Ion Geophysical (IOGPQ) 10-Q 7 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ION GEOPHYSICAL CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000866609	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	164,086,011

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$157,779	$148,056
Accounts receivable, net	85,800	149,448
Unbilled receivables	63,769	49,468
Inventories	55,322	57,173
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,526	24,772
Total current assets	397,196	428,917
Deferred income tax asset	14,339	14,650
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	59,623	46,684
Multi-client data library, net	246,054	238,784
Equity method investments	44,995	53,865
Goodwill	51,626	55,876
Intangible assets, net	9,932	11,247
Other assets	15,604	14,648
Total assets	839,369	864,671
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,664	5,906
Accounts payable	36,181	22,654
Accrued expenses	81,460	84,358
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	23,981	46,460
Deferred revenue	15,766	20,682
Total current liabilities	168,052	180,060
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	179,992	214,246
Other long-term liabilities	143,082	210,602
Total liabilities	491,126	604,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	6,846	1,878
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares; outstanding 164,086,011 and 163,737,757 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, net of treasury stock	1,641	1,637
Additional paid-in capital	884,796	879,969
Accumulated deficit	-528,990	-606,157
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-9,854	-11,138
Treasury stock, at cost, 849,539 shares at both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	-6,565	-6,565
Total stockholders' equity	341,028	257,746
Noncontrolling interests	369	139
Total equity	341,397	257,885
Total liabilities and equity	$839,369	$864,671

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	164,086,011	163,737,757
Treasury stock, shares	849,539	849,539

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	$89,767	$89,603	$200,463	$179,552
Product revenues	31,713	31,312	65,715	71,100
Revenues	121,480	120,915	266,178	250,652
Cost of services	68,341	66,965	140,412	136,238
Cost of products	14,911	17,332	30,684	42,839
Gross profit	38,228	36,618	95,082	71,575
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research, development and engineering	10,305	9,087	19,344	18,377
Marketing and sales	9,917	8,968	19,130	16,948
General, administrative and other operating expenses	14,221	11,793	33,152	27,557
Total operating expenses	34,443	29,848	71,626	62,882
Income from operations	3,785	6,770	23,456	8,693
Interest expense, net	-4,934	-2,756	-9,731	-3,822
Equity in losses of investments	-1,781	-6,338	-3,469	-5,222
Other income (expense), net	6,066	-107,118	74,592	-106,091
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,136	-109,442	84,848	-106,442
Income tax expense (benefit)	653	-38,705	5,916	-37,504
Net income (loss)	2,483	-70,737	78,932	-68,938
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	1,188	-70,796	77,167	-68,921
Preferred stock dividends	0	338	0	676
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$1,188	($71,134)	$77,167	($69,597)
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic, in dollars per share	$0.01	($0.45)	$0.47	($0.44)
Diluted, in dollars per share	$0.01	($0.45)	$0.47	($0.44)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic, in shares	164,063	156,910	163,956	156,689
Diluted, in shares	164,423	156,910	164,243	156,689

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$2,483	($70,737)	$78,932	($68,938)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, as appropriate:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,635	597	3,121	-3,044
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	-690	-526	-1,863	-549
Other changes in other comprehensive income	0	347	26	355
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	1,945	418	1,284	-3,238
Comprehensive net income (loss)	4,428	-70,319	80,216	-72,176
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$3,133	($70,378)	$78,451	($72,159)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income (loss)	$78,932		($68,938)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization (other than multi-client library)	13,785		8,302
Amortization of multi-client library	34,257		36,679
Stock-based compensation expense	5,033		3,831
Equity in losses of investments	3,469		5,222
Accrual for (reduction of) loss contingency related to legal proceedings	-69,557		110,000
Gain on sale of Source product line	-6,522	[1]	0
Gain on sale of cost-method investment	0		-3,591
Deferred income taxes	-5,612		-48,627
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'		'
Accounts receivable	73,254		34,259
Unbilled receivables	-14,236		-9,160
Inventories	-3,197		-8,993
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued royalties	-30,807		-11,391
Deferred revenue	-4,988		-8,242
Other assets and liabilities	2,927		4,026
Net cash provided by operating activities	76,738		43,377
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	-34,317		-48,599
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	-4,543		-8,963
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	1,000		0
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	-3,683		-9,500
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	609		0
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	14,394		0
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	0		4,150
Investment in convertible note	0		-2,000
Other investing activities	605		76
Net cash used in investing activities	-25,935		-64,836
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	0		175,000
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	15,000		0
Payments under revolving line of credit	-50,000		-97,250
Payments on long-term debt	-5,595		-1,815
Cost associated with issuance of notes	0		-6,731
Payment of preferred dividends	0		-676
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	340		1,972
Other financing activities	-679		302
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-40,934		70,802
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-146		-813
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	9,723		48,530
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	148,056		60,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$157,779		$109,501
[1]	In May 2014, the Company sold its Source product line for approximately $14.4 million, net of transaction fees, recording a gain of approximately $6.5 million before taxes. As a part of this transaction, the Company reduced Goodwill on the Marine reporting unit by $5.1 million. The historical results of this product line have not been material to the Companybs results of operations.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet of ION Geophysical Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Company” or “ION,” unless the context otherwise requires) at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2014, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year or of future operations.
	These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Amendment No. 1 thereto on Form 10-K/A, which was filed on March 28, 2014 and contains the separate consolidated financial statements of INOVA Geophysical Equipment Limited (“INOVA Geophysical”) for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Acquisition_of_Controlling_Int

Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo	'
	Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo
	In February 2013, the Company acquired 30% of OceanGeo B.V. (“OceanGeo”), the Company’s seabed data acquisition joint venture. In October 2013, the Company reached agreement with its joint venture partner in OceanGeo, Georadar Levantamentos Geofisicos S/A (“Georadar”), for the Company to have the option to increase its ownership percentage in OceanGeo from 30% to 70%, subject to certain conditions. OceanGeo is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and specializes in seismic acquisition operations using ocean bottom cables deployed from vessels leased by OceanGeo.
	To further assist OceanGeo in acquiring backlog, in October 2013, the Company also agreed to loan OceanGeo additional funds for working capital, as necessary, up to a maximum of $25.0 million. Prior to obtaining the controlling interest in OceanGeo, the Company advanced a total of $18.9 million to OceanGeo.
	In late January 2014, the Company acquired an additional 40% interest in OceanGeo, through the conversion of certain outstanding amounts loaned to OceanGeo by the Company into additional equity interests of OceanGeo, bringing the Company’s total equity interest in OceanGeo to 70% and giving the Company control over OceanGeo. The Company has included in its results of operations, the results of OceanGeo from the date of the Company’s acquisition of the controlling interest.
	The Company acquired its ownership interest in OceanGeo as part of its strategy to expand the range of service offerings it can provide to oil and gas exploration and production customers and to put its Calypso® seabed acquisition technology to work in a service model to meet the growing demand for seabed seismic services. In June 2014, the Company reached an agreement with Georadar to acquire the remaining 30% owned by Georadar. However, the acquisition of the remaining 30% was not completed as of June 30, 2014 (see “— Subsequent Event” below).
	In July, the Company paid $6.0 million to Georadar and increased its equity interest in OceanGeo to 100%. In addition to the $6.0 million purchase price, the Company also agreed to pay Georadar the amount of $5.0 million, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events, including the award of a future material project in 2014 and a minimal amount of vessel downtime. Since the initial investment in early 2013, the Company has invested or contributed assets totaling approximately $40.5 million to OceanGeo.
	The acquisition of the controlling interest was accounted for by the acquisition method, whereby the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date based on an income approach. The estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed approximated the purchase price and therefore no goodwill or bargain purchase was recognized. As of June 30, 2014, the allocation of the purchase price of OceanGeo was based upon preliminary fair value studies and may be subject to change as additional information becomes available. In connection with the acquisition, the Company incurred $1.3 million in acquisition-related transaction costs related to professional services and fees. These costs were expensed as incurred and were included in other income (expense), net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014. As a result of consolidating OceanGeo’s results into the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the period from the acquisition date at the end of January 2014 to June 30, 2014, the Company’s results of operations include $25.9 million of OceanGeo revenues and $6.5 million of income from OceanGeo’s operations for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and $46.5 million of OceanGeo revenues and $10.7 million of income from OceanGeo’s operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The following table summarizes the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the noncontrolling interest, at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	609
	Accounts receivable	9,247
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,433
	Multi-client data library	3,876
	Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	14,598
	Other assets	2,227
	Total identifiable assets	31,990
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(13,464		)
	Bank loans	(6,135		)
	Other liabilities	(1,026		)
	Net assets	11,365
	Noncontrolling interest	(3,410		)
	Total consideration	$	7,955
	The following summarized unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement information for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and for the three months ended June 30, 2013, assumes that the OceanGeo acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. The Company has prepared these unaudited pro forma financial results for comparative purposes only. These unaudited pro forma financial results may not be indicative of the results that would have occurred if ION had completed the acquisition as of the beginning of the periods presented or the results that may be attained in the future. Amounts presented below are in thousands, except for the per share amounts:
	Pro forma Consolidated ION Income Statement Information	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013			Six Months Ended June 30,
					2014		2013
	Net revenues	$	134,613		$	275,362	$	282,319
	Income from operations	$	2,867		$	26,730	$	7,158
	Net income (loss)	$	(73,073	)	$	79,649	$	(69,063	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to ION	$	(71,948	)	$	77,448	$	(68,784	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.46	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.46	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The Company operates through four business segments – Solutions, Systems, Software and Ocean Bottom Services (the segment name for OceanGeo) – as well as through its INOVA Geophysical joint venture. See Note 4 “Equity Method Investments” for the summarized financial information for INOVA Geophysical. The Company measures segment operating results based on income from operations.
	A summary of segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Solutions:
	New Venture	$	25,315		$	33,249		$	58,053		$	81,685
	Data Library	13,625			21,521			26,842			30,969
	Total multi-client revenues	38,940			54,770			84,895			112,654
	Data Processing	23,694			33,849			66,980			65,135
	Total	$	62,634		$	88,619		$	151,875		$	177,789
	Systems:
	Towed Streamer	$	10,265		$	12,570		$	22,116		$	26,119
	Ocean Bottom Equipment	—			383			—			7,148
	Other	12,140			10,895			25,137			22,428
	Total	$	22,405		$	23,848		$	47,253		$	55,695
	Software:
	Software Systems	$	9,308		$	7,464		$	18,462		$	15,405
	Services	1,225			984			2,110			1,763
	Total	$	10,533		$	8,448		$	20,572		$	17,168
	Ocean Bottom Services	$	25,908		$	—		$	46,478		$	—
	Total	$	121,480		$	120,915		$	266,178		$	250,652
	Gross profit:
	Solutions	$	12,269		$	21,890		$	45,280		$	42,087
	Systems	9,748			8,802			21,165			17,182
	Software	7,805			5,926			15,062			12,306
	Ocean Bottom Services	8,406			—			13,575			—
	Total	$	38,228		$	36,618		$	95,082		$	71,575
	Gross margin:
	Solutions	20		%	25		%	30		%	24		%
	Systems	44		%	37		%	45		%	31		%
	Software	74		%	70		%	73		%	72		%
	Ocean Bottom Services	32		%	—		%	29		%	—		%
	Total	31		%	30		%	36		%	29		%
	Income from operations:
	Solutions	$	(1,419	)	$	11,021		$	17,693		$	18,378
	Systems	3,547			1,504			6,918			2,438
	Software	5,630			4,955			10,758			10,116
	Ocean Bottom Services	6,494			—			10,656			—
	Corporate and other	(10,467		)	(10,710		)	(22,569		)	(22,239		)
	Income from operations	3,785			6,770			23,456			8,693
	Interest expense, net	(4,934		)	(2,756		)	(9,731		)	(3,822		)
	Equity in losses of investments	(1,781		)	(6,338		)	(3,469		)	(5,222		)
	Other income (expense), net	6,066			(107,118		)	74,592			(106,091		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,136		$	(109,442	)	$	84,848		$	(106,442	)

Equity_Method_Investments

Equity Method Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments	'
	Equity Method Investments
	The following table reflects the change in the Company’s equity method investments during the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		INOVA Geophysical			OceanGeo			Total
	Investments at December 31, 2013	$	51,065		$	2,800		$	53,865
	Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(4,207		)	738			(3,469		)
	Advances to OceanGeo (prior to consolidation)	—			3,683			3,683
	Acquisition of controlling interest (consolidation) of OceanGeo	—			(7,221		)	(7,221		)
	Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	(1,863		)	—			(1,863		)
	Investments at June 30, 2014	$	44,995		$	—		$	44,995
	INOVA Geophysical — The Company accounts for its 49% interest in INOVA Geophysical as an equity method investment and records its share of earnings and losses of INOVA Geophysical on a one fiscal quarter lag basis. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded its share of losses from INOVA Geophysical of $(1.8) million and $(4.2) million, respectively, compared to its share of losses for the corresponding periods in 2013, of $(4.7) million and $(2.9) million, respectively. The following table reflects the summarized financial information for INOVA Geophysical for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the six-month periods from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six-Month Period from October 1 through March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues	$	26,506		$	22,095		$	66,682		$	81,706
	Gross profit	$	5,236		$	1,808		$	10,184		$	14,135
	Loss from operations	$	(2,576	)	$	(8,511	)	$	(6,243	)	$	(8,761	)
	Net loss	$	(3,634	)	$	(9,772	)	$	(8,585	)	$	(6,030	)
	Related Party Transactions
	For information regarding transactions between the Company and its equity method investees, see Note 14 “Related Party Transactions.”

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term Debt
	Obligations (in thousands)		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Senior secured second-priority notes		$	175,000		$	175,000
	Revolving line of credit		—			35,000
	Equipment capital leases		10,416			8,651
	OceanGeo Brazil bank debt		4,201			—
	Facility capital lease obligation		1,039			1,501
	Total		190,656			220,152
	Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		(10,664		)	(5,906		)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations		$	179,992		$	214,246
	Senior Secured Second-Priority Notes
	In May 2013, the Company sold $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125% Senior Secured Second-Priority Notes due 2018 (“Notes”) in a private offering pursuant to an Indenture dated as of May 13, 2013. The Notes are senior secured second-priority obligations of the Company, are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, and mature on May 15, 2018. Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 8.125% per annum and will be payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year during their term. In May 2014, the holders of the Notes exchanged their Notes for a like principal amount of registered Notes with the same terms.
	On or after May 15, 2015, the Company may on one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on May 15th of the years indicated below:
	Date		Percentage
	2015		104.06%
	2016		102.03%
	2017 and thereafter		100.00%
	The Notes are initially jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of the Company’s current material U.S. subsidiaries: GX Technology Corporation, ION Exploration Production (U.S.A.), Inc. and I/O Marine Systems, Inc. (the “Notes Guarantors”). The Notes and the guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, by second-priority liens on substantially all of the assets that secure the indebtedness under the Company’s senior first-priority secured credit facility with China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., New York Branch (“CMB”), as administrative agent and lender under the facility (see “— Revolving Line of Credit” below). The indebtedness under the Notes is effectively junior to the Company’s obligations under the senior secured credit facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the facility, and to any other indebtedness secured on a first-priority basis to the extent of the value of the Company’s assets subject to those first-priority security interests.
	The Notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions or permit certain conditions to exist during the term of the Notes. These limits apply to making certain investments, incurring additional indebtedness, selling assets, paying dividends, issuing preferred stock, carrying out mergers or consolidations, and certain other transactions. These and other restrictive covenants contained in the Indenture are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. All of the Company’s subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
	In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company entered into a consent agreement with CMB, as administrative agent and lender under the Company’s senior secured credit facility. See “— Revolving Line of Credit” below.
	In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company and the Notes Guarantors entered into a second lien intercreditor agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) with, among others, CMB, as administrative agent, first lien representative for the first lien secured parties and collateral agent for the first lien secured parties, the trustee under the Indenture and the collateral agent for the second lien secured parties. The Intercreditor Agreement provides, among other things, that the liens on the collateral securing the Notes and related obligations will be junior and subordinate in all respects to the liens on the collateral securing the Company’s senior secured credit facility and related obligations.
	Revolving Line of Credit
	In May 2012, the Company amended the terms of its senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with CMB, as administrative agent and lender. The First Amendment to the Credit Agreement and Loan Documents (the “First Amendment”) modified certain provisions of the Company’s senior credit agreement with CMB that it had entered into in March 2010. The maturity date of any outstanding debt under the Credit Facility is March 24, 2015.
	As amended by the First Amendment, the Credit Facility provides that the Company may make revolving credit borrowings in U.S. Dollars, Euros, British Pounds Sterling or Canadian Dollars up to an amount not to exceed the U.S. Dollar equivalent of $175.0 million. The Company also agreed that no additional borrowings may be made at any time at which the outstanding indebtedness under the revolving line of credit (principal, accrued interest and fees) exceeds the U.S. Dollar equivalent of $175.0 million. The First Amendment eliminated sub-facility limits under the Credit Facility.
	The Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility continue to be guaranteed by certain of its material U.S. subsidiaries that remain as parties to the Credit Facility. In addition, INOVA Geophysical continues to provide a bank stand-by letter of credit as credit support for the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility. The Company also entered into a credit support agreement with INOVA Geophysical whereby the Company has agreed to indemnify INOVA Geophysical for any and all losses sustained by INOVA Geophysical that arise out of INOVA Geophysical’s guarantee.
	As amended by the First Amendment, the interest rates per annum on borrowings under the Credit Facility are, at the Company’s option:
	•	an alternate base rate equal to the sum of (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate of CMB, (b) a federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, or (c) an adjusted LIBOR-based rate plus 1.0%, and (ii) an applicable interest margin of 1.4% (reduced from 2.5%); or
	•	for eurodollar borrowings and borrowings in Euros, Pounds Sterling or Canadian Dollars, the sum of (i) an adjusted LIBOR-based rate, and (ii) an applicable interest margin of 2.4% (reduced from 3.5%).
	As of June 30, 2014, no borrowed amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility.
	The Credit Facility requires compliance with certain financial covenants, including the following:
	•	maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, in an amount equal to at least 1.125 to 1;
	•	not exceed a maximum leverage ratio, as defined, of 3.25 to 1; and
	•	maintain a minimum tangible net worth of at least 60% of the Company’s tangible net worth as of March 31, 2010, as defined.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants.
	OceanGeo Brazil Bank Debt
	In connection with the Company’s acquisition of a controlling interest in OceanGeo, OceanGeo’s existing debt was consolidated into the Company’s accounts. As of June 30, 2014, the outstanding amount, denominated in Brazilian Reais, of this debt was $4.2 million, with various maturity dates in 2014 and 2015; the latest being November 3, 2015. Interest on this debt accrues at an average rate of 15.42%. In July 2014, OceanGeo repaid this debt in full.

Net_Income_per_Share

Net Income per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is determined based on the assumption that dilutive restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards have vested and outstanding dilutive stock options have been exercised and the aggregate proceeds were used to reacquire common stock using the average price of such common stock for the period. The total number of shares issued or reserved for future issuance under outstanding stock options at June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 9,425,725 and 7,313,250, respectively, and the total number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 1,211,462 and 989,354, respectively. All outstanding stock awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were anti-dilutive.
	Prior to September 30, 2013, there were 27,000 shares outstanding of the Company’s Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”). In September 2013, the holder converted all of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock into 6,065,075 shares of common stock. The then-outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock were anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	1,188	$	(71,134	)	$	77,167	$	(69,597	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	164,063		156,910			163,956		156,689
	Effect of dilutive stock awards	360		—			287		—
	Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	164,423		156,910			164,243		156,689
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.01	$	(0.45	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.01	$	(0.45	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company maintains a valuation allowance for substantially all of its deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance is calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” which requires that a valuation allowance be established or maintained when it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the event the Company’s expectations of future operating results change, the valuation allowance may need to be adjusted upward or downward. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s unreserved net U.S. deferred tax assets totaled $4.6 million. These existing unreserved deferred tax assets are currently considered to be “more likely than not” realized.
	The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were 20.8% and 35.4%, and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were 7.0% and 35.2%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was positively impacted by the change in valuation allowance related to the reduction of the legal contingency reserve, offset by the impact of pre-tax losses of OceanGeo within certain jurisdictions for which it could not recognize a tax benefit to offset its tax expenses. Excluding the change in valuation allowance, the Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was 35.7%.
	The Company has approximately $2.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits and does not expect to recognize significant increases in unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12-month period. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in income tax expense.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for 2007 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination for periods prior to 2007, although carryforward attributes that were generated prior to 2007 may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS if they either have been or will be used in an open year. In the Company’s foreign tax jurisdictions, tax returns for 2010 and subsequent years generally remain open to examination.

Litigation

Litigation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Litigation	'
	Litigation
	WesternGeco
	In June 2009, WesternGeco L.L.C. (“WesternGeco”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. In the lawsuit, styled WesternGeco L.L.C. v. ION Geophysical Corporation, WesternGeco alleged that the Company had infringed several method and apparatus claims contained in four of its United States patents regarding marine seismic streamer steering devices.
	The trial began in July 2012. A verdict was returned by the jury in August 2012, finding that the Company infringed the claims contained in the four patents by supplying its DigiFIN® lateral streamer control units and the related software from the United States and awarded WesternGeco the sum of $105.9 million in damages, consisting of $12.5 million in reasonable royalty and $93.4 million in lost profits.
	In June 2013, the presiding judge entered a Memorandum and Order, ruling that WesternGeco is entitled to be awarded supplemental damages for the additional DigiFIN units that were supplied from the United States before and after trial that were not included in the jury verdict due to the timing of the trial. In October 2013, the judge entered another Memorandum and Order, ruling on the number of DigiFIN units that are subject to supplemental damages and also ruling that the supplemental damages applicable to the additional units should be calculated by adding together the jury’s previous reasonable royalty and lost profits damages awards per unit, resulting in supplemental damages of $73.1 million.
	In April 2014, the judge entered another Order, ruling that lost profits should not have been included in the calculation of supplemental damages in the October 2013 Memorandum and Order and reducing the supplemental damages award in the case from $73.1 million to $9.4 million. In the Order, the judge also further reduced the damages award in the case by $3.0 million to reflect a settlement and license that WesternGeco entered into with a customer of the Company that had purchased and used DigiFIN units that were also included in the damages amounts awarded against the Company.
	In May 2014, the judge signed and entered a Final Judgment in the amount of $123.8 million. Also, the Final Judgment included an injunction that enjoins the Company, its servants, agents and anyone acting in concert with it, from supplying in or from the United States the DigiFIN product or any parts unique to the DigiFIN product, or any instrumentality no more than colorably different from any of these products or parts, for combination outside of the United States. The Company has conducted its business in compliance with the Court’s orders in the case, and the Company has reorganized its operations such that it no longer supplies the DigiFIN product or any parts unique to the DigiFIN product in or from the United States.
	As previously disclosed, the Company has taken a loss contingency accrual of $123.8 million related to this case. Post-judgment interest will continue to accrue until this legal matter is fully resolved. The Company’s assessment of its potential loss contingency may change in the future due to developments in the case and other events, such as changes in applicable law, and such reassessment could lead to the determination that no loss contingency is probable or that a greater or lesser loss contingency is probable. Any such reassessment could have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	The Company and WesternGeco have each appealed the Final Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In order to stay the judgment during the appeal, the Company arranged with sureties to post an appeal bond with the trial court on the Company’s behalf in the amount of $120.0 million. The terms of the appeal bond arrangements provide the sureties the contractual right for as long as the bond is outstanding to require the Company to post cash collateral for up to the full amount of the bond; however, the sureties have not required cash collateral upon the posting of the appeal bond. If the sureties exercise their right to require collateral while the appeal bond is outstanding, the Company would intend to utilize a combination of cash on hand and undrawn balances available under the Company’s Credit Facility. If the Company is required to collateralize the full amount of the bond, the Company might also seek additional debt and/or equity financing. The collateralization of the full amount of the bond could have an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity. Any requirements that the Company collateralize the appeal bond will reduce its liquidity and may reduce the borrowings otherwise available under its Credit Facility. The current maturity date of any outstanding debt under the Company’s Credit Facility is March 2015. No assurances can be made whether the Company’s efforts to raise additional cash would be successful and, if so, on what terms and conditions, and at what cost the Company might be able to secure any such financing. The Company will incur fees of approximately $2.0 million per year to maintain the appeal bond until such time as the appeal bond is no longer required.
	Other
	The Company has been named in various other lawsuits or threatened actions that are incidental to its ordinary business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. Any claims against the Company, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, cause the Company to incur costs and expenses, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. The results of these lawsuits and actions cannot be predicted with certainty. Management currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other Income (Expense), Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income (Expense), Net	'
	Other Income (Expense), Net
	A summary of other income (expense), net is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Reduction of (accrual for) loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	$	—		$	(110,000	)	$	69,557		$	(110,000	)
	Gain on sale of product line(1)	6,522			—			6,522			—
	Gain on sale of a cost-method investment	—			3,591			—			3,591
	Other income (expense), net	(456		)	(709		)	(1,487		)	318
	Total other income (expense), net	$	6,066		$	(107,118	)	$	74,592		$	(106,091	)
	(1)	In May 2014, the Company sold its Source product line for approximately $14.4 million, net of transaction fees, recording a gain of approximately $6.5 million before taxes. As a part of this transaction, the Company reduced Goodwill on the Marine reporting unit by $5.1 million. The historical results of this product line have not been material to the Company’s results of operations.

Details_of_Selected_Balance_Sh

Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts	'
	Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts
	Inventories
	A summary of inventories is as follows (in thousands):	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Raw materials and subassemblies	$	51,975		$	54,168
	Work-in-process	4,434			2,297
	Finished goods	25,306			33,263
	Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	(26,393		)	(32,555		)
	Total	$	55,322		$	57,173
	Other Long-term Liabilities
	A summary of other long-term liabilities is as follows (in thousands):	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	$	123,770		$	193,327
	Facility abandonment restructuring accrual	4,722			4,837
	Other long-term liabilities	14,590			12,438
	Total	$	143,082		$	210,602

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component is as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Equity interest in investees’ other comprehensive income (loss)			Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss)			Total
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013	$	(11,923	)	$	841		$	(56	)	$	(11,138	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,121			(1,863		)	26			1,284
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2014	$	(8,802	)	$	(1,022	)	$	(30	)	$	(9,854	)

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity
	A summary of non-cash items from investing and financing activities is as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	8,803	$	1,662
	Income taxes	$	7,326	$	11,146
	Non-cash items from investing and financing activities:
	Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	$	4,780	$	2,465
	Leasehold improvement paid by landlord	$	—	$	1,738
	Conversion of investment in a convertible note to equity	$	—	$	6,765
	Transfer of inventory to property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	$	2,308	$	—
	Investment in multi-client data library financed through trade payables	$	2,773	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and stipulates the related disclosure requirements. The Company follows a three-level hierarchy, prioritizing and defining the types of inputs used to measure fair value.
	Investment in Convertible Note. In March 2012, the Company and a privately owned U.S.-based technology company entered into an agreement for the Company to make available to the technology company a credit facility in an amount of up to $4.0 million. The credit facility has since been amended such that the current maturity date is March 2015, the annual interest rate is 0.25%, and the conversion provision allows for conversion of any or all of the outstanding balance of the promissory note under the credit facility into common shares of the technology company. As of June 30, 2014, the technology company had drawn $4.0 million under this credit arrangement.
	The Company performed a fair value analysis with respect to its investment in the convertible note using Level 3 inputs. These inputs included a market approach, including the terms and likelihood of an investment event. As of June 30, 2014, the fair value of this investment was approximately $4.2 million, including accrued interest.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. Due to their highly liquid nature, the amount of the Company’s other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts and unbilled receivables, notes receivable, accounts payable, and accrued multi-client data library royalties, represent their approximate fair value.
	The carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $190.7 million and $220.2 million, respectively, compared to its fair values of $188.0 million and $190.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the long-term debt was calculated using a market approach based upon Level 2 inputs, including a price quote from a major financial institution.
	The Company’s cost method investments for which quoted market prices are not available are recorded at cost and reviewed periodically if there are events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investments.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	BGP Inc. (“BGP”) owned approximately 14.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of June 30, 2014. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded revenues from BGP of $3.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Total receivables due from BGP were $1.8 million at June 30, 2014.
	In July 2013, the Company agreed to lend up to $10.0 million to INOVA Geophysical, and received a promissory note issued by INOVA Geophysical to the order of the Company, which was originally scheduled to mature on September 30, 2013. The maturity date of the promissory note has since been extended to September 30, 2014. The loan was made by the Company to support certain short-term working capital needs of INOVA Geophysical. The indebtedness under the note accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 650 basis points. In 2013, the Company advanced the full principal amount of $10.0 million to INOVA Geophysical under the promissory note. INOVA Geophysical has repaid a total of $6.0 million, of which $4.0 million remains outstanding at June 30, 2014. This balance is included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Revenue Recognition — In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued new accounting guidance for recognition of revenue. This new guidance replaces virtually all existing U.S. GAAP and IFRS guidance on revenue recognition. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. This new guidance applies to all periods presented. Therefore, when the Company issues its financial statements on Forms 10-Q and 10-K for periods included in its year ended December 31, 2017, its comparative periods that are presented from the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, must be retrospectively presented in compliance with this new guidance. Early adoption is not allowed for U.S. GAAP. The new guidance requires companies to make more estimates and use more judgment than under current accounting guidance. The Company is currently evaluating (i) the two allowed adoption methods to determine which method it plans to use for retrospective presentation of comparative periods and (ii) whether the implementation of this new guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations for the periods presented.
	Reporting Discontinued Operations — In April 2014, the FASB issued amendments to guidance for reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity. The amended guidance requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity classified as held for sale should be reported as discontinued operations. The amendments also expand the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and add new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The amendments are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014 (early adoption is permitted only for disposals that have not been previously reported). The implementation of the amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
	In 2013, the Company sold $175.0 million of its 8.125% Senior Secured Second-Priority Notes due 2018. The Notes were issued by ION Geophysical Corporation and are guaranteed by the Company’s current material U.S. subsidiaries: GX Technology Corporation, ION Exploration Products (U.S.A.), Inc. and I/O Marine Systems, Inc. (“the Guarantors”), which are 100-percent-owned subsidiaries. The Guarantors have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations of ION Geophysical Corporation with respect to these debt securities. The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for:
	•	ION Geophysical Corporation and the Guarantors (in each case, reflecting investments in subsidiaries utilizing the equity method of accounting).
	•	All other subsidiaries of ION Geophysical Corporation that are not Guarantors.
	•	The consolidating adjustments necessary to present ION Geophysical Corporation’s results on a consolidated basis.
	This condensed consolidating financial information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes.
		June 30, 2014
	Balance Sheet	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	100,784		$	—		$	56,995		$	—		$	157,779
	Accounts receivable, net	1,509			34,611			54,347			(4,667		)	85,800
	Unbilled receivables	—			50,645			13,124			—			63,769
	Inventories	—			4,154			51,168			—			55,322
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,031			4,224			16,041			(1,770		)	34,526
	Total current assets	118,324			93,634			191,675			(6,437		)	397,196
	Deferred income tax asset	6,499			6,675			759			406			14,339
	Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	6,082			30,548			22,993			—			59,623
	Multi-client data library, net	—			216,044			30,010			—			246,054
	Equity method investments	44,995			—			—			—			44,995
	Investment in subsidiaries	805,573			275,625			—			(1,081,198		)	—
	Goodwill	—			21,884			29,742			—			51,626
	Intangible assets, net	—			7,250			2,682			—			9,932
	Intercompany receivables	31,892			—			4,215			(36,107		)	—
	Other assets	13,767			97			1,740			—			15,604
	Total assets	$	1,027,132		$	651,757		$	283,816		$	(1,123,336	)	$	839,369
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	5,153		$	5,511		$	—		$	10,664
	Accounts payable	2,313			13,419			25,116			(4,667		)	36,181
	Accrued expenses	9,374			48,721			24,448			(1,083		)	81,460
	Accrued multi-client data library royalties	—			23,315			666			—			23,981
	Deferred revenue	—			12,646			3,120			—			15,766
	Total current liabilities	11,687			103,254			58,861			(5,750		)	168,052
	Long-term debt, net of current maturities	175,000			4,815			318			(141		)	179,992
	Intercompany payables	496,632			31,892			—			(528,524		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	2,785			130,330			10,107			(140		)	143,082
	Total liabilities	686,104			270,291			69,286			(534,555		)	491,126
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			6,846			—			6,846
	Equity:
	Common stock	1,641			290,460			19,137			(309,597		)	1,641
	Additional paid-in capital	884,796			175,005			235,236			(410,241		)	884,796
	Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(528,990		)	340,856			19,968			(360,824		)	(528,990		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,854		)	9,343			(8,807		)	(536		)	(9,854		)
	Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	—			(434,198		)	(58,219		)	492,417			—
	Treasury stock	(6,565		)	—			—			—			(6,565		)
	Total stockholders’ equity	341,028			381,466			207,315			(588,781		)	341,028
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—			369			—			369
	Total equity	341,028			381,466			207,684			(588,781		)	341,397
	Total liabilities and equity	$	1,027,132		$	651,757		$	283,816		$	(1,123,336	)	$	839,369
		December 31, 2013
	Balance Sheet	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	124,701		$	—		$	23,355		$	—		$	148,056
	Accounts receivable, net	1,874			99,547			48,027			—			149,448
	Unbilled receivables	—			33,490			15,978			—			49,468
	Inventories	—			6,595			50,578			—			57,173
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,888			5,030			7,438			(584		)	24,772
	Total current assets	139,463			144,662			145,376			(584		)	428,917
	Deferred income tax asset	6,513			6,960			489			688			14,650
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	6,440			29,845			10,399			—			46,684
Multi-client data library, net	—			212,572			26,212			—			238,784
Equity method investments	51,065			—			2,800			—			53,865
Investment in subsidiaries	699,695			248,482			—			(948,177		)	—
Goodwill	—			26,984			28,892			—			55,876
Intangible assets, net	—			8,246			3,001			—			11,247
Intercompany receivables	8,313			13,419			—			(21,732		)	—
Other assets	14,315			56			24,262			(23,985		)	14,648
Total assets	$	925,804		$	691,226		$	241,431		$	(993,790	)	$	864,671
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	4,716		$	1,190		$	—		$	5,906
Accounts payable	3,515			11,741			7,364			34			22,654
Accrued expenses	16,652			54,250			13,392			64			84,358
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	—			45,921			539			—			46,460
Deferred revenue	—			16,387			4,295			—			20,682
Total current liabilities	20,167			133,015			26,780			98			180,060
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	210,000			3,655			591			—			214,246
Intercompany payables	426,134			—			21,732			(447,866		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	11,757			214,211			8,637			(24,003		)	210,602
Total liabilities	668,058			350,881			57,740			(471,771		)	604,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,878			—			1,878
Equity:
Common stock	1,637			290,460			19,138			(309,598		)	1,637
Additional paid-in capital	879,969			180,700			235,381			(416,081		)	879,969
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(606,157		)	232,186			(4,010		)	(228,176		)	(606,157		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,138		)	6,218			(11,920		)	5,702			(11,138		)
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	—			(369,219		)	(56,915		)	426,134			—
Treasury stock	(6,565		)	—			—			—			(6,565		)
Total stockholders’ equity	257,746			340,345			181,674			(522,019		)	257,746
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			139			—			139
Total equity	257,746			340,345			181,813			(522,019		)	257,885
Total liabilities and equity	$	925,804		$	691,226		$	241,431		$	(993,790	)	$	864,671
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Net revenues	$	—		$	47,881		$	74,877		$	(1,278	)	$	121,480
Cost of sales	—			41,018			43,512			(1,278		)	83,252
Gross profit	—			6,863			31,365			—			38,228
Total operating expenses	7,518			15,326			11,599			—			34,443
Income (loss) from operations	(7,518		)	(8,463		)	19,766			—			3,785
Interest expense, net	(4,458		)	(48		)	(428		)	—			(4,934		)
Intercompany interest, net	(210		)	1,388			(1,178		)	—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	14,838			20,259			—			(36,878		)	(1,781		)
Other income (expense)	(1,711		)	3,572			4,205			—			6,066
Net income before income taxes	941			16,708			22,365			(36,878		)	3,136
Income tax expense (benefit)	(247		)	(133		)	1,033			—			653
Net income	1,188			16,841			21,332			(36,878		)	2,483
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,295		)	—			(1,295		)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	1,188		$	16,841		$	20,037		$	(36,878	)	$	1,188
Comprehensive net income	$	3,133		$	19,967		$	23,955		$	(42,627	)	$	4,428
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(1,295		)	—			(1,295		)
Comprehensive net income attributable to ION	$	3,133		$	19,967		$	22,660		$	(42,627	)	$	3,133
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Net revenues	$	—		$	76,453		$	44,789		$	(327	)	$	120,915
Cost of sales	—			55,672			28,952			(327		)	84,297
Gross profit	—			20,781			15,837			—			36,618
Total operating expenses	7,386			14,255			8,207			—			29,848
Income (loss) from operations	(7,386		)	6,526			7,630			—			6,770
Interest expense, net	(2,716		)	11			(51		)	—			(2,756		)
Intercompany interest, net	128			(277		)	149			—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(107,674		)	3,097			(1,611		)	99,850			(6,338		)
Other income (expense)	3,557			(110,029		)	(646		)	—			(107,118		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes	(114,091		)	(100,672		)	5,471			99,850			(109,442		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(43,295		)	1,996			2,594			—			(38,705		)
Net income (loss)	(70,796		)	(102,668		)	2,877			99,850			(70,737		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(59		)	—			(59		)
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(70,796		)	(102,668		)	2,818			99,850			(70,796		)
Preferred stock dividends	338			—			—			—			338
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(71,134	)	$	(102,668	)	$	2,818		$	99,850		$	(71,134	)
Comprehensive net loss	$	(70,378	)	$	(102,667	)	$	(285	)	$	103,011		$	(70,319	)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(59		)	—			(59		)
Comprehensive net loss attributable to ION	$	(70,378	)	$	(102,667	)	$	(344	)	$	103,011		$	(70,378	)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Net revenues	$	—		$	126,003		$	141,453		$	(1,278	)	$	266,178
Cost of sales	—			85,014			87,360			(1,278		)	171,096
Gross profit	—			40,989			54,093			—			95,082
Total operating expenses	16,539			30,581			24,506			—			71,626
Income (loss) from operations	(16,539		)	10,408			29,587			—			23,456
Interest expense, net	(9,031		)	(90		)	(610		)	—			(9,731		)
Intercompany interest, net	(144		)	953			(809		)	—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	104,326			24,115			738			(132,648		)	(3,469		)
Other income (expense)	(1,214		)	73,483			2,323			—			74,592
Net income before income taxes	77,398			108,869			31,229			(132,648		)	84,848
Income tax expense	231			199			5,486			—			5,916
Net income	77,167			108,670			25,743			(132,648		)	78,932
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,765		)	—			(1,765		)
Net income applicable to common shares	$	77,167		$	108,670		$	23,978		$	(132,648	)	$	77,167
Comprehensive net income	$	78,451		$	111,795		$	28,856		$	(138,886	)	$	80,216
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(1,765		)	—			(1,765		)
Comprehensive net income attributable to ION	$	78,451		$	111,795		$	27,091		$	(138,886	)	$	78,451
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Net revenues	$	—		$	150,375		$	100,604		$	(327	)	$	250,652
Cost of sales	—			115,855			63,549			(327		)	179,077
Gross profit	—			34,520			37,055			—			71,575
Total operating expenses	15,416			30,612			16,854			—			62,882
Income (loss) from operations	(15,416		)	3,908			20,201			—			8,693
Interest expense, net	(3,741		)	33			(114		)	—			(3,822		)
Intercompany interest, net	210			(546		)	336			—			—
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(101,837		)	9,731			(2,346		)	89,230			(5,222		)
Other income (expense)	3,897			(110,021		)	33			—			(106,091		)
Net income (loss) before income taxes	(116,887		)	(96,895		)	18,110			89,230			(106,442		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(47,966		)	1,228			9,234			—			(37,504		)
Net income (loss)	(68,921		)	(98,123		)	8,876			89,230			(68,938		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			17			—			17
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(68,921		)	(98,123		)	8,893			89,230			(68,921		)
Preferred stock dividends	676			—			—			—			676
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(69,597	)	$	(98,123	)	$	8,893		$	89,230		$	(69,597	)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	$	(72,159	)	$	(98,120	)	$	1,992		$	96,111		$	(72,176	)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			17			—			17
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$	(72,159	)	$	(98,120	)	$	2,009		$	96,111		$	(72,159	)
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	57,755		$	(23,434	)	$	42,417		$	—		$	76,738
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	—			(34,203		)	(114		)	—			(34,317		)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	(460		)	(2,773		)	(1,310		)	—			(4,543		)
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	1,000			—			—			—			1,000
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	—			—			(3,683		)	—			(3,683		)
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	—			—			609			—			609
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	—			9,881			4,513			—			14,394
Other investing activities	579			—			26			—			605
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,119			(27,095		)	41			—			(25,935		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	15,000			—			—			—			15,000
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(461		)	(2,862		)	(2,272		)	—			(5,595		)
Intercompany lending	(46,991		)	53,391			(6,400		)	—			—
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	340			—			—			—			340
Other financing activities	(679		)	—			—			—			(679		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(82,791		)	50,529			(8,672		)	—			(40,934		)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(146		)	—			(146		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(23,917		)	—			33,640			—			9,723
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,701			—			23,355			—			148,056
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	100,784		$	—		$	56,995		$	—		$	157,779
	Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(47,878	)	$	69,942		$	21,313		$	—		$	43,377
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	—			(46,168		)	(2,431		)	—			(48,599		)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	(1,503		)	(5,045		)	(2,415		)	—			(8,963		)
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	—			—			(9,500		)	—			(9,500		)
Proceeds from sale of a cost method investment	4,150			—			—			—			4,150
Investment in convertible notes	(2,000		)	—			—			—			(2,000		)
Capital contribution to affiliate	—			(2,202		)	—			2,202			—
Other investing activities	—			76			—			—			76
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	647			(53,339		)	(14,346		)	2,202			(64,836		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of notes	175,000			—			—			—			175,000
Payments under revolving line of credit	(97,250		)	—			—			—			(97,250		)
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	—			(1,306		)	(509		)	—			(1,815		)
Cost associated with issuance of notes	(6,731		)	—			—			—			(6,731		)
Capital contribution from affiliate	—			—			2,202			(2,202		)	—
Intercompany lending	16,414			(15,297		)	(1,117		)	—			—
Payment of preferred dividends	(676		)	—			—			—			(676		)
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	1,972			—			—			—			1,972
Other financing activities	302			—			—			—			302
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	89,031			(16,603		)	576			(2,202		)	70,802
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(813		)	—			(813		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	41,800			—			6,730			—			48,530
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	30,343			—			30,628						60,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	72,143		$	—		$	37,358		$	—		$	109,501

Acquisition_of_Controlling_Int1

Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the noncontrolling interest, at the acquisition date (in thousands):
	Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	609
	Accounts receivable	9,247
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,433
	Multi-client data library	3,876
	Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	14,598
	Other assets	2,227
	Total identifiable assets	31,990
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(13,464		)
	Bank loans	(6,135		)
	Other liabilities	(1,026		)
	Net assets	11,365
	Noncontrolling interest	(3,410		)
	Total consideration	$	7,955
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	Amounts presented below are in thousands, except for the per share amounts:
	Pro forma Consolidated ION Income Statement Information	Three Months Ended June 30, 2013			Six Months Ended June 30,
					2014		2013
	Net revenues	$	134,613		$	275,362	$	282,319
	Income from operations	$	2,867		$	26,730	$	7,158
	Net income (loss)	$	(73,073	)	$	79,649	$	(69,063	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to ION	$	(71,948	)	$	77,448	$	(68,784	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.46	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	(0.46	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of Segment Information	'
	A summary of segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Solutions:
	New Venture	$	25,315		$	33,249		$	58,053		$	81,685
	Data Library	13,625			21,521			26,842			30,969
	Total multi-client revenues	38,940			54,770			84,895			112,654
	Data Processing	23,694			33,849			66,980			65,135
	Total	$	62,634		$	88,619		$	151,875		$	177,789
	Systems:
	Towed Streamer	$	10,265		$	12,570		$	22,116		$	26,119
	Ocean Bottom Equipment	—			383			—			7,148
	Other	12,140			10,895			25,137			22,428
	Total	$	22,405		$	23,848		$	47,253		$	55,695
	Software:
	Software Systems	$	9,308		$	7,464		$	18,462		$	15,405
	Services	1,225			984			2,110			1,763
	Total	$	10,533		$	8,448		$	20,572		$	17,168
	Ocean Bottom Services	$	25,908		$	—		$	46,478		$	—
	Total	$	121,480		$	120,915		$	266,178		$	250,652
	Gross profit:
	Solutions	$	12,269		$	21,890		$	45,280		$	42,087
	Systems	9,748			8,802			21,165			17,182
	Software	7,805			5,926			15,062			12,306
	Ocean Bottom Services	8,406			—			13,575			—
	Total	$	38,228		$	36,618		$	95,082		$	71,575
	Gross margin:
	Solutions	20		%	25		%	30		%	24		%
	Systems	44		%	37		%	45		%	31		%
	Software	74		%	70		%	73		%	72		%
	Ocean Bottom Services	32		%	—		%	29		%	—		%
	Total	31		%	30		%	36		%	29		%
	Income from operations:
	Solutions	$	(1,419	)	$	11,021		$	17,693		$	18,378
	Systems	3,547			1,504			6,918			2,438
	Software	5,630			4,955			10,758			10,116
	Ocean Bottom Services	6,494			—			10,656			—
	Corporate and other	(10,467		)	(10,710		)	(22,569		)	(22,239		)
	Income from operations	3,785			6,770			23,456			8,693
	Interest expense, net	(4,934		)	(2,756		)	(9,731		)	(3,822		)
	Equity in losses of investments	(1,781		)	(6,338		)	(3,469		)	(5,222		)
	Other income (expense), net	6,066			(107,118		)	74,592			(106,091		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,136		$	(109,442	)	$	84,848		$	(106,442	)

Equity_Method_Investments_Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Change in Equity Method Investments	'
	The following table reflects the change in the Company’s equity method investments during the six months ended June 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		INOVA Geophysical			OceanGeo			Total
	Investments at December 31, 2013	$	51,065		$	2,800		$	53,865
	Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(4,207		)	738			(3,469		)
	Advances to OceanGeo (prior to consolidation)	—			3,683			3,683
	Acquisition of controlling interest (consolidation) of OceanGeo	—			(7,221		)	(7,221		)
	Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	(1,863		)	—			(1,863		)
	Investments at June 30, 2014	$	44,995		$	—		$	44,995
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information	'
	The following table reflects the summarized financial information for INOVA Geophysical for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and the six-month periods from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,						Six-Month Period from October 1 through March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues	$	26,506		$	22,095		$	66,682		$	81,706
	Gross profit	$	5,236		$	1,808		$	10,184		$	14,135
	Loss from operations	$	(2,576	)	$	(8,511	)	$	(6,243	)	$	(8,761	)
	Net loss	$	(3,634	)	$	(9,772	)	$	(8,585	)	$	(6,030	)

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Obligations	'
	Obligations (in thousands)	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Senior secured second-priority notes	$	175,000		$	175,000
	Revolving line of credit	—			35,000
	Equipment capital leases	10,416			8,651
	OceanGeo Brazil bank debt	4,201			—
	Facility capital lease obligation	1,039			1,501
	Total	190,656			220,152
	Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	(10,664		)	(5,906		)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	$	179,992		$	214,246
Debt Instrument Redemption Percentages	'
	On or after May 15, 2015, the Company may on one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on May 15th of the years indicated below:
	Date	Percentage
	2015	104.06%
	2016	102.03%
	2017 and thereafter	100.00%

Net_Income_per_Share_Tables

Net Income per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted net income per common share	'
	The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	1,188	$	(71,134	)	$	77,167	$	(69,597	)
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	164,063		156,910			163,956		156,689
	Effect of dilutive stock awards	360		—			287		—
	Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	164,423		156,910			164,243		156,689
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.01	$	(0.45	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.01	$	(0.45	)	$	0.47	$	(0.44	)

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net	'
	A summary of other income (expense), net is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Reduction of (accrual for) loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	$	—		$	(110,000	)	$	69,557		$	(110,000	)
	Gain on sale of product line(1)	6,522			—			6,522			—
	Gain on sale of a cost-method investment	—			3,591			—			3,591
	Other income (expense), net	(456		)	(709		)	(1,487		)	318
	Total other income (expense), net	$	6,066		$	(107,118	)	$	74,592		$	(106,091	)
	(1)	In May 2014, the Company sold its Source product line for approximately $14.4 million, net of transaction fees, recording a gain of approximately $6.5 million before taxes. As a part of this transaction, the Company reduced Goodwill on the Marine reporting unit by $5.1 million. The historical results of this product line have not been material to the Company’s results of operations.

Details_of_Selected_Balance_Sh1

Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories
	A summary of inventories is as follows (in thousands):	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Raw materials and subassemblies	$	51,975		$	54,168
	Work-in-process	4,434			2,297
	Finished goods	25,306			33,263
	Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	(26,393		)	(32,555		)
	Total	$	55,322		$	57,173
Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities	'
	Other Long-term Liabilities
	A summary of other long-term liabilities is as follows (in thousands):	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	$	123,770		$	193,327
	Facility abandonment restructuring accrual	4,722			4,837
	Other long-term liabilities	14,590			12,438
	Total	$	143,082		$	210,602

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component is as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			Equity interest in investees’ other comprehensive income (loss)			Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss)			Total
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2013	$	(11,923	)	$	841		$	(56	)	$	(11,138	)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,121			(1,863		)	26			1,284
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2014	$	(8,802	)	$	(1,022	)	$	(30	)	$	(9,854	)

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Non-cash Items from Investing and Financing Activities	'
	A summary of non-cash items from investing and financing activities is as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Interest	$	8,803	$	1,662
	Income taxes	$	7,326	$	11,146
	Non-cash items from investing and financing activities:
	Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	$	4,780	$	2,465
	Leasehold improvement paid by landlord	$	—	$	1,738
	Conversion of investment in a convertible note to equity	$	—	$	6,765
	Transfer of inventory to property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	$	2,308	$	—
	Investment in multi-client data library financed through trade payables	$	2,773	$	—

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Balance Sheet	'
		June 30, 2014
	Balance Sheet	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	100,784		$	—		$	56,995		$	—		$	157,779
	Accounts receivable, net	1,509			34,611			54,347			(4,667		)	85,800
	Unbilled receivables	—			50,645			13,124			—			63,769
	Inventories	—			4,154			51,168			—			55,322
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,031			4,224			16,041			(1,770		)	34,526
	Total current assets	118,324			93,634			191,675			(6,437		)	397,196
	Deferred income tax asset	6,499			6,675			759			406			14,339
	Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	6,082			30,548			22,993			—			59,623
	Multi-client data library, net	—			216,044			30,010			—			246,054
	Equity method investments	44,995			—			—			—			44,995
	Investment in subsidiaries	805,573			275,625			—			(1,081,198		)	—
	Goodwill	—			21,884			29,742			—			51,626
	Intangible assets, net	—			7,250			2,682			—			9,932
	Intercompany receivables	31,892			—			4,215			(36,107		)	—
	Other assets	13,767			97			1,740			—			15,604
	Total assets	$	1,027,132		$	651,757		$	283,816		$	(1,123,336	)	$	839,369
	LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	5,153		$	5,511		$	—		$	10,664
	Accounts payable	2,313			13,419			25,116			(4,667		)	36,181
	Accrued expenses	9,374			48,721			24,448			(1,083		)	81,460
	Accrued multi-client data library royalties	—			23,315			666			—			23,981
	Deferred revenue	—			12,646			3,120			—			15,766
	Total current liabilities	11,687			103,254			58,861			(5,750		)	168,052
	Long-term debt, net of current maturities	175,000			4,815			318			(141		)	179,992
	Intercompany payables	496,632			31,892			—			(528,524		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	2,785			130,330			10,107			(140		)	143,082
	Total liabilities	686,104			270,291			69,286			(534,555		)	491,126
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			6,846			—			6,846
	Equity:
	Common stock	1,641			290,460			19,137			(309,597		)	1,641
	Additional paid-in capital	884,796			175,005			235,236			(410,241		)	884,796
	Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(528,990		)	340,856			19,968			(360,824		)	(528,990		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,854		)	9,343			(8,807		)	(536		)	(9,854		)
	Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	—			(434,198		)	(58,219		)	492,417			—
	Treasury stock	(6,565		)	—			—			—			(6,565		)
	Total stockholders’ equity	341,028			381,466			207,315			(588,781		)	341,028
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—			369			—			369
	Total equity	341,028			381,466			207,684			(588,781		)	341,397
	Total liabilities and equity	$	1,027,132		$	651,757		$	283,816		$	(1,123,336	)	$	839,369
		December 31, 2013
	Balance Sheet	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	124,701		$	—		$	23,355		$	—		$	148,056
	Accounts receivable, net	1,874			99,547			48,027			—			149,448
	Unbilled receivables	—			33,490			15,978			—			49,468
	Inventories	—			6,595			50,578			—			57,173
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,888			5,030			7,438			(584		)	24,772
	Total current assets	139,463			144,662			145,376			(584		)	428,917
	Deferred income tax asset	6,513			6,960			489			688			14,650
	Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	6,440			29,845			10,399			—			46,684
	Multi-client data library, net	—			212,572			26,212			—			238,784
	Equity method investments	51,065			—			2,800			—			53,865
	Investment in subsidiaries	699,695			248,482			—			(948,177		)	—
	Goodwill	—			26,984			28,892			—			55,876
	Intangible assets, net	—			8,246			3,001			—			11,247
Intercompany receivables	8,313			13,419			—			(21,732		)	—
Other assets	14,315			56			24,262			(23,985		)	14,648
Total assets	$	925,804		$	691,226		$	241,431		$	(993,790	)	$	864,671
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	—		$	4,716		$	1,190		$	—		$	5,906
Accounts payable	3,515			11,741			7,364			34			22,654
Accrued expenses	16,652			54,250			13,392			64			84,358
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	—			45,921			539			—			46,460
Deferred revenue	—			16,387			4,295			—			20,682
Total current liabilities	20,167			133,015			26,780			98			180,060
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	210,000			3,655			591			—			214,246
Intercompany payables	426,134			—			21,732			(447,866		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	11,757			214,211			8,637			(24,003		)	210,602
Total liabilities	668,058			350,881			57,740			(471,771		)	604,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,878			—			1,878
Equity:
Common stock	1,637			290,460			19,138			(309,598		)	1,637
Additional paid-in capital	879,969			180,700			235,381			(416,081		)	879,969
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(606,157		)	232,186			(4,010		)	(228,176		)	(606,157		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,138		)	6,218			(11,920		)	5,702			(11,138		)
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	—			(369,219		)	(56,915		)	426,134			—
Treasury stock	(6,565		)	—			—			—			(6,565		)
Total stockholders’ equity	257,746			340,345			181,674			(522,019		)	257,746
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			139			—			139
Total equity	257,746			340,345			181,813			(522,019		)	257,885
Total liabilities and equity	$	925,804		$	691,226		$	241,431		$	(993,790	)	$	864,671
Condensed Income Statement	'
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	47,881		$	74,877		$	(1,278	)	$	121,480
	Cost of sales	—			41,018			43,512			(1,278		)	83,252
	Gross profit	—			6,863			31,365			—			38,228
	Total operating expenses	7,518			15,326			11,599			—			34,443
	Income (loss) from operations	(7,518		)	(8,463		)	19,766			—			3,785
	Interest expense, net	(4,458		)	(48		)	(428		)	—			(4,934		)
	Intercompany interest, net	(210		)	1,388			(1,178		)	—			—
	Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	14,838			20,259			—			(36,878		)	(1,781		)
	Other income (expense)	(1,711		)	3,572			4,205			—			6,066
	Net income before income taxes	941			16,708			22,365			(36,878		)	3,136
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(247		)	(133		)	1,033			—			653
	Net income	1,188			16,841			21,332			(36,878		)	2,483
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,295		)	—			(1,295		)
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	1,188		$	16,841		$	20,037		$	(36,878	)	$	1,188
	Comprehensive net income	$	3,133		$	19,967		$	23,955		$	(42,627	)	$	4,428
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(1,295		)	—			(1,295		)
	Comprehensive net income attributable to ION	$	3,133		$	19,967		$	22,660		$	(42,627	)	$	3,133
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Income Statement	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Net revenues	$	—		$	76,453		$	44,789		$	(327	)	$	120,915
	Cost of sales	—			55,672			28,952			(327		)	84,297
	Gross profit	—			20,781			15,837			—			36,618
	Total operating expenses	7,386			14,255			8,207			—			29,848
	Income (loss) from operations	(7,386		)	6,526			7,630			—			6,770
	Interest expense, net	(2,716		)	11			(51		)	—			(2,756		)
	Intercompany interest, net	128			(277		)	149			—			—
	Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(107,674		)	3,097			(1,611		)	99,850			(6,338		)
	Other income (expense)	3,557			(110,029		)	(646		)	—			(107,118		)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes	(114,091		)	(100,672		)	5,471			99,850			(109,442		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(43,295		)	1,996			2,594			—			(38,705		)
	Net income (loss)	(70,796		)	(102,668		)	2,877			99,850			(70,737		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(59		)	—			(59		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(70,796		)	(102,668		)	2,818			99,850			(70,796		)
	Preferred stock dividends	338			—			—			—			338
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(71,134	)	$	(102,668	)	$	2,818		$	99,850		$	(71,134	)
	Comprehensive net loss	$	(70,378	)	$	(102,667	)	$	(285	)	$	103,011		$	(70,319	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(59		)	—			(59		)
	Comprehensive net loss attributable to ION	$	(70,378	)	$	(102,667	)	$	(344	)	$	103,011		$	(70,378	)
Condensed Cash Flow Statement	'
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
	Statement of Cash Flows	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	57,755		$	(23,434	)	$	42,417		$	—		$	76,738
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Cash invested in multi-client data library	—			(34,203		)	(114		)	—			(34,317		)
	Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	(460		)	(2,773		)	(1,310		)	—			(4,543		)
	Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	1,000			—			—			—			1,000
	Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	—			—			(3,683		)	—			(3,683		)
	Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	—			—			609			—			609
	Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	—			9,881			4,513			—			14,394
	Other investing activities	579			—			26			—			605
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,119			(27,095		)	41			—			(25,935		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments under revolving line of credit	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
	Borrowings under revolving line of credit	15,000			—			—			—			15,000
	Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(461		)	(2,862		)	(2,272		)	—			(5,595		)
	Intercompany lending	(46,991		)	53,391			(6,400		)	—			—
	Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	340			—			—			—			340
	Other financing activities	(679		)	—			—			—			(679		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(82,791		)	50,529			(8,672		)	—			(40,934		)
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(146		)	—			(146		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(23,917		)	—			33,640			—			9,723
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,701			—			23,355			—			148,056
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	100,784		$	—		$	56,995		$	—		$	157,779
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
	Statement of Cash Flows	ION Geophysical Corporation			The Guarantors			All Other Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Total Consolidated
		(In thousands)
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(47,878	)	$	69,942		$	21,313		$	—		$	43,377
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Cash invested in multi-client data library	—			(46,168		)	(2,431		)	—			(48,599		)
	Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	(1,503		)	(5,045		)	(2,415		)	—			(8,963		)
	Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	—			—			(9,500		)	—			(9,500		)
	Proceeds from sale of a cost method investment	4,150			—			—			—			4,150
	Investment in convertible notes	(2,000		)	—			—			—			(2,000		)
	Capital contribution to affiliate	—			(2,202		)	—			2,202			—
	Other investing activities	—			76			—			—			76
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	647			(53,339		)	(14,346		)	2,202			(64,836		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of notes	175,000			—			—			—			175,000
	Payments under revolving line of credit	(97,250		)	—			—			—			(97,250		)
	Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	—			(1,306		)	(509		)	—			(1,815		)
	Cost associated with issuance of notes	(6,731		)	—			—			—			(6,731		)
	Capital contribution from affiliate	—			—			2,202			(2,202		)	—
	Intercompany lending	16,414			(15,297		)	(1,117		)	—			—
	Payment of preferred dividends	(676		)	—			—			—			(676		)
	Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	1,972			—			—			—			1,972
	Other financing activities	302			—			—			—			302
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	89,031			(16,603		)	576			(2,202		)	70,802
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(813		)	—			(813		)
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	41,800			—			6,730			—			48,530
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	30,343			—			30,628						60,971
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	72,143		$	—		$	37,358		$	—		$	109,501

Acquisition_of_Controlling_Int2

Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014
					OceanGeo [Member]	OceanGeo [Member]	OceanGeo [Member]	OceanGeo [Member]	OceanGeo [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
										OceanGeo [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase in ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	40.00%	'	30.00%	30.00%
Ownership percentage interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	70.00%	'	'	100.00%
Loan made to equity method investee	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$25,000,000	'	'
Working capital loan to investee	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,900,000	'	40,500,000
Total consideration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,000,000
Contingent payment to acquiree	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000
Acquisition related costs	'	'	'	'	'	1,300,000	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	3,785,000	6,770,000	23,456,000	8,693,000	6,500,000	10,700,000	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$121,480,000	$120,915,000	$266,178,000	$250,652,000	$25,900,000	$46,500,000	'	'	'	'

Acquisition_of_Controlling_Int3

Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo - Assets and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (OceanGeo [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
OceanGeo [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$609
Accounts receivable	9,247
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,433
Multi-client data library	3,876
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	14,598
Other assets	2,227
Total identifiable assets	31,990
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-13,464
Bank loans	-6,135
Other liabilities	-1,026
Net assets	11,365
Noncontrolling interest	-3,410
Total consideration	$7,955

Acquisition_of_Controlling_Int4

Acquisition of Controlling Interest in OceanGeo - Pro Forma Income Statement Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net revenues	$134,613	$275,362	$282,319
Income from operations	2,867	26,730	7,158
Net income (loss)	-73,073	79,649	-69,063
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	($71,948)	$77,448	($68,784)
Basic net income (loss) per common share	($0.46)	$0.47	($0.44)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	($0.46)	$0.47	($0.44)

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$121,480	$120,915	$266,178	$250,652
Gross profit	38,228	36,618	95,082	71,575
Gross margin	31.00%	30.00%	36.00%	29.00%
Income from operations	3,785	6,770	23,456	8,693
Interest expense, net	-4,934	-2,756	-9,731	-3,822
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	-1,781	-6,338	-3,469	-5,222
Other income (expense), net	6,066	-107,118	74,592	-106,091
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,136	-109,442	84,848	-106,442
Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	62,634	88,619	151,875	177,789
Gross profit	12,269	21,890	45,280	42,087
Gross margin	20.00%	25.00%	30.00%	24.00%
Income from operations	-1,419	11,021	17,693	18,378
Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	22,405	23,848	47,253	55,695
Gross profit	9,748	8,802	21,165	17,182
Gross margin	44.00%	37.00%	45.00%	31.00%
Income from operations	3,547	1,504	6,918	2,438
Software [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	10,533	8,448	20,572	17,168
Gross profit	7,805	5,926	15,062	12,306
Gross margin	74.00%	70.00%	73.00%	72.00%
Income from operations	5,630	4,955	10,758	10,116
Ocean Bottom Services Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	25,908	0	46,478	0
Gross profit	8,406	0	13,575	0
Gross margin	32.00%	0.00%	29.00%	0.00%
Income from operations	6,494	0	10,656	0
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Income from operations	-10,467	-10,710	-22,569	-22,239
New Venture and Data Library [Member] | Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	38,940	54,770	84,895	112,654
New Venture [Member] | Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	25,315	33,249	58,053	81,685
Data Library [Member] | Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	13,625	21,521	26,842	30,969
Data Processing [Member] | Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	23,694	33,849	66,980	65,135
Towed Streamer [Member] | Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	10,265	12,570	22,116	26,119
Ocean Bottom Equipment [Member] | Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	383	0	7,148
Other [Member] | Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	12,140	10,895	25,137	22,428
Software Systems [Member] | Software [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	9,308	7,464	18,462	15,405
Services [Member] | Software [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$1,225	$984	$2,110	$1,763

Equity_Method_Investments_Chan

Equity Method Investments Changes in Equity Method Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Investment balance, beginning balance	'	'	$53,865	'
Equity in losses of investments	-1,781	-6,338	-3,469	-5,222
Advances to OceanGeo (prior to consolidation)	'	'	3,683	'
Acquisition of controlling interest (consolidation) of OceanGeo	'	'	-7,221	'
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	'	'	-1,863	'
Investment balance, ending balance	44,995	'	44,995	'
INOVA Geophysical [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Investment balance, beginning balance	'	'	51,065	'
Equity in losses of investments	-1,800	-4,700	-4,207	-2,900
Advances to OceanGeo (prior to consolidation)	'	'	0	'
Acquisition of controlling interest (consolidation) of OceanGeo	'	'	0	'
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	'	'	-1,863	'
Investment balance, ending balance	44,995	'	44,995	'
OceanGeo [Member]	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Investment balance, beginning balance	'	'	2,800	'
Equity in losses of investments	'	'	738	'
Advances to OceanGeo (prior to consolidation)	'	'	3,683	'
Acquisition of controlling interest (consolidation) of OceanGeo	'	'	-7,221	'
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive loss	'	'	0	'
Investment balance, ending balance	$0	'	$0	'

Equity_Method_Investments_Narr

Equity Method Investments Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity in losses of investments	($1,781)	($6,338)	($3,469)	($5,222)
INOVA Geophysical [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of equity method investment	49.00%	'	49.00%	'
Equity in losses of investments	($1,800)	($4,700)	($4,207)	($2,900)

Equity_Method_Investments_Inco

Equity Method Investments Income (Loss) (Details) (INOVA Geophysical [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INOVA Geophysical [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$26,506	$22,095	$66,682	$81,706
Gross profit	5,236	1,808	10,184	14,135
Loss from operations	-2,576	-8,511	-6,243	-8,761
Net loss	($3,634)	($9,772)	($8,585)	($6,030)

Longterm_Debt_Obligations_Deta

Long-term Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	$190,656	$220,152
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	-10,664	-5,906
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	179,992	214,246
Senior secured second-priority notes [Member]	'	'
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	175,000	175,000
Revolving line of credit [Member]	'	'
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	0	35,000
Equipment capital leases [Member]	'	'
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	10,416	8,651
Brazil bank debt [Member]	'	'
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	4,201	0
Facility lease obligation [Member]	'	'
Obligations	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	$1,039	$1,501

Longterm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-term Debt Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2014	13-May-13	Jun. 30, 2014
	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]	Brazil Bank Debt [Member]
	China Merchants Bank Co. (CMB) [Member]	China Merchants Bank Co. (CMB) [Member]	China Merchants Bank Co. (CMB) [Member]	China Merchants Bank Co. (CMB) [Member]
			Eurodollar Borrowing [Member]	Eurodollar Borrowing [Member]
Long-term Debt and Interest Rate Caps (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal amount of debt	'	'	'	'	$175,000,000	$4,200,000
Stated rate on debt	'	'	'	'	8.13%	'
Revolving line of credit, Maximum	'	175,000,000	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate under option one	'	0.50%	3.50%	2.40%	'	'
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate under option two	'	1.00%	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate under option three	2.50%	1.40%	'	'	'	'
Outstanding term loan indebtedness under Credit Facility	'	$0	'	'	'	'
Fixed charge coverage ratio	'	1.125	'	'	'	'
Leverage ratio	'	3.25	'	'	'	'
Percentage of tangible net worth for covenants compliance	60.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Average rate on long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	15.42%

Longterm_Debt_Redemption_Perce

Long-term Debt Redemption Percentages for Future Periods (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
2015 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]	'
Notes redemption percentages	104.06%
2016 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]	'
Notes redemption percentages	102.03%
2017 and thereafter [Member]	'
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]	'
Notes redemption percentages	100.00%

Net_Income_per_Share_Narrative

Net Income per Share - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares issued or committed for issuance under outstanding stock options	9,425,725	'	'	7,313,250
Number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding	1,211,462	'	'	989,354
Preferred stock shares outstanding	'	'	27,000	'
Number of common stock issuable upon conversion of remaining cumulative convertible preferred stock	'	6,065,075	'	'

Net_Income_per_Share_Basic_and

Net Income per Share - Basic and Diluted Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$1,188	($71,134)	$77,167	($69,597)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	164,063,000	156,910,000	163,956,000	156,689,000
Effect of dilutive stock awards and convertible preferred stock	360,000	0	287,000	0
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding	164,423,000	156,910,000	164,243,000	156,689,000
Basic net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	($0.45)	$0.47	($0.44)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	($0.45)	$0.47	($0.44)
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$1,188	($71,134)	$77,167	($69,597)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rates	20.80%	35.40%	7.00%	35.20%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Excluding Change In Valuation Allowance	'	'	35.70%	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2.20	'	$2.20	'
United States Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net deferred tax asset	$4.60	'	$4.60	'

Litigation_Details

Litigation (Details) (WesternGeco [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2009	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Oct. 24, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	31-May-14	Oct. 31, 2013
	Patent	Pending Litigation [Member]	Pending Litigation, Post Appeal [Member]	Lost Royalties [Member]	Lost Profits [Member]	Lost Profits [Member]	Lost Profits [Member]	Lost Profits [Member]	Previously Reported [Member]
				Pending Litigation [Member]	Pending Litigation [Member]	Settled Litigation [Member]	Settled Litigation [Member]	Settled Litigation [Member]	Lost Profits [Member]
									Settled Litigation [Member]
Litigation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of patent apparatus claims contained	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total damages awarded	'	$105.90	'	$12.50	$93.40	$9.40	'	'	$73.10
Reduction in damages award in the case	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3	'	'
Accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	123.8	'
Maximum amount of appeal bond	'	'	120	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual fee to maintain appeal bond	'	'	$2	'	'	'	'	'	'

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Detai

Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'
Reduction of accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	'	$0		($110,000,000)	$69,557,000		($110,000,000)
Gain on sale of product line	6,500,000	6,522,000	[1]	0	6,522,000	[1]	0
Gain on sale of cost-method investment	'	0		3,591,000	0		3,591,000
Other income (expense), net	'	-456,000		-709,000	-1,487,000		318,000
Total other income, net	'	6,066,000		-107,118,000	74,592,000		-106,091,000
Proceeds from sale of Source product line	14,400,000	'		'	14,394,000		0
Reduction in Goodwill	($5,100,000)	'		'	'		'
[1]	In May 2014, the Company sold its Source product line for approximately $14.4 million, net of transaction fees, recording a gain of approximately $6.5 million before taxes. As a part of this transaction, the Company reduced Goodwill on the Marine reporting unit by $5.1 million. The historical results of this product line have not been material to the Companybs results of operations.

Details_of_Selected_Balance_Sh2

Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials and subassemblies	$51,975	$54,168
Work-in-process	4,434	2,297
Finished goods	25,306	33,263
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	-26,393	-32,555
Total	$55,322	$57,173

Details_of_Selected_Balance_Sh3

Details of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts Long-term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings (Note 8)	$123,770	$193,327
Facility restructuring accrual	4,722	4,837
Other long-term liabilities	14,590	12,438
Total	$143,082	$210,602

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	'	'	($11,138)	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,945	418	1,284	-3,238
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-9,854	'	-9,854	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	'	'	-11,923	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	3,121	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-8,802	'	-8,802	'
Equity interest in investeesb other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	'	'	841	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	-1,863	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	-1,022	'	-1,022	'
Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	'	'	-56	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	26	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, ending balance	($30)	'	($30)	'

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'
Interest	$8,803	$1,662
Income taxes	7,326	11,146
Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	4,780	2,465
Leasehold improvement paid by landlord	0	1,738
Conversion of investment in a convertible note to equity	0	6,765
Transfer of inventory to property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	2,308	0
Investment in multi-client data library financed through trade payables	$2,773	$0

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Credit Facility Receivable [Member]	Credit Facility Receivable [Member]	LIBOR [Member]
					Credit Facility Receivable [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Credit facility to investee	'	'	$4,000,000	'	'
Interest rate on convertible note	'	'	'	'	0.25%
Working capital loan to investee	'	'	'	4,000,000	'
Note and accrued interest, fair value	4,200,000	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of long-term debt	190,656,000	220,152,000	'	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt	$188,000,000	$190,400,000	'	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
	BGP Joint Venture [Member]	BGP Joint Venture [Member]	INOVA Geophysical [Member]	INOVA Geophysical [Member]	INOVA Geophysical [Member]	LIBOR [Member]
						INOVA Geophysical [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Company's outstanding common stock owned by BGP	14.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transaction, revenues from transactions with related party	$3,900,000	$2,900,000	'	'	'	'
Receivables due from BGP	1,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Loan made to equity method investee	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	'
Basis spread on annual rate of loan	'	'	'	'	'	6.50%
Value of receivables due from related party	'	'	4,000,000	10,000,000	'	'
Payment received on related party debt	'	'	$6,000,000	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Narrative (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], USD $)	13-May-13
Senior Notes [Member]	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Principal amount of debt	$175,000,000
Stated rate on debt	8.13%

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$157,779	$148,056	$109,501	$60,971
Accounts receivable, net	85,800	149,448	'	'
Unbilled receivables	63,769	49,468	'	'
Inventories	55,322	57,173	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,526	24,772	'	'
Total current assets	397,196	428,917	'	'
Deferred income tax asset	14,339	14,650	'	'
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	59,623	46,684	'	'
Multi-client data library, net	246,054	238,784	'	'
Equity method investments	44,995	53,865	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	51,626	55,876	'	'
Intangible assets, net	9,932	11,247	'	'
Intercompany receivables	0	0	'	'
Other assets	15,604	14,648	'	'
Total assets	839,369	864,671	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,664	5,906	'	'
Accounts payable	36,181	22,654	'	'
Accrued expenses	81,460	84,358	'	'
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	23,981	46,460	'	'
Deferred revenue	15,766	20,682	'	'
Total current liabilities	168,052	180,060	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	179,992	214,246	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	143,082	210,602	'	'
Total liabilities	491,126	604,908	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,846	1,878	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	1,641	1,637	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	884,796	879,969	'	'
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	-528,990	-606,157	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,854	-11,138	'	'
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	0	0	'	'
Treasury stock	-6,565	-6,565	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	341,028	257,746	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	369	139	'	'
Total equity	341,397	257,885	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	839,369	864,671	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | ION Geophysical Corporation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	100,784	124,701	72,143	30,343
Accounts receivable, net	1,509	1,874	'	'
Unbilled receivables	0	0	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,031	12,888	'	'
Total current assets	118,324	139,463	'	'
Deferred income tax asset	6,499	6,513	'	'
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	6,082	6,440	'	'
Multi-client data library, net	0	0	'	'
Equity method investments	44,995	51,065	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	805,573	699,695	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivables	31,892	8,313	'	'
Other assets	13,767	14,315	'	'
Total assets	1,027,132	925,804	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	2,313	3,515	'	'
Accrued expenses	9,374	16,652	'	'
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	0	0	'	'
Deferred revenue	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	11,687	20,167	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	175,000	210,000	'	'
Intercompany payables	496,632	426,134	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	2,785	11,757	'	'
Total liabilities	686,104	668,058	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	1,641	1,637	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	884,796	879,969	'	'
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	-528,990	-606,157	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-9,854	-11,138	'	'
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	0	0	'	'
Treasury stock	-6,565	-6,565	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	341,028	257,746	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Total equity	341,028	257,746	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	1,027,132	925,804	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | The Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	34,611	99,547	'	'
Unbilled receivables	50,645	33,490	'	'
Inventories	4,154	6,595	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,224	5,030	'	'
Total current assets	93,634	144,662	'	'
Deferred income tax asset	6,675	6,960	'	'
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	30,548	29,845	'	'
Multi-client data library, net	216,044	212,572	'	'
Equity method investments	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	275,625	248,482	'	'
Goodwill	21,884	26,984	'	'
Intangible assets, net	7,250	8,246	'	'
Intercompany receivables	0	13,419	'	'
Other assets	97	56	'	'
Total assets	651,757	691,226	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,153	4,716	'	'
Accounts payable	13,419	11,741	'	'
Accrued expenses	48,721	54,250	'	'
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	23,315	45,921	'	'
Deferred revenue	12,646	16,387	'	'
Total current liabilities	103,254	133,015	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	4,815	3,655	'	'
Intercompany payables	31,892	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	130,330	214,211	'	'
Total liabilities	270,291	350,881	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	290,460	290,460	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	175,005	180,700	'	'
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	340,856	232,186	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	9,343	6,218	'	'
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	-434,198	-369,219	'	'
Treasury stock	0	0	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	381,466	340,345	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Total equity	381,466	340,345	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	651,757	691,226	'	'
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | All Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	56,995	23,355	37,358	30,628
Accounts receivable, net	54,347	48,027	'	'
Unbilled receivables	13,124	15,978	'	'
Inventories	51,168	50,578	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,041	7,438	'	'
Total current assets	191,675	145,376	'	'
Deferred income tax asset	759	489	'	'
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	22,993	10,399	'	'
Multi-client data library, net	30,010	26,212	'	'
Equity method investments	0	2,800	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	29,742	28,892	'	'
Intangible assets, net	2,682	3,001	'	'
Intercompany receivables	4,215	0	'	'
Other assets	1,740	24,262	'	'
Total assets	283,816	241,431	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,511	1,190	'	'
Accounts payable	25,116	7,364	'	'
Accrued expenses	24,448	13,392	'	'
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	666	539	'	'
Deferred revenue	3,120	4,295	'	'
Total current liabilities	58,861	26,780	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	318	591	'	'
Intercompany payables	0	21,732	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	10,107	8,637	'	'
Total liabilities	69,286	57,740	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,846	1,878	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	19,137	19,138	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	235,236	235,381	'	'
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	19,968	-4,010	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,807	-11,920	'	'
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	-58,219	-56,915	'	'
Treasury stock	0	0	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	207,315	181,674	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	369	139	'	'
Total equity	207,684	181,813	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	283,816	241,431	'	'
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	'
Accounts receivable, net	-4,667	0	'	'
Unbilled receivables	0	0	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,770	-584	'	'
Total current assets	-6,437	-584	'	'
Deferred income tax asset	406	688	'	'
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Multi-client data library, net	0	0	'	'
Equity method investments	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,081,198	-948,177	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivables	-36,107	-21,732	'	'
Other assets	0	-23,985	'	'
Total assets	-1,123,336	-993,790	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	-4,667	34	'	'
Accrued expenses	-1,083	64	'	'
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	0	0	'	'
Deferred revenue	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	-5,750	98	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	-141	0	'	'
Intercompany payables	-528,524	-447,866	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	-140	-24,003	'	'
Total liabilities	-534,555	-471,771	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	-309,597	-309,598	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	-410,241	-416,081	'	'
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	-360,824	-228,176	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-536	5,702	'	'
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	492,417	426,134	'	'
Treasury stock	0	0	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	-588,781	-522,019	'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0	0	'	'
Total equity	-588,781	-522,019	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	($1,123,336)	($993,790)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$121,480	$120,915	$266,178	$250,652
Cost of goods sold	83,252	84,297	171,096	179,077
Gross profit	38,228	36,618	95,082	71,575
Total operating expenses	34,443	29,848	71,626	62,882
Income (loss) from operations	3,785	6,770	23,456	8,693
Interest expense, net	-4,934	-2,756	-9,731	-3,822
Intercompany interest, net	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	-1,781	-6,338	-3,469	-5,222
Other income (expense)	6,066	-107,118	74,592	-106,091
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,136	-109,442	84,848	-106,442
Income tax expense (benefit)	653	-38,705	5,916	-37,504
Net income (loss)	2,483	-70,737	78,932	-68,938
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	1,188	-70,796	77,167	-68,921
Preferred stock dividends	0	338	0	676
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	1,188	-71,134	77,167	-69,597
Comprehensive net income (loss)	4,428	-70,319	80,216	-72,176
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	3,133	-70,378	78,451	-72,159
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | ION Geophysical Corporation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	7,518	7,386	16,539	15,416
Income (loss) from operations	-7,518	-7,386	-16,539	-15,416
Interest expense, net	-4,458	-2,716	-9,031	-3,741
Intercompany interest, net	-210	128	-144	210
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	14,838	-107,674	104,326	-101,837
Other income (expense)	-1,711	3,557	-1,214	3,897
Income (loss) before income taxes	941	-114,091	77,398	-116,887
Income tax expense (benefit)	-247	-43,295	231	-47,966
Net income (loss)	1,188	-70,796	77,167	-68,921
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	1,188	-70,796	77,167	-68,921
Preferred stock dividends	'	338	'	676
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	'	-71,134	'	-69,597
Comprehensive net income (loss)	3,133	-70,378	78,451	-72,159
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	3,133	-70,378	78,451	-72,159
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | The Guarantors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	47,881	76,453	126,003	150,375
Cost of goods sold	41,018	55,672	85,014	115,855
Gross profit	6,863	20,781	40,989	34,520
Total operating expenses	15,326	14,255	30,581	30,612
Income (loss) from operations	-8,463	6,526	10,408	3,908
Interest expense, net	-48	11	-90	33
Intercompany interest, net	1,388	-277	953	-546
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	20,259	3,097	24,115	9,731
Other income (expense)	3,572	-110,029	73,483	-110,021
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,708	-100,672	108,869	-96,895
Income tax expense (benefit)	-133	1,996	199	1,228
Net income (loss)	16,841	-102,668	108,670	-98,123
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	16,841	-102,668	108,670	-98,123
Preferred stock dividends	'	0	'	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	'	-102,668	'	-98,123
Comprehensive net income (loss)	19,967	-102,667	111,795	-98,120
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	19,967	-102,667	111,795	-98,120
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | All Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	74,877	44,789	141,453	100,604
Cost of goods sold	43,512	28,952	87,360	63,549
Gross profit	31,365	15,837	54,093	37,055
Total operating expenses	11,599	8,207	24,506	16,854
Income (loss) from operations	19,766	7,630	29,587	20,201
Interest expense, net	-428	-51	-610	-114
Intercompany interest, net	-1,178	149	-809	336
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	0	-1,611	738	-2,346
Other income (expense)	4,205	-646	2,323	33
Income (loss) before income taxes	22,365	5,471	31,229	18,110
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,033	2,594	5,486	9,234
Net income (loss)	21,332	2,877	25,743	8,876
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	20,037	2,818	23,978	8,893
Preferred stock dividends	'	0	'	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	'	2,818	'	8,893
Comprehensive net income (loss)	23,955	-285	28,856	1,992
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,295	-59	-1,765	17
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	22,660	-344	27,091	2,009
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	-1,278	-327	-1,278	-327
Cost of goods sold	-1,278	-327	-1,278	-327
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from operations	0	0	0	0
Interest expense, net	0	0	0	0
Intercompany interest, net	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	-36,878	99,850	-132,648	89,230
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	-36,878	99,850	-132,648	89,230
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-36,878	99,850	-132,648	89,230
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	-36,878	99,850	-132,648	89,230
Preferred stock dividends	'	0	'	0
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	'	99,850	'	89,230
Comprehensive net income (loss)	-42,627	103,011	-138,886	96,111
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	($42,627)	$103,011	($138,886)	$96,111

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Cash Flow Statement (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$76,738	$43,377
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	-34,317	-48,599
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	-4,543	-8,963
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	1,000	0
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	-3,683	-9,500
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	0	4,150
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	609	0
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	14,394	0
Investment in convertible notes	0	-2,000
Capital contribution to affiliate	'	0
Other investing activities	605	76
Net cash used in investing activities	-25,935	-64,836
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	0	175,000
Payments under revolving line of credit	-50,000	-97,250
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	15,000	0
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	-5,595	-1,815
Cost associated with issuance of notes	0	-6,731
Capital contribution from affiliate	'	0
Intercompany lending	0	0
Payment of preferred dividends	0	-676
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	340	1,972
Other financing activities	-679	302
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-40,934	70,802
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-146	-813
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	9,723	48,530
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	148,056	60,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	157,779	109,501
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | ION Geophysical Corporation [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	57,755	-47,878
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	0	0
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	-460	-1,503
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	1,000	'
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	0	0
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	'	4,150
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	0	'
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	0	'
Investment in convertible notes	'	-2,000
Capital contribution to affiliate	'	0
Other investing activities	579	0
Net cash used in investing activities	1,119	647
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	'	175,000
Payments under revolving line of credit	-50,000	-97,250
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	15,000	'
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	-461	0
Cost associated with issuance of notes	'	-6,731
Capital contribution from affiliate	'	0
Intercompany lending	-46,991	16,414
Payment of preferred dividends	'	-676
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	340	1,972
Other financing activities	-679	302
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-82,791	89,031
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-23,917	41,800
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,701	30,343
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	100,784	72,143
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | The Guarantors [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-23,434	69,942
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	-34,203	-46,168
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	-2,773	-5,045
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	0	'
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	0	0
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	'	0
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	0	'
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	9,881	'
Investment in convertible notes	'	0
Capital contribution to affiliate	'	-2,202
Other investing activities	0	76
Net cash used in investing activities	-27,095	-53,339
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	'	0
Payments under revolving line of credit	0	0
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	'
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	-2,862	-1,306
Cost associated with issuance of notes	'	0
Capital contribution from affiliate	'	0
Intercompany lending	53,391	-15,297
Payment of preferred dividends	'	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	0	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	50,529	-16,603
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | All Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	42,417	21,313
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	-114	-2,431
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	-1,310	-2,415
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	0	'
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	-3,683	-9,500
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	'	0
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	609	'
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	4,513	'
Investment in convertible notes	'	0
Capital contribution to affiliate	'	0
Other investing activities	26	0
Net cash used in investing activities	41	-14,346
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	'	0
Payments under revolving line of credit	0	'
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	'
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	-2,272	-509
Cost associated with issuance of notes	'	0
Capital contribution from affiliate	'	2,202
Intercompany lending	-6,400	-1,117
Payment of preferred dividends	'	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	0	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-8,672	576
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-146	-813
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	33,640	6,730
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	23,355	30,628
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	56,995	37,358
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Cash invested in multi-client data library	0	0
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	0	0
Repayment of advances to INOVA Geophysical	0	'
Investment in and advances to OceanGeo B.V.	0	0
Proceeds from sale of a cost-method investment	'	0
Cash of OceanGeo B.V. upon acquiring a controlling interest	0	'
Net proceeds from sale of Source product line	0	'
Investment in convertible notes	'	0
Capital contribution to affiliate	'	2,202
Other investing activities	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	2,202
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of notes	'	0
Payments under revolving line of credit	0	'
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	0	'
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	0	0
Cost associated with issuance of notes	'	0
Capital contribution from affiliate	'	-2,202
Intercompany lending	0	0
Payment of preferred dividends	'	0
Proceeds from employee stock purchases and exercise of stock options	0	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	0	-2,202
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	'
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] | All Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payments under revolving line of credit	'	$0