Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 76,449	$ 1,799
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, as appropriate:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	486	(3,641)
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	(1,173)	(23)
Other changes in other comprehensive income	26	8
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(661)	(3,656)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	75,788	(1,857)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(470)	76
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ 75,318	$ (1,781)