Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 8,036	$ 9,087
Income taxes	7,614	12,008
Non-cash items from investing and financing activities:
Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	1,178	5,768
Investment in multi-client data library financed through accounts payable	13,617	1,298
Conversion of investment in a convertible note to equity	0	3,151
Transfer of inventory to property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	15,936	3,039
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	17,601	$ 6,842
Ocean Bottom Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	$ 14,300