Segment Information - Fixed Assets Less Accumulated Depreciation by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets less accumulated depreciation	$ 15,396		$ 15,096		$ 14,780
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	4,885		4,858		4,868
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	1,969		1,889		1,788
Operating Segments | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	3,640		3,452		3,414
Operating Segments | Middle East & Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	3,446		2,991		2,908
Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	$ 1,456	[1]	$ 1,906	[1]	$ 1,802	[1]

[1] Represents seismic vessels, including the related on-board equipment, which frequently transition between geographic areas.