Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (24,922)	$ (197,256)	$ 54,010	$ (266,194)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, as appropriate:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,632)	2,513	489	(530)
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive income (loss)	738	(716)	(1,125)	(1,265)
Other changes in other comprehensive income	28	27	54	381
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(1,866)	1,824	(582)	(1,414)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(26,788)	(195,432)	53,428	(267,608)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	381	498	(1,384)	515
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (26,407)	$ (194,934)	$ 52,044	$ (267,093)