Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Components of comprehensive income
Net income	$ 12,096	$ 2,852	$ 20,558	$ 3,302
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (ION)	(1,503)	(313)	265	3,237
Equity interest in INOVA Geophysical's other comprehensive income	369	997	716	1,582
Unrealized income (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(499)	308	463	(506)
Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	(34)	(115)	(27)	(159)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,667)	877	1,417	4,154
Comprehensive net income	10,429	3,729	21,975	7,456
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	281	44	394	69
Comprehensive income attributable to ION	$ 10,710	$ 3,773	$ 22,369	$ 7,525