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 INOVA Geophysical [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 INOVA Geophysical [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 INOVA Geophysical [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 INOVA Geophysical [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 0	$ 19,668	$ 61,241	$ 47,447	$ 142,947	$ 163,224
Gross profit	(11,359)	(11,237)	12,243	6,296	26,378	39,762
Income (loss) from operations	(16,733)	(23,609)	1,658	(4,029)	(7,103)	11,390
Net income (loss)	$ (17,553)	$ (24,598)	$ (488)	$ (3,454)	$ (6,518)	$ 10,917