Segment Information - Fixed Assets Less Accumulated Depreciation by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets less accumulated depreciation		$ 11,576	$ 12,821	$ 13,415
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		5,120	4,428	4,392
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		1,042	1,460	1,728
Operating Segments | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		2,540	2,706	2,978
Operating Segments | Middle East & Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		2,771	3,149	3,078
Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	[1]	$ 103	$ 1,078	$ 1,239

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