Ion Geophysical (IOGPQ) 10-Q 2 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 29, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ION GEOPHYSICAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	866,609
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,002,999

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,043	$ 52,056	$ 40,225
Accounts receivable, net	23,624	19,478
Unbilled receivables	25,724	37,304
Inventories	15,129	14,508
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,854	7,643
Total current assets	100,374	130,989
Deferred income tax asset	4,058	1,753
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	49,968	52,153
Multi-client data library, net	83,254	89,300
Goodwill	23,590	24,089
Other assets	2,713	2,785
Total assets	263,957	301,069
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,335	40,024
Accounts payable	31,872	24,951
Accrued expenses	33,556	38,697
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	28,235	27,035
Deferred revenue	10,327	8,910
Total current liabilities	105,325	139,617
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	119,449	116,720
Other long-term liabilities	12,269	13,926
Total liabilities	237,043	270,263
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 26,666,667 shares; outstanding 14,002,999 and 12,019,701 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	140	120
Additional paid-in capital	951,811	903,247
Accumulated deficit	(906,749)	(854,921)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(19,591)	(18,879)
Total stockholders’ equity	25,611	29,567
Noncontrolling interest	1,303	1,239
Total equity	26,914	30,806
Total liabilities and equity	$ 263,957	$ 301,069

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	26,666,667	26,666,667
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,002,999	12,019,701

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net revenues	$ 47,200	$ 61,095	$ 105,451	$ 139,652
Cost of services and products	30,725	30,986	83,640	87,824
Gross profit	16,475	30,109	21,811	51,828
Operating expenses:
Research, development and engineering	5,030	4,396	13,544	11,998
Marketing and sales	5,209	5,645	16,314	15,062
General, administrative and other operating expenses	8,688	10,132	29,564	32,316
Total operating expenses	18,927	20,173	59,422	59,376
Income (loss) from operations	(2,452)	9,936	(37,611)	(7,548)
Interest expense, net	(3,022)	(3,959)	(9,769)	(12,664)
Other income (expense), net	91	722	(616)	(4,154)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,383)	6,699	(47,996)	(24,366)
Income tax expense	2,079	1,686	3,305	3,670
Net income (loss)	(7,462)	5,013	(51,301)	(28,036)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (7,536)	$ 4,935	$ (51,828)	$ (28,848)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (usd per share)	$ (0.54)	$ 0.42	$ (3.81)	$ (2.43)
Diluted (usd per share)	$ (0.54)	$ 0.41	$ (3.81)	$ (2.43)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic, in shares	14,003	11,890	13,586	11,862
Diluted, in shares	14,003	12,071	13,586	11,862
Service
Net revenues	$ 37,105	$ 52,615	$ 77,943	$ 110,897
Cost of services and products	25,924	26,392	70,286	73,518
Product
Net revenues	10,095	8,480	27,508	28,755
Cost of services and products	$ 4,801	$ 4,594	$ 13,354	$ 14,306

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (7,462)	$ 5,013	$ (51,301)	$ (28,036)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, as appropriate:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	43	1,033	(712)	2,749
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(7,419)	6,046	(52,013)	(25,287)
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (7,493)	$ 5,968	$ (52,540)	$ (26,099)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (51,301)	$ (28,036)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (other than multi-client data library)	6,902	13,199
Amortization of multi-client data library	32,544	34,245
Stock-based compensation expense	2,508	1,694
Accrual for loss contingency related to legal proceedings	0	5,000
Deferred income taxes	(2,310)	(900)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(4,383)	(18,200)
Unbilled receivables	13,156	(12,398)
Inventories	(646)	831
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued royalties	(9,567)	1,011
Deferred revenue	1,479	7,092
Other assets and liabilities	4,294	6,156
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(7,324)	9,694
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	(19,911)	(16,576)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	(510)	(1,021)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets	197	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,224)	(17,597)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	(10,000)	0
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(30,071)	(4,320)
Costs associated with issuance of debt	(565)	0
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	46,999	0
Dividend payment to non-controlling interest	(200)	0
Other financing activities	(924)	(257)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,239	(4,577)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	296	(271)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(22,013)	(12,751)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	52,419	53,433
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 30,406	$ 40,682

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,043	$ 52,056	$ 40,225
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows	30,406	$ 52,419	40,682	$ 53,433
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	60		154
Other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 303		$ 303

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, 2017 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 , are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year or of future operations. The Company’s financial statements reflect a non-redeemable noncontrolling interest in a majority-owned affiliate which is reported as a separate component of equity in “Noncontrolling interest” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The activity for this noncontrolling interest relates to proprietary processing projects in Brazil. 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 as amended for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financials Account Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842)” which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating its operating leases related to offices, processing centers, warehouse spaces and, to a lesser extent, certain equipment. The Company expects the adoption of the standard will add between $50 million to $60 million in right-of-use assets and lease obligations on its consolidated balance sheet and will not significantly impact it’s income statement. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients upon transition which will retain the lease classification for leases that exist prior to the adoption of the standard. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective method. The adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s revenue recognition policy under the previous standard (ASC 605) and adoption of the new standard, ASC 606, did not result in an adjustment to the Company’s beginning retained earnings balance. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - “ Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2016-18)” , using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The new standard no longer requires the Company to present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Adoption of the new standard resulted in a decrease of $0.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities as previously reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . See the consolidated statement of cash flows above which includes a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company evaluates and reviews its results based on three business segments: E&P Technology & Services, Operations Optimization (formerly referred to as E&P Operations Optimization), and Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies (formerly referred to as Ocean Bottom Seismic Services). The Company measures segment operating results based on income (loss) from operations. The following table is a summary of segment information (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net revenues: E&P Technology & Services: New Venture $ 18,218 $ 43,542 $ 40,069 $ 70,477 Data Library 13,956 5,044 21,629 25,360 Total multi-client revenues 32,174 48,586 61,698 95,837 Imaging Services 4,147 3,468 14,379 13,409 Total 36,321 52,054 76,077 109,246 Operations Optimization: Devices 5,356 5,260 14,275 17,929 Optimization Software & Services 5,523 3,781 15,099 12,477 Total 10,879 9,041 29,374 30,406 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies — — — — Total $ 47,200 $ 61,095 $ 105,451 $ 139,652 Gross profit (loss): E&P Technology & Services $ 12,139 $ 28,533 $ 11,626 $ 44,464 Operations Optimization 5,736 4,055 14,980 15,100 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies (1,400 ) (2,479 ) (4,795 ) (7,736 ) Total $ 16,475 $ 30,109 $ 21,811 $ 51,828 Gross margin: E&P Technology & Services 33 % 55 % 15 % 41 % Operations Optimization 53 % 45 % 51 % 50 % Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies — % — % — % — % Total 35 % 49 % 21 % 37 % Income (loss) from operations: E&P Technology & Services $ 6,578 $ 22,695 $ (4,422 ) $ 27,952 Operations Optimization 1,963 998 3,992 5,569 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies (2,811 ) (4,432 ) (8,566 ) (12,300 ) Support and other (8,182 ) (9,325 ) (28,615 ) (28,769 ) Income (loss) from operations (2,452 ) 9,936 (37,611 ) (7,548 ) Interest expense, net (3,022 ) (3,959 ) (9,769 ) (12,664 ) Other income (expense), net 91 722 (616 ) (4,154 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (5,383 ) $ 6,699 $ (47,996 ) $ (24,366 )

Revenue From Contracts With Cus

Revenue From Contracts With Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue From Contracts with Customers	Revenue From Contracts With Customers The Company derives revenue from the sale or license of (i) multi-client and proprietary data, imaging services and E&P Advisors consulting services within its E&P Technologies & Services segment; (ii) seismic data acquisition systems and other seismic equipment, (iii) seismic command and control software systems and software solutions for operations management within its Operations Optimization segment; and (iv) a full suite of technology and services within its Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies segment. All revenues of the E&P Technology & Services and Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies segments and the services component of revenues for the Optimization Software & Services group as part of the Operations Optimization segment are classified as services revenues. All other revenues are classified as product revenues. The Company uses a five-step model to determine proper revenue recognition from customer contracts. Revenue is recognized when (i) a contract is approved by all parties; (ii) the goods or services promised in the contract are identified; (iii) the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the goods or services promised is determined; (iv) the consideration is allocated to the goods and services in the contract; and (v) control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customer. The Company does not disclose the value of contractual future performance obligations such as backlog with an original expected length of one year or less within the footnotes. Multi-client and Proprietary Surveys, and Imaging and E&P Advisors Services - As multi-client seismic surveys are being designed, acquired or processed (the “New Venture” phase), the Company enters into non-exclusive licensing arrangements with its customers, who pre-fund or underwrite these programs in part. License revenues from these surveys are recognized during the New Venture phase as the seismic data is acquired and/or processed on a proportionate basis as work is performed and control is transferred to the customer. Under this method, the Company recognizes revenue based upon quantifiable measures of progress, such as kilometers acquired or surveys of performance completed to date. Upon completion of a multi-client seismic survey, it is considered “on-the-shelf,” and licenses to the survey data are granted to customers on a non-exclusive basis. The Company also performs seismic surveys, imaging and other services under contracts to specific customers, whereby the seismic data is owned by those customers. The Company recognizes revenue as the seismic data is acquired and/or processed on a proportionate basis as work is performed. The Company uses quantifiable measures of progress consistent with its multi-client seismic surveys. Acquisition Systems and Other Seismic Equipment - For sales of seismic data acquisition systems and other seismic equipment, the Company recognizes revenue when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. Transfer of control generally occurs when (i) the Company has a present right to payment; (ii) the customer has legal title to the asset; (iii) the Company has transferred physical possession of the asset; (iv) the customer has significant rewards of ownership; and/or (v) the customer has accepted the asset. Software - Licenses for the Company’s navigation, survey design and quality control software systems provide the customer with a right to use the software. The Company offers usage-based licenses under which it receives a monthly fee based on the number of vessels and licenses used. For these usage-based licenses, revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are performed over the contract term, which is generally two to five years. In addition to usage-based licenses, the Company offers perpetual software licenses as it exists when made available to the customer. Revenue from these licenses is recognized upfront at the point in time when the software is made available to the customer. These arrangements generally include the Company providing related services, such as training courses, engineering services and annual software maintenance. The Company allocates consideration to each element of the arrangement based upon directly observable or estimated standalone selling prices. Revenue is recognized for these services as control transfers to the customer over time. Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies - The Company recognizes revenue as the seismic data is acquired and control transfers to the customer. The Company uses quantifiable measures of progress consistent with our multi-client surveys. In connection with acquisition contracts, the Company may receive revenues for preparation and mobilization of equipment and personnel, capital improvements to vessels, or demobilization activities. The Company defers the revenues earned and incremental costs incurred that are directly related to these activities and recognizes such revenues and costs over the primary contract term of the acquisition project as we transfer the goods and services to the customer. The Company recognizes the costs of relocating vessels without contracts to more promising market sectors as such costs are incurred. Revenue by Geographic Area The following table is a summary of net revenues by geographic area (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net revenues by geographic area: Latin America $ 19,910 $ 34,561 $ 37,356 $ 53,318 North America 13,095 9,374 25,452 30,639 Europe 8,202 11,137 19,811 28,201 Asia Pacific 3,718 3,733 11,581 15,318 Africa 1,121 1,187 8,362 2,660 Middle East 717 632 1,907 1,713 Commonwealth of Independent States 437 471 982 7,803 Total $ 47,200 $ 61,095 $ 105,451 $ 139,652 See Footnote 3 “Segment Information” of Footnotes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements for revenue by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Unbilled Receivables Unbilled receivables relate to revenues recognized on multi-client surveys, imaging services and Devices equipment repairs on a proportionate basis, and on licensing of multi-client data libraries for which invoices have not yet been presented to the customer. The following table is a summary of unbilled receivables (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 New Venture $ 20,056 $ 33,183 Imaging Services 4,685 4,121 Devices 983 — Total $ 25,724 $ 37,304 The changes in unbilled receivables were as follows (in thousands): Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017 $ 37,304 Recognition of unbilled receivables 86,212 Revenues billed to customers (97,792 ) Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018 $ 25,724 Deferred Revenue Billing practices are governed by the terms of each contract based upon achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billing does not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized on a proportionate basis as work is performed and control is transferred to the customer. Deferred revenue represents cash received in excess of revenue not yet recognized as of the reporting period, but will be recognized in future periods. The following table is a summary of deferred revenues (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 New Venture $ 7,880 $ 6,548 Imaging Services 271 676 Devices 1,198 633 Optimization Software & Services 978 1,053 Total $ 10,327 $ 8,910 The changes in deferred revenues were as follows (in thousands): Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017 $ 8,910 Cash collected in excess of revenue recognized 21,654 Recognition of deferred revenue (a) (20,237 ) Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018 $ 10,327 (a) The majority of deferred revenue recognized relates to Company’s Ventures group. The Company expects to recognize all deferred revenue within the next 12 months. Credit Risks At September 30, 2018 , the Company had one multinational oil customer with a balance of 29% of its total combined accounts and unbilled receivable balances. The Company had one multinational oil customer that comprised 18% of its total net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The loss of this customer or deterioration in this customer’s relationship with the Company could have a material adverse effect on results of operations and financial condition of the Company.

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt The following table is a summary of long-term debt obligations, net (in thousands): Obligations (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Senior secured second-priority lien notes (maturing December 15, 2021) $ 120,569 $ 120,569 Senior secured third-priority lien notes (redeemed March 26, 2018) — 28,497 Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) — 10,000 Equipment capital leases and other debt 3,384 1,661 Costs associated with issuances of debt (3,169 ) (3,983 ) Total 120,784 156,744 Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations (1,335 ) (40,024 ) Non-current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations $ 119,449 $ 116,720 Revolving Credit Facility On August 16, 2018, ION Geophysical Corporation and its material U.S. subsidiaries; GX Technology Corporation, ION Exploration Products (U.S.A) and I/O Marine Systems, Inc. (the “Material U.S. Subsidiaries”), along with GX Geoscience Corporation, S. de R.L. de C.V., a limited liability company (Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable) organized under the laws of Mexico, and a subsidiary of the Company (the “Mexican Subsidiary”), (the Material U.S. Subsidiaries and the Mexican Subsidiary are collectively, the “Subsidiary Borrowers”, together with ION Geophysical Corporation are the “Borrowers”), the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), as agent for the lenders, entered into that certain Third Amendment and Joinder to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Third Amendment”), amending the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2014 (as previously amended by the First Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2015 and the Second Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2016, the “Credit Agreement”). For information regarding the terms of the Credit Agreement prior to the Third Amendment, see Footnote 3 to the Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment is herein called the “Credit Facility”). The Third Amendment amends the Credit Agreement to, among other things: • extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility by approximately four years (from August 22, 2019 to August 16, 2023), subject to the Company’s retirement or extension of the maturity date of its Second Lien Notes, as defined below, which matures on December 15, 2021; • increase the maximum revolver amount by $10.0 million (from $40.0 million to $50.0 million ); • increase the borrowing base percentage of the net orderly liquidation value as it relates to the multi-client data library (not to exceed $28.5 million , up from the previous maximum of $15.0 million for the multi-client data library component); • include the eligible billed receivables of the Mexican Subsidiary up to a maximum of $5.0 million in the borrowing base calculation and joins the Mexican Subsidiary as a borrower thereunder (with a maximum exposure of $5.0 million ) and require the equity and assets of the Mexican Subsidiary to be pledged to secure obligations under the facility; • modify the interest rate such that the maximum interest rate remains consistent with the fixed interest rate prior to the Third Amendment (that is, 3.00% per annum for domestic rate loans and 4.00% per annum for LIBOR rate loans), but now lowers the range down to a minimum interest rate of 2.00% for domestic rate loans and 3.00% for LIBOR rate loans based on a leverage ratio for the preceding four-quarter period; • decrease the minimum excess borrowing availability threshold which (if the Borrowers have minimum excess borrowing availability below any such threshold) triggers the agent’s right to exercise dominion over cash and deposit accounts; and • modify the trigger required to test for compliance with the fixed charges coverage ratio, which is further described below. The borrowing base under the Credit Facility will increase or decrease monthly using a formula based on certain eligible receivables, eligible inventory and other amounts, including a percentage of the net orderly liquidation value of the Borrowers’ multi-client library. As of September 30, 2018 , the borrowing base under the Credit Facility was $42.8 million , and there was no indebtedness under the Credit Facility. The obligations of Borrowers under the Credit Facility are secured by a first-priority security interest in 100% of the stock of the Subsidiary Borrowers and 65% of the equity interest in ION International Holdings L.P., and by substantially all other assets of the Borrowers. However, the first-priority security interest in the other assets of the Mexican Subsidiary is capped to a maximum exposure of $5.0 million . The Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, limit or prohibit the Borrowers, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, from incurring additional indebtedness (including capital lease obligations), repurchasing equity, paying dividends or distributions, granting or incurring additional liens on the Borrowers’ properties, pledging shares of the Borrowers’ subsidiaries, entering into certain merger transactions, entering into transactions with the Company’s affiliates, making certain sales or other dispositions of the Borrowers’ assets, making certain investments, acquiring other businesses and entering into sale-leaseback transactions with respect to the Borrowers’ property. The Credit Facility requires that the Borrowers maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 to 1.0 as of the end of each fiscal quarter during the existence of a covenant testing trigger event. The fixed charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of (i) ION Geophysical Corporation’s EBITDA, minus unfunded capital expenditures made during the relevant period, minus distributions (including tax distributions) and dividends made during the relevant period, minus cash taxes paid during the relevant period, to (ii) certain debt payments made during the relevant period. The previous trigger to test for covenant compliance was tied to a total liquidity measure (liquidity less than $7.5 million for five consecutive days or $6.5 million on any given day), and was modified by adding a two-step process based on (i) a minimum excess borrowing availability threshold (excess borrowing availability less than $6.25 million for five consecutive days or $5.0 million on any given day) and (ii) the amount of Borrowers’ unencumbered cash maintained in a PNC deposit account (if less than the borrowers’ then-outstanding obligations). At September 30, 2018 , ION Geophysical Corporation was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains customary event of default provisions (including a “change of control” event affecting ION Geophysical Corporation), the occurrence of which could lead to an acceleration of ION Geophysical Corporation’s obligations under the Credit Facility. Senior Secured Notes As of December 31, 2017, ION Geophysical Corporation’s 9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due December 2021 (the “Second Lien Notes”) had an outstanding aggregate principal amount of $120.6 million , and ION Geophysical Corporation’s 8.125% Senior Third Priority Notes which were to mature in May 2018 (the “Third Lien Notes”) had an outstanding aggregate principal amount of $28.5 million prior to their redemption. In March 2018, ION Geophysical Corporation obtained consent from a majority of the Second Lien Notes holders and from PNC to redeem, in full, the Third Lien Notes prior to their stated maturity. On March 26, 2018, ION Geophysical Corporation redeemed the Third Lien Notes by paying the then outstanding principal amount, plus all accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date. For a complete discussion of the Third Lien Notes prior to their early redemption, see Footnote 3 to the Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Second Lien Notes remain outstanding and are senior secured second-priority obligations guaranteed by the Material U.S. Subsidiaries and the Mexican Subsidiary (each as defined above and herein below, with the reference to the Second Lien Notes, the “Guarantors”). Interest on the Second Lien Notes accrues at the rate of 9.125% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year during their term, except that the interest payment otherwise payable on June 15, 2021 will be payable on December 15, 2021. The April 2016 indenture governing the Second Lien Notes contains certain covenants that, among other things, limits or prohibits ION Geophysical Corporation’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions or permit certain conditions to exist during the term of the Second Lien Notes, including among other things, incurring additional indebtedness, creating liens, paying dividends and making other distributions in respect of ION Geophysical Corporation’s capital stock, redeeming ION Geophysical Corporation’s capital stock, making investments or certain other restricted payments, selling certain kinds of assets, entering into transactions with affiliates, and effecting mergers or consolidations. These and other restrictive covenants contained in the Second Lien Notes Indenture are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications. All of ION Geophysical Corporation’s subsidiaries are currently restricted subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2018 , ION Geophysical Corporation was in compliance with the covenants with respect to the Second Lien Notes. On or after December 15, 2019, the Company may, on one or more occasions, redeem all or a part of the Second Lien Notes at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15th of the years indicated below: Date Percentage 2019 105.500% 2020 103.500% 2021 and thereafter 100.000%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 804,936 and 782,739 , respectively, and the total number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 128,131 and 163,184 , respectively. Except for the three months ended September 30, 2017, the outstanding stock options were anti-dilutive for all periods presented, as reflected in the table below. 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,536 ) $ 4,935 $ (51,828 ) $ (28,848 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 14,003 11,890 13,586 11,862 Effect of dilutive stock awards — 181 — — Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding 14,003 12,071 13,586 11,862 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.54 ) $ 0.42 $ (3.81 ) $ (2.43 ) Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.54 ) $ 0.41 $ (3.81 ) $ (2.43 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 ASC 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 downward. The tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 has been calculated using the Company’s overall estimated annual effective tax rate based on projected 2018 full year results. The tax provision includes impacts of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, however, these impacts are minimal due to the Company’s U.S. net operating loss and valuation allowance position. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were (38.6)% and 25.2% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine-months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were (6.9)% and (15.1)% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were negatively impacted by the change in valuation allowance related to U.S. operating losses for which the Company cannot currently recognize a tax benefit. The Company’s income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $3.3 million primarily relates to results from the Company’s non-U.S. businesses. The Company has approximately $0.4 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 September 30, 2018 , the Company’s U.S. federal tax returns for 2014 and subsequent years remain subject to examination by tax authorities. In the Company’s foreign tax jurisdictions, tax returns for 2013 and subsequent years generally remain open to examination.

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 royalties and $93.4 million in lost profits. In June 2013, the presiding judge entered a Memorandum and Order, denying the Company’s post-verdict motions that challenged the jury’s infringement findings and the damages amount. In the Memorandum and Order, the judge also ruled that WesternGeco was entitled to be awarded supplemental damages for the additional DigiFIN units that were supplied from the United States before and after the 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 were subject to supplemental damages and also ruling that the supplemental damages applicable to the additional units were to 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 awarded 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 damage amounts awarded against the Company. In May 2014, the judge signed and entered a Final Judgment against the Company in the amount of $123.8 million . The Final Judgment also included an injunction that enjoins the Company, its 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 District 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. The Company and WesternGeco each appealed the Final Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. (the “Court of Appeals”). On July 2, 2015, the Court of Appeals reversed in part the Final Judgment of the District Court, holding the District Court erred by including lost profits in the Final Judgment. Lost profits were $93.4 million and prejudgment interest on lost profits was approximately $10.9 million of the $123.8 million Final Judgment. Pre-judgment interest on the lost profits portion will be treated in the same way as the lost profits. Post-judgment interest will likewise be treated in the same fashion. On July 29, 2015, WesternGeco filed a petition for rehearing en banc before the Court of Appeals. On October 30, 2015 the Court of Appeals denied WesternGeco’s petition for rehearing en banc. As previously disclosed, the Company recorded a loss contingency accrual of $123.8 million . As a result of the reversal by the Court of Appeals, as of June 30, 2015, the Company reduced its loss contingency accrual to $22.0 million . On February 26, 2016, WesternGeco filed a petition for writ of certiorari by the Supreme Court. The Company filed its response on April 27, 2016. Subsequently, on June 20, 2016, the Supreme Court vacated the Court of Appeals’ ruling although it did not address the lost profits question at that time. Rather, in light of the changes in case law regarding the standard of proof for willfulness in the Halo and Stryker cases, the Supreme Court indicated that the case should be remanded to the Court of Appeals for a determination of whether or not the willfulness determination by the District Court was appropriate. On October 14, 2016, the Court of Appeals issued a mandate returning the case to the District Court for consideration of whether or not additional damages for willfulness were appropriate. On November 14, 2016, the District Court ordered the sureties to pay principal and interest on the royalty damages previously awarded and declined to issue a final judgment until after consideration of whether enhanced damages for willfulness would be awarded. While the Company disagreed with the decision by the District Court ordering payment of the royalty damages and interest without a final judgment, on November 25, 2016, the Company paid WesternGeco the $20.8 million due pursuant to the order, at which point the Company reduced its loss contingency accrual to zero . On March 14, 2017, the District Court held a hearing on whether or not additional damages for willfulness would be payable. The Judge found that the Company’s infringement was willful, based on his perception that the Company did not adequately investigate the scope of the patents, and the Company’s conduct during trial. However, in his ruling at the hearing, he limited enhanced damages to $5.0 million because it was a “close case,” there was no evidence of copying, and the Company was simply acting as a competitor in a capitalist marketplace. The District Court also ordered the appeal bond to be released and discharged. The Court’s findings and ruling were memorialized in an order issued on May 16, 2017. On June 30, 2017, WesternGeco and the Company jointly agreed that neither party would appeal the District Court's award of $5.0 million in enhanced damages. The parties also agreed that the $5.0 million would be paid over the course of 12 months. This agreement was memorialized by the court in an order issued on July 26, 2017. Upon assessment of the $5.0 million in enhanced damages, the Company accrued $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2017. As the Company has made the payments, the accrual has been adjusted, and as of September 30, 2018 , the loss contingency accrual was zero . WesternGeco filed a second petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court on February 17, 2017, appealing the lost profits issue again. The Company filed its response to WesternGeco’s second attempt to appeal to the Supreme Court the lost profits issue, raising both the substantive matters the Company addressed by opposing WesternGeco’s first petition, and also advancing a procedural argument that WesternGeco could not raise the same issue for a second time in a second petition for certiorari. On May 30, 2017, the Supreme Court called for the views of the U.S. Solicitor General regarding whether or not to grant certiorari. The Company and WesternGeco each met with the Solicitor General’s office in late July 2017. On December 6, 2017, the Solicitor General filed its brief, and took the position that the Supreme Court ought to grant certiorari. On January 12, 2018, the Supreme Court granted certiorari as to whether the Court of Appeals erred in holding that lost profits arising from use of prohibited combinations occurring outside of the United States are categorically unavailable in cases where patent infringement is proven under 35 U.S.C. § 271(f)(2) (the specific statute under which the Company was ultimately held to have infringed WesternGeco’s patents and upon which the District Court and Court of Appeals relied in entering their final rulings). The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 16, 2018. At oral arguments, the Company argued that the Court of Appeals’ decision that eliminated lost profits ought to be affirmed. WesternGeco and the Solicitor General argued that the Court of Appeals’ decision that eliminated lost profits ought to be reversed. On June 22, 2018, the Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the Court of Appeals, held that the award of lost profits to WesternGeco by the District Court was a permissible application of Section 284 of the Patent Act, and remanded the case back to the Circuit Court for further proceedings consistent with its (the Supreme Court’s) opinion. On July 24, 2018, the Supreme Court issued the judgment that returned the case to the Court of Appeals. At the Court of Appeals, in the case leading up to the Supreme Court, the Company presented multiple arguments as to why the District Court’s award of lost profits was improper. The lost profits damages awarded by the District Court were based on the use of the Company’s products by our customers outside of the United States. The Company argued at the Court of Appeals, and at the Supreme Court, that, as a matter of law, WesternGeco cannot recoup lost profits for the overseas use of the Company’s products. This issue, decided in favor of WesternGeco in the recent Supreme Court opinion, was the only issue reached by the Supreme Court in that decision. The Company also argued in the Court of Appeals that, under the jury instructions given in our case, the jury was required to find that the Company had been a direct competitor of WesternGeco in the survey markets where WesternGeco lost profits in order for WesternGeco to recoup them. Because the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Company on the first argument, and overturned the award of lost profits on that basis, the Court of Appeals did not rule on the Company’s “direct competitor” argument, and that argument was not presented to the Supreme Court for review. Thus, while the Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeals’ decision that WesternGeco should not be allowed to recover foreign lost profits under the Patent Act, the Supreme Court did not order the Company to pay any amount with respect to lost profits, but rather remanded the case back to the Court of Appeals for further consideration of whether lost profits are payable by the Company in this case. On July 25, 2018, the Company filed a motion for leave to file supplemental briefing in the Court of Appeals, and concurrently, filed a brief arguing that the judgment of the District Court as to both lost profits and reasonable royalties should be vacated, and that the case should be remanded to the District Court for a new determination on damages. On July 27, 2018, the Court of Appeals vacated its September 21, 2016 judgment with respect to damages, and ordered WesternGeco and the Company to submit supplemental briefing on what relief is appropriate in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. This order rendered the Company’s motion for leave to submit briefing moot, and, accordingly, the Court of Appeals denied the Company’s motion as moot. The Company and WesternGeco each submitted briefing in accordance with the Court of Appeals’ order (with the last brief being filed with the Court of Appeals on September 7, 2018). Other proceedings may have an impact on WesternGeco’s ability to recover lost profits damages and reasonable royalties even if the Company does not prevail on the “direct competitor” argument in the Court of Appeals, and were addressed, along with the direct competitor argument, in the parties’ briefing to the Court of Appeals (further described below). In particular, the Company was a party to a challenge to the validity of several of WesternGeco’s patent claims by means of an Inter Partes Review (“IPR”) with the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”). While the above-described lawsuit was pending on appeal, the PTAB invalidated four of the six patent claims that formed the basis for the jury verdict in the lawsuit. WesternGeco appealed that decision to the Court of Appeals, which heard the Company’s and WesternGeco’s arguments on January 23, 2018. The Court of Appeals affirmed the PTAB’s invalidation of the patents on May 7, 2018, and on July 16, 2018, the Court of Appeals denied WesternGeco’s petition for a panel rehearing and a rehearing en banc. This decision by the Court of Appeals may provide a separate ground for reducing or vacating any lost-profits or reasonable royalty award in the lawsuit. WesternGeco argued, in its pending briefs before the Court of Appeals, that the only issue that remains to be decided is whether lost profits are unavailable to WesternGeco due to the Company’s “direct competitor” argument, and argued that the invalidation of four of its six patent claims by the Court of Appeals (which invalidation WesternGeco intends to appeal to the Supreme Court) should have no effect on lost profits or on the royalty award already paid by the Company. WesternGeco also argued that lost profits should be available notwithstanding the Company’s “direct competitor” argument. The Company argued that lost profits are not available on the basis of the “direct competitor” argument, that the Court of Appeals’ affirmation that four of the six patent claims at issue are invalid has a preclusive effect on WesternGeco’s damages claims, and that the Court of Appeals should order a new trial as to the royalty damages already paid by ION. The Company argued, in the alternative, that if the Court of Appeals does not find the Company’s “direct competitor” argument persuasive, the Court of Appeals should nonetheless vacate the District Court’s award of royalty damages and lost profits damages and order a new trial as to both royalty damages and lost profits. On October 19, 2018, the Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments for the issues raised by the Company and WesternGeco in their briefs pending before that court. Oral arguments are scheduled to take place on November 16, 2018. The Company may not ultimately prevail in any of the appeals processes noted above and the Company could be required to pay some or all of the lost profits that were awarded by the District Court if the judgment of the District Court is upheld by the Court of Appeals on remand, or if a new trial is granted and a new judgment issues. The Company’s assessment that it does not have a loss contingency may change in the future due to developments at the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or District Court, and other events, such as changes in applicable law, and such reassessment could lead to the determination that an additional loss contingency is probable, which could have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s assessments disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or elsewhere are based on currently available information and involve elements of judgment and significant uncertainties. Other Litigation 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. The Company currently believes that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Other Expense, Net

Other Expense, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expense, Net	Other Expense, Net The following table is a summary of other expense , net (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Accrual for loss related to legal proceedings (Footnote 8) $ — $ — $ — $ (5,000 ) Other income (expense), net 91 722 (616 ) 846 Total other expense, net $ 91 $ 722 $ (616 ) $ (4,154 )

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories The following table is a summary of inventories (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Raw materials and subassemblies $ 20,910 $ 20,448 Work-in-process 1,070 1,146 Finished goods 7,986 7,953 Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories (14,837 ) (15,039 ) Total $ 15,129 $ 14,508

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table is a summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands): Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017 $ (18,879 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (712 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018 $ (19,591 ) (a) Represents the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments, primarily due to the devaluation of the British Pound Sterling (“GBP”) on the Company’s GBP-denominated balances, primarily in the Company’s Optimization Software & Services group

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity	Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity The following table is a summary of cash paid for Interest and Income taxes and non-cash items from investing and financing activities (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 6,733 $ 7,273 Income taxes 2,257 3,756 Non-cash items from investing and financing activities: Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases 3,298 — Investment in multi-client data library in accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,657 8,485

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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, under which the fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, moving from quoted prices in active markets in (Level 1) to unobservable inputs in (Level 3). The carrying amounts of the Company’s debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $124.0 million and $160.7 million , respectively, compared to its fair values of $124.0 million and $158.2 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The fair value of the debt was calculated using a readily observable price (Level 1). 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.

Stockholder's Equity and Stock-

Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense Public Equity Offering On February 21, 2018, the Company announced its successful completion of a public equity offering. The Company issued and sold 1,820,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $27.50 per share, and warrants to purchase an additional 1,820,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The net proceeds from this offering were $47.0 million , including transaction expenses. A portion of the net proceeds were used to retire the Company’s $28.5 million Third Lien Notes in March 2018 (several weeks before their maturity date). The warrants have an exercise price of $33.60 per share, are immediately exercisable and expire on March 21, 2019. If the warrants are exercised in full prior to their expiration, the Company would receive additional proceeds of $61.2 million , excluding underwriter fees and other transaction expenses. Stock-Based Compensation The total number of shares issued or reserved for future issuance under outstanding stock options at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 804,936 and 782,739 , respectively, and the total number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 128,131 and 163,184 , respectively. The total number of stock appreciation rights awards outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 530,865 and 1,416,133 , respectively. The following table presents a summary of the activity related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and stock appreciation rights awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 : Stock Options Restricted Stock and Unit Awards Stock Appreciation Rights Number of Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 890,341 201,702 565,864 Granted 10,000 66,773 — Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised/restricted stock and unit awards vested (70,086 ) (137,844 ) (34,999 ) Cancelled/forfeited (25,319 ) (2,500 ) — Outstanding at September 30, 2018 804,936 128,131 530,865 Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , totaled $2.5 million and $1.7 million , respectively. Stock appreciation rights expense recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , totaled $2.8 million and $0.5 million , respectively.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	Condensed Consolidating Financial Information The Second Lien Notes were issued by ION Geophysical Corporation and are guaranteed by Guarantors, all of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Guarantors have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations of ION Geophysical Corporation with respect to the Second Lien Notes. In August 2018, as part of the Company entering into the Third Amendment to its Credit Agreement, the Company joined the Mexican Subsidiary as a guarantor with respect to the Second Lien Notes. All periods presented below have been updated to include the Mexican Subsidiary within The Guarantors column. 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 footnotes. For additional information pertaining to the Notes, See Item 2. “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” in Part II of this Form 10-Q. September 30, 2018 Balance Sheet ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,553 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ — $ 30,043 Accounts receivable, net 8 15,101 8,515 — 23,624 Unbilled receivables — 14,326 11,398 — 25,724 Inventories — 9,421 5,708 — 15,129 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,107 1,211 2,536 — 5,854 Total current assets 22,668 40,077 37,629 — 100,374 Deferred income tax asset 1,264 2,645 149 — 4,058 Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net 375 9,155 40,438 — 49,968 Multi-client data library, net — 75,631 7,623 — 83,254 Investment in subsidiaries 812,068 261,875 — (1,073,943 ) — Goodwill — — 23,590 — 23,590 Intercompany receivables — 271,410 66,287 (337,697 ) — Other assets 1,708 935 70 — 2,713 Total assets $ 838,083 $ 661,728 $ 175,786 $ (1,411,640 ) $ 263,957 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ — $ 1,335 $ — $ — $ 1,335 Accounts payable 3,166 25,825 2,881 — 31,872 Accrued expenses 13,356 11,088 9,112 — 33,556 Accrued multi-client data library royalties — 28,020 215 — 28,235 Deferred revenue — 7,507 2,820 — 10,327 Total current liabilities 16,522 73,775 15,028 — 105,325 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 117,400 2,049 — — 119,449 Intercompany payables 678,114 — — (678,114 ) — Other long-term liabilities 436 5,815 6,018 — 12,269 Total liabilities 812,472 81,639 21,046 (678,114 ) 237,043 Equity: Common stock 140 290,460 47,776 (338,236 ) 140 Additional paid-in capital 951,811 180,700 203,907 (384,607 ) 951,811 Accumulated earnings (deficit) (906,749 ) 365,725 1,973 (367,698 ) (906,749 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (19,591 ) 4,324 (20,923 ) 16,599 (19,591 ) Due from ION Geophysical Corporation — (261,120 ) (79,296 ) 340,416 — Total stockholders’ equity 25,611 580,089 153,437 (733,526 ) 25,611 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,303 — 1,303 Total equity 25,611 580,089 154,740 (733,526 ) 26,914 Total liabilities and equity $ 838,083 $ 661,728 $ 175,786 $ (1,411,640 ) $ 263,957 December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,344 $ 66 $ 12,646 $ — $ 52,056 Accounts receivable, net 50 12,496 6,932 — 19,478 Unbilled receivables — 34,484 2,820 — 37,304 Inventories — 8,686 5,822 — 14,508 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,427 769 4,447 — 7,643 Total current assets 41,821 56,501 32,667 — 130,989 Deferred income tax asset 1,264 336 153 — 1,753 Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net 511 7,170 44,472 — 52,153 Multi-client data library, net — 81,442 7,858 — 89,300 Investment in subsidiaries 753,045 321,934 — (1,074,979 ) — Goodwill — — 24,089 — 24,089 Intercompany receivables — 225,144 56,633 (281,777 ) — Other assets 686 1,811 288 — 2,785 Total assets $ 797,327 $ 694,338 $ 166,160 $ (1,356,756 ) $ 301,069 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 39,774 $ 250 $ — $ — $ 40,024 Accounts payable 1,774 20,982 2,195 — 24,951 Accrued expenses 12,284 16,957 9,456 — 38,697 Accrued multi-client data library royalties — 26,824 211 — 27,035 Deferred revenue — 7,231 1,679 — 8,910 Total current liabilities 53,832 72,244 13,541 — 139,617 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 116,691 29 — — 116,720 Intercompany payables 596,783 — — (596,783 ) — Other long-term liabilities 454 6,084 7,388 — 13,926 Total liabilities 767,760 78,357 20,929 (596,783 ) 270,263 Equity: Common stock 120 290,460 49,394 (339,854 ) 120 Additional paid-in capital 903,247 180,701 202,290 (382,991 ) 903,247 Accumulated earnings (deficit) (854,921 ) 376,690 (9,247 ) (367,443 ) (854,921 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (18,879 ) 4,372 (19,681 ) 15,309 (18,879 ) Due from ION Geophysical Corporation — (236,242 ) (78,764 ) 315,006 — Total stockholders’ equity 29,567 615,981 143,992 (759,973 ) 29,567 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,239 — 1,239 Total equity 29,567 615,981 145,231 (759,973 ) 30,806 Total liabilities and equity $ 797,327 $ 694,338 $ 166,160 $ (1,356,756 ) $ 301,069 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 39,211 $ 7,989 $ — $ 47,200 Cost of sales — 26,328 4,397 — 30,725 Gross profit — 12,883 3,592 — 16,475 Total operating expenses 7,349 7,911 3,667 — 18,927 Income (loss) from operations (7,349 ) 4,972 (75 ) — (2,452 ) Interest expense, net (3,046 ) (7 ) 31 — (3,022 ) Intercompany interest, net 265 (3,649 ) 3,384 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments 2,291 (301 ) — (1,990 ) — Other income (expense) 19 (2 ) 74 — 91 Net income (loss) before income taxes (7,820 ) 1,013 3,414 (1,990 ) (5,383 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (284 ) (2,358 ) 4,721 — 2,079 Net income (loss) (7,536 ) 3,371 (1,307 ) (1,990 ) (7,462 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (74 ) — (74 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,536 ) $ 3,371 $ (1,381 ) (1,990 ) $ (7,536 ) Comprehensive net income $ (7,493 ) $ 3,370 $ 11,382 $ (14,678 ) $ (7,419 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (74 ) — (74 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,493 ) $ 3,370 $ 11,308 $ (14,678 ) $ (7,493 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 50,366 $ 10,729 $ — $ 61,095 Cost of sales — 22,335 8,651 — 30,986 Gross profit — 28,031 2,078 — 30,109 Total operating expenses 8,349 7,877 3,947 — 20,173 Income (loss) from operations (8,349 ) 20,154 (1,869 ) — 9,936 Interest expense, net (4,054 ) 36 59 — (3,959 ) Intercompany interest, net 259 (1,603 ) 1,344 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments 17,097 (11,496 ) — (5,601 ) — Other income (expense) 19 (49 ) 752 — 722 Net income before income taxes 4,972 7,042 286 (5,601 ) 6,699 Income tax expense 37 865 784 — 1,686 Net income (loss) 4,935 6,177 (498 ) (5,601 ) 5,013 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (78 ) — (78 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ 4,935 $ 6,177 $ (576 ) (5,601 ) $ 4,935 Comprehensive net income $ 5,968 $ 6,190 $ 448 $ (6,560 ) $ 6,046 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (78 ) — (78 ) Comprehensive net income attributable to ION $ 5,968 $ 6,190 $ 370 $ (6,560 ) $ 5,968 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 63,465 $ 41,986 $ — $ 105,451 Cost of sales — 60,869 22,771 — 83,640 Gross profit — 2,596 19,215 — 21,811 Total operating expenses 26,592 22,050 10,780 — 59,422 Income (loss) from operations (26,592 ) (19,454 ) 8,435 — (37,611 ) Interest expense, net (9,876 ) (20 ) 127 — (9,769 ) Intercompany interest, net 842 (8,779 ) 7,937 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments (13,826 ) 14,081 — (255 ) — Other income (expense) (206 ) 66 (476 ) — (616 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes (49,658 ) (14,106 ) 16,023 (255 ) (47,996 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 2,170 (3,141 ) 4,276 — 3,305 Net income (loss) (51,828 ) (10,965 ) 11,747 (255 ) (51,301 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (527 ) — (527 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (51,828 ) $ (10,965 ) 11,220 $ (255 ) (51,828 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (52,540 ) $ (11,013 ) $ 10,505 $ 1,035 $ (52,013 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (527 ) — (527 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (52,540 ) $ (11,013 ) $ 9,978 $ 1,035 $ (52,540 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 99,750 $ 39,902 $ — $ 139,652 Cost of sales — 62,684 25,140 — 87,824 Gross profit — 37,066 14,762 — 51,828 Total operating expenses 25,761 20,774 12,841 — 59,376 Income (loss) from operations (25,761 ) 16,292 1,921 — (7,548 ) Interest expense, net (12,697 ) (60 ) 93 — (12,664 ) Intercompany interest, net 852 (4,743 ) 3,891 — — Equity in earnings of investments 13,963 6,357 — (20,320 ) — Other income (expense) (5,068 ) (396 ) 1,310 — (4,154 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes (28,711 ) 17,450 7,215 (20,320 ) (24,366 ) Income tax expense 137 475 3,058 — 3,670 Net income (loss) (28,848 ) 16,975 4,157 (20,320 ) (28,036 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (812 ) — (812 ) Net income (loss) applicable to ION $ (28,848 ) 16,975 $ 3,345 $ (20,320 ) $ (28,848 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (27,175 ) $ 16,940 $ 6,197 $ (21,249 ) $ (25,287 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (812 ) — (812 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (27,175 ) $ 16,940 $ 5,385 $ (21,249 ) $ (26,099 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Statement of Cash Flows ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (32,495 ) $ 28,151 $ (2,980 ) $ (7,324 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Cash invested in multi-client data library — (17,427 ) (2,484 ) (19,911 ) Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment (282 ) (21 ) (207 ) (510 ) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets — 112 85 197 Net cash used in investing activities (282 ) (17,336 ) (2,606 ) (20,224 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under revolving line of credit (10,000 ) — — (10,000 ) Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (29,879 ) (192 ) — (30,071 ) Costs associated with issuance of debt (565 ) — — (565 ) Intercompany lending 8,555 (10,671 ) 2,116 — Net proceeds from issuance of stock 46,999 — — 46,999 Dividend payment to non-controlling interest (200 ) — — (200 ) Other financing activities (924 ) — — (924 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 13,986 (10,863 ) 2,116 5,239 Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — — 296 296 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (18,791 ) (48 ) (3,174 ) (22,013 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 39,707 66 12,646 52,419 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 20,916 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,406 The following table is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: September 30, 2018 ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,553 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,043 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 60 — — 60 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 303 — — 303 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows $ 20,916 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,406 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Statement of Cash Flows ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (3,109 ) $ 21,127 $ (8,324 ) $ 9,694 Cash flows from investing activities: Investment in multi-client data library — (16,576 ) — (16,576 ) Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment (165 ) (775 ) (81 ) (1,021 ) Net cash used in investing activities (165 ) (17,351 ) (81 ) (17,597 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (1,018 ) (3,244 ) (58 ) (4,320 ) Intercompany lending (1,574 ) (704 ) 2,278 — Other financing activities (257 ) — — (257 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2,849 ) (3,948 ) 2,220 (4,577 ) Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — — (271 ) (271 ) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (6,123 ) (172 ) (6,456 ) (12,751 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 23,823 215 29,395 53,433 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 17,700 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,682 The following table is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: September 30, 2017 ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,243 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,225 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 154 — — 154 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 303 — — 303 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows $ 17,700 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,682

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In February 2016, the Financials Account Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842)” which introduces the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. The guidance will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating its operating leases related to offices, processing centers, warehouse spaces and, to a lesser extent, certain equipment. The Company expects the adoption of the standard will add between $50 million to $60 million in right-of-use assets and lease obligations on its consolidated balance sheet and will not significantly impact it’s income statement. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients upon transition which will retain the lease classification for leases that exist prior to the adoption of the standard. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective method. The adoption did not have a material impact to the Company’s revenue recognition policy under the previous standard (ASC 605) and adoption of the new standard, ASC 606, did not result in an adjustment to the Company’s beginning retained earnings balance. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows - “ Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (ASU 2016-18)” , using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The new standard no longer requires the Company to present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Adoption of the new standard resulted in a decrease of $0.3 million in net cash provided by operating activities as previously reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . See the consolidated statement of cash flows above which includes a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Information	The following table is a summary of segment information (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net revenues: E&P Technology & Services: New Venture $ 18,218 $ 43,542 $ 40,069 $ 70,477 Data Library 13,956 5,044 21,629 25,360 Total multi-client revenues 32,174 48,586 61,698 95,837 Imaging Services 4,147 3,468 14,379 13,409 Total 36,321 52,054 76,077 109,246 Operations Optimization: Devices 5,356 5,260 14,275 17,929 Optimization Software & Services 5,523 3,781 15,099 12,477 Total 10,879 9,041 29,374 30,406 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies — — — — Total $ 47,200 $ 61,095 $ 105,451 $ 139,652 Gross profit (loss): E&P Technology & Services $ 12,139 $ 28,533 $ 11,626 $ 44,464 Operations Optimization 5,736 4,055 14,980 15,100 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies (1,400 ) (2,479 ) (4,795 ) (7,736 ) Total $ 16,475 $ 30,109 $ 21,811 $ 51,828 Gross margin: E&P Technology & Services 33 % 55 % 15 % 41 % Operations Optimization 53 % 45 % 51 % 50 % Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies — % — % — % — % Total 35 % 49 % 21 % 37 % Income (loss) from operations: E&P Technology & Services $ 6,578 $ 22,695 $ (4,422 ) $ 27,952 Operations Optimization 1,963 998 3,992 5,569 Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies (2,811 ) (4,432 ) (8,566 ) (12,300 ) Support and other (8,182 ) (9,325 ) (28,615 ) (28,769 ) Income (loss) from operations (2,452 ) 9,936 (37,611 ) (7,548 ) Interest expense, net (3,022 ) (3,959 ) (9,769 ) (12,664 ) Other income (expense), net 91 722 (616 ) (4,154 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (5,383 ) $ 6,699 $ (47,996 ) $ (24,366 )

Revenue From Contracts With C_2

Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table is a summary of net revenues by geographic area (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net revenues by geographic area: Latin America $ 19,910 $ 34,561 $ 37,356 $ 53,318 North America 13,095 9,374 25,452 30,639 Europe 8,202 11,137 19,811 28,201 Asia Pacific 3,718 3,733 11,581 15,318 Africa 1,121 1,187 8,362 2,660 Middle East 717 632 1,907 1,713 Commonwealth of Independent States 437 471 982 7,803 Total $ 47,200 $ 61,095 $ 105,451 $ 139,652
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table is a summary of deferred revenues (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 New Venture $ 7,880 $ 6,548 Imaging Services 271 676 Devices 1,198 633 Optimization Software & Services 978 1,053 Total $ 10,327 $ 8,910 The changes in deferred revenues were as follows (in thousands): Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017 $ 8,910 Cash collected in excess of revenue recognized 21,654 Recognition of deferred revenue (a) (20,237 ) Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018 $ 10,327 (a) The majority of deferred revenue recognized relates to Company’s Ventures group. The following table is a summary of unbilled receivables (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 New Venture $ 20,056 $ 33,183 Imaging Services 4,685 4,121 Devices 983 — Total $ 25,724 $ 37,304 The changes in unbilled receivables were as follows (in thousands): Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017 $ 37,304 Recognition of unbilled receivables 86,212 Revenues billed to customers (97,792 ) Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018 $ 25,724

Long-term Debt (Tables)

Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Obligations	The following table is a summary of long-term debt obligations, net (in thousands): Obligations (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Senior secured second-priority lien notes (maturing December 15, 2021) $ 120,569 $ 120,569 Senior secured third-priority lien notes (redeemed March 26, 2018) — 28,497 Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) — 10,000 Equipment capital leases and other debt 3,384 1,661 Costs associated with issuances of debt (3,169 ) (3,983 ) Total 120,784 156,744 Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations (1,335 ) (40,024 ) Non-current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations $ 119,449 $ 116,720
Debt Instrument Redemption	On or after December 15, 2019, the Company may, on one or more occasions, redeem all or a part of the Second Lien Notes at the redemption prices set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15th of the years indicated below: Date Percentage 2019 105.500% 2020 103.500% 2021 and thereafter 100.000%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted net income (loss) 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,536 ) $ 4,935 $ (51,828 ) $ (28,848 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 14,003 11,890 13,586 11,862 Effect of dilutive stock awards — 181 — — Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding 14,003 12,071 13,586 11,862 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.54 ) $ 0.42 $ (3.81 ) $ (2.43 ) Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.54 ) $ 0.41 $ (3.81 ) $ (2.43 )

Other Expense, Net (Tables)

Other Expense, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	The following table is a summary of other expense , net (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Accrual for loss related to legal proceedings (Footnote 8) $ — $ — $ — $ (5,000 ) Other income (expense), net 91 722 (616 ) 846 Total other expense, net $ 91 $ 722 $ (616 ) $ (4,154 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories	The following table is a summary of inventories (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Raw materials and subassemblies $ 20,910 $ 20,448 Work-in-process 1,070 1,146 Finished goods 7,986 7,953 Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories (14,837 ) (15,039 ) Total $ 15,129 $ 14,508

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table is a summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (in thousands): Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017 $ (18,879 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (712 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018 $ (19,591 ) (a) Represents the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments, primarily due to the devaluation of the British Pound Sterling (“GBP”) on the Company’s GBP-denominated balances, primarily in the Company’s Optimization Software & Services group

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Summary of Non-cash Items from Investing and Financing Activities	The following table is a summary of cash paid for Interest and Income taxes and non-cash items from investing and financing activities (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 6,733 $ 7,273 Income taxes 2,257 3,756 Non-cash items from investing and financing activities: Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases 3,298 — Investment in multi-client data library in accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,657 8,485

Stockholder's Equity and Stoc_2

Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	The following table presents a summary of the activity related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and stock appreciation rights awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 : Stock Options Restricted Stock and Unit Awards Stock Appreciation Rights Number of Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 890,341 201,702 565,864 Granted 10,000 66,773 — Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised/restricted stock and unit awards vested (70,086 ) (137,844 ) (34,999 ) Cancelled/forfeited (25,319 ) (2,500 ) — Outstanding at September 30, 2018 804,936 128,131 530,865
Schedule of Restricted Stock and Units Awards Activity	The following table presents a summary of the activity related to stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and stock appreciation rights awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 : Stock Options Restricted Stock and Unit Awards Stock Appreciation Rights Number of Shares Outstanding at December 31, 2017 890,341 201,702 565,864 Granted 10,000 66,773 — Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised/restricted stock and unit awards vested (70,086 ) (137,844 ) (34,999 ) Cancelled/forfeited (25,319 ) (2,500 ) — Outstanding at September 30, 2018 804,936 128,131 530,865

Condensed Consolidating Finan_2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet	September 30, 2018 Balance Sheet ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,553 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ — $ 30,043 Accounts receivable, net 8 15,101 8,515 — 23,624 Unbilled receivables — 14,326 11,398 — 25,724 Inventories — 9,421 5,708 — 15,129 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,107 1,211 2,536 — 5,854 Total current assets 22,668 40,077 37,629 — 100,374 Deferred income tax asset 1,264 2,645 149 — 4,058 Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net 375 9,155 40,438 — 49,968 Multi-client data library, net — 75,631 7,623 — 83,254 Investment in subsidiaries 812,068 261,875 — (1,073,943 ) — Goodwill — — 23,590 — 23,590 Intercompany receivables — 271,410 66,287 (337,697 ) — Other assets 1,708 935 70 — 2,713 Total assets $ 838,083 $ 661,728 $ 175,786 $ (1,411,640 ) $ 263,957 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ — $ 1,335 $ — $ — $ 1,335 Accounts payable 3,166 25,825 2,881 — 31,872 Accrued expenses 13,356 11,088 9,112 — 33,556 Accrued multi-client data library royalties — 28,020 215 — 28,235 Deferred revenue — 7,507 2,820 — 10,327 Total current liabilities 16,522 73,775 15,028 — 105,325 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 117,400 2,049 — — 119,449 Intercompany payables 678,114 — — (678,114 ) — Other long-term liabilities 436 5,815 6,018 — 12,269 Total liabilities 812,472 81,639 21,046 (678,114 ) 237,043 Equity: Common stock 140 290,460 47,776 (338,236 ) 140 Additional paid-in capital 951,811 180,700 203,907 (384,607 ) 951,811 Accumulated earnings (deficit) (906,749 ) 365,725 1,973 (367,698 ) (906,749 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (19,591 ) 4,324 (20,923 ) 16,599 (19,591 ) Due from ION Geophysical Corporation — (261,120 ) (79,296 ) 340,416 — Total stockholders’ equity 25,611 580,089 153,437 (733,526 ) 25,611 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,303 — 1,303 Total equity 25,611 580,089 154,740 (733,526 ) 26,914 Total liabilities and equity $ 838,083 $ 661,728 $ 175,786 $ (1,411,640 ) $ 263,957 December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,344 $ 66 $ 12,646 $ — $ 52,056 Accounts receivable, net 50 12,496 6,932 — 19,478 Unbilled receivables — 34,484 2,820 — 37,304 Inventories — 8,686 5,822 — 14,508 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,427 769 4,447 — 7,643 Total current assets 41,821 56,501 32,667 — 130,989 Deferred income tax asset 1,264 336 153 — 1,753 Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net 511 7,170 44,472 — 52,153 Multi-client data library, net — 81,442 7,858 — 89,300 Investment in subsidiaries 753,045 321,934 — (1,074,979 ) — Goodwill — — 24,089 — 24,089 Intercompany receivables — 225,144 56,633 (281,777 ) — Other assets 686 1,811 288 — 2,785 Total assets $ 797,327 $ 694,338 $ 166,160 $ (1,356,756 ) $ 301,069 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 39,774 $ 250 $ — $ — $ 40,024 Accounts payable 1,774 20,982 2,195 — 24,951 Accrued expenses 12,284 16,957 9,456 — 38,697 Accrued multi-client data library royalties — 26,824 211 — 27,035 Deferred revenue — 7,231 1,679 — 8,910 Total current liabilities 53,832 72,244 13,541 — 139,617 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 116,691 29 — — 116,720 Intercompany payables 596,783 — — (596,783 ) — Other long-term liabilities 454 6,084 7,388 — 13,926 Total liabilities 767,760 78,357 20,929 (596,783 ) 270,263 Equity: Common stock 120 290,460 49,394 (339,854 ) 120 Additional paid-in capital 903,247 180,701 202,290 (382,991 ) 903,247 Accumulated earnings (deficit) (854,921 ) 376,690 (9,247 ) (367,443 ) (854,921 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (18,879 ) 4,372 (19,681 ) 15,309 (18,879 ) Due from ION Geophysical Corporation — (236,242 ) (78,764 ) 315,006 — Total stockholders’ equity 29,567 615,981 143,992 (759,973 ) 29,567 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,239 — 1,239 Total equity 29,567 615,981 145,231 (759,973 ) 30,806 Total liabilities and equity $ 797,327 $ 694,338 $ 166,160 $ (1,356,756 ) $ 301,069
Condensed Income Statement	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 39,211 $ 7,989 $ — $ 47,200 Cost of sales — 26,328 4,397 — 30,725 Gross profit — 12,883 3,592 — 16,475 Total operating expenses 7,349 7,911 3,667 — 18,927 Income (loss) from operations (7,349 ) 4,972 (75 ) — (2,452 ) Interest expense, net (3,046 ) (7 ) 31 — (3,022 ) Intercompany interest, net 265 (3,649 ) 3,384 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments 2,291 (301 ) — (1,990 ) — Other income (expense) 19 (2 ) 74 — 91 Net income (loss) before income taxes (7,820 ) 1,013 3,414 (1,990 ) (5,383 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (284 ) (2,358 ) 4,721 — 2,079 Net income (loss) (7,536 ) 3,371 (1,307 ) (1,990 ) (7,462 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (74 ) — (74 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,536 ) $ 3,371 $ (1,381 ) (1,990 ) $ (7,536 ) Comprehensive net income $ (7,493 ) $ 3,370 $ 11,382 $ (14,678 ) $ (7,419 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (74 ) — (74 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (7,493 ) $ 3,370 $ 11,308 $ (14,678 ) $ (7,493 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 50,366 $ 10,729 $ — $ 61,095 Cost of sales — 22,335 8,651 — 30,986 Gross profit — 28,031 2,078 — 30,109 Total operating expenses 8,349 7,877 3,947 — 20,173 Income (loss) from operations (8,349 ) 20,154 (1,869 ) — 9,936 Interest expense, net (4,054 ) 36 59 — (3,959 ) Intercompany interest, net 259 (1,603 ) 1,344 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments 17,097 (11,496 ) — (5,601 ) — Other income (expense) 19 (49 ) 752 — 722 Net income before income taxes 4,972 7,042 286 (5,601 ) 6,699 Income tax expense 37 865 784 — 1,686 Net income (loss) 4,935 6,177 (498 ) (5,601 ) 5,013 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (78 ) — (78 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ 4,935 $ 6,177 $ (576 ) (5,601 ) $ 4,935 Comprehensive net income $ 5,968 $ 6,190 $ 448 $ (6,560 ) $ 6,046 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (78 ) — (78 ) Comprehensive net income attributable to ION $ 5,968 $ 6,190 $ 370 $ (6,560 ) $ 5,968 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 63,465 $ 41,986 $ — $ 105,451 Cost of sales — 60,869 22,771 — 83,640 Gross profit — 2,596 19,215 — 21,811 Total operating expenses 26,592 22,050 10,780 — 59,422 Income (loss) from operations (26,592 ) (19,454 ) 8,435 — (37,611 ) Interest expense, net (9,876 ) (20 ) 127 — (9,769 ) Intercompany interest, net 842 (8,779 ) 7,937 — — Equity in earnings (losses) of investments (13,826 ) 14,081 — (255 ) — Other income (expense) (206 ) 66 (476 ) — (616 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes (49,658 ) (14,106 ) 16,023 (255 ) (47,996 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 2,170 (3,141 ) 4,276 — 3,305 Net income (loss) (51,828 ) (10,965 ) 11,747 (255 ) (51,301 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (527 ) — (527 ) Net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (51,828 ) $ (10,965 ) 11,220 $ (255 ) (51,828 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (52,540 ) $ (11,013 ) $ 10,505 $ 1,035 $ (52,013 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (527 ) — (527 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (52,540 ) $ (11,013 ) $ 9,978 $ 1,035 $ (52,540 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Income Statement ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Consolidating Adjustments Total Consolidated (In thousands) Net revenues $ — $ 99,750 $ 39,902 $ — $ 139,652 Cost of sales — 62,684 25,140 — 87,824 Gross profit — 37,066 14,762 — 51,828 Total operating expenses 25,761 20,774 12,841 — 59,376 Income (loss) from operations (25,761 ) 16,292 1,921 — (7,548 ) Interest expense, net (12,697 ) (60 ) 93 — (12,664 ) Intercompany interest, net 852 (4,743 ) 3,891 — — Equity in earnings of investments 13,963 6,357 — (20,320 ) — Other income (expense) (5,068 ) (396 ) 1,310 — (4,154 ) Net income (loss) before income taxes (28,711 ) 17,450 7,215 (20,320 ) (24,366 ) Income tax expense 137 475 3,058 — 3,670 Net income (loss) (28,848 ) 16,975 4,157 (20,320 ) (28,036 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (812 ) — (812 ) Net income (loss) applicable to ION $ (28,848 ) 16,975 $ 3,345 $ (20,320 ) $ (28,848 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) $ (27,175 ) $ 16,940 $ 6,197 $ (21,249 ) $ (25,287 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (812 ) — (812 ) Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION $ (27,175 ) $ 16,940 $ 5,385 $ (21,249 ) $ (26,099 )
Condensed Cash Flow Statement	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Statement of Cash Flows ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (32,495 ) $ 28,151 $ (2,980 ) $ (7,324 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Cash invested in multi-client data library — (17,427 ) (2,484 ) (19,911 ) Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment (282 ) (21 ) (207 ) (510 ) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets — 112 85 197 Net cash used in investing activities (282 ) (17,336 ) (2,606 ) (20,224 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under revolving line of credit (10,000 ) — — (10,000 ) Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (29,879 ) (192 ) — (30,071 ) Costs associated with issuance of debt (565 ) — — (565 ) Intercompany lending 8,555 (10,671 ) 2,116 — Net proceeds from issuance of stock 46,999 — — 46,999 Dividend payment to non-controlling interest (200 ) — — (200 ) Other financing activities (924 ) — — (924 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 13,986 (10,863 ) 2,116 5,239 Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — — 296 296 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (18,791 ) (48 ) (3,174 ) (22,013 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 39,707 66 12,646 52,419 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 20,916 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,406 The following table is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: September 30, 2018 ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,553 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,043 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 60 — — 60 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 303 — — 303 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows $ 20,916 $ 18 $ 9,472 $ 30,406 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Statement of Cash Flows ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ (3,109 ) $ 21,127 $ (8,324 ) $ 9,694 Cash flows from investing activities: Investment in multi-client data library — (16,576 ) — (16,576 ) Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment (165 ) (775 ) (81 ) (1,021 ) Net cash used in investing activities (165 ) (17,351 ) (81 ) (17,597 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments on notes payable and long-term debt (1,018 ) (3,244 ) (58 ) (4,320 ) Intercompany lending (1,574 ) (704 ) 2,278 — Other financing activities (257 ) — — (257 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (2,849 ) (3,948 ) 2,220 (4,577 ) Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — — (271 ) (271 ) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (6,123 ) (172 ) (6,456 ) (12,751 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 23,823 215 29,395 53,433 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 17,700 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,682 The following table is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: September 30, 2017 ION Geophysical Corporation The Guarantors All Other Subsidiaries Total Consolidated (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,243 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,225 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 154 — — 154 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 303 — — 303 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows $ 17,700 $ 43 $ 22,939 $ 40,682

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_3

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in net cash provided by operating activities	$ 7,324	$ (9,694)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in net cash provided by operating activities		$ 300
Minimum | Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right-of-use assets, lease			$ 50,000
Lease liability			50,000
Maximum | Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right-of-use assets, lease			60,000
Lease liability			$ 60,000

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of segments | segment			3
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	$ 47,200	$ 61,095	$ 105,451	$ 139,652
Gross profit (loss)	$ 16,475	$ 30,109	$ 21,811	$ 51,828
Gross margin	35.00%	49.00%	21.00%	37.00%
Income (loss) from operations	$ (2,452)	$ 9,936	$ (37,611)	$ (7,548)
Interest expense, net	(3,022)	(3,959)	(9,769)	(12,664)
Other income (expense), net	91	722	(616)	(4,154)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,383)	6,699	(47,996)	(24,366)
E&P Technology & Services
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	36,321	52,054	76,077	109,246
Gross profit (loss)	$ 12,139	$ 28,533	$ 11,626	$ 44,464
Gross margin	33.00%	55.00%	15.00%	41.00%
E&P Technology & Services | New Venture and Data Library [Member]
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	$ 32,174	$ 48,586	$ 61,698	$ 95,837
E&P Technology & Services | New Venture
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	18,218	43,542	40,069	70,477
E&P Technology & Services | Data Library
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	13,956	5,044	21,629	25,360
E&P Technology & Services | Imaging Services
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	4,147	3,468	14,379	13,409
Operations Optimization
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	10,879	9,041	29,374	30,406
Gross profit (loss)	$ 5,736	$ 4,055	$ 14,980	$ 15,100
Gross margin	53.00%	45.00%	51.00%	50.00%
Operations Optimization | Devices
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	$ 5,356	$ 5,260	$ 14,275	$ 17,929
Operations Optimization | Optimization Software & Services
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	5,523	3,781	15,099	12,477
Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies
Summary of segment information
Net revenues	0	0	0	0
Gross profit (loss)	$ (1,400)	$ (2,479)	$ (4,795)	$ (7,736)
Gross margin	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Operating segments | E&P Technology & Services
Summary of segment information
Income (loss) from operations	$ 6,578	$ 22,695	$ (4,422)	$ 27,952
Operating segments | Operations Optimization
Summary of segment information
Income (loss) from operations	1,963	998	3,992	5,569
Operating segments | Ocean Bottom Integrated Technologies
Summary of segment information
Income (loss) from operations	(2,811)	(4,432)	(8,566)	(12,300)
Support and other
Summary of segment information
Income (loss) from operations	$ (8,182)	$ (9,325)	$ (28,615)	$ (28,769)

Revenue From Contracts With C_3

Revenue From Contracts With Customers - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Time period of contractual future performance obligations for which value not disclosed (or less)	1 year
Time period of contractual future performance obligations	For these usage-based licenses, revenue is recognized as the performance obligations are performed over the contract term, which is generally two to five years.
Multinational Oil Customer | Accounts receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	29.00%
Multinational Oil Customer | Net revenue | Customer Concentration Risk
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	18.00%

Revenue From Contracts With C_4

Revenue From Contracts With Customers - Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 47,200	$ 61,095	$ 105,451	$ 139,652
Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	19,910	34,561	37,356	53,318
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	13,095	9,374	25,452	30,639
Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	8,202	11,137	19,811	28,201
Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	3,718	3,733	11,581	15,318
Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	1,121	1,187	8,362	2,660
Middle East
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	717	632	1,907	1,713
Commonwealth of Independent States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 437	$ 471	$ 982	$ 7,803

Revenue From Contracts With C_5

Revenue From Contracts With Customers - Unbilled Receivables (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017	$ 37,304
Recognition of unbilled receivables	86,212
Revenues billed to customers	(97,792)
Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018	25,724
New Venture
Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017	33,183
Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018	20,056
Imaging Services
Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017	4,121
Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018	4,685
Devices
Unbilled Revenues [Roll Forward]
Unbilled Receivables at December 31, 2017	0
Unbilled receivables at September 30, 2018	$ 983

Revenue From Contracts With C_6

Revenue From Contracts With Customers - Deferred Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017	$ 8,910
Cash collected in excess of revenue recognized	21,654
Recognition of deferred revenue	(20,237)
Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018	10,327
New Venture
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017	6,548
Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018	7,880
Imaging Services
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017	676
Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018	271
Devices
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017	633
Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018	1,198
Optimization Software & Services
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue at December 31, 2017	1,053
Deferred revenue at September 30, 2018	$ 978

Long-term Debt - Summary of obl

Long-term Debt - Summary of obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Obligations
Costs associated with issuances of debt	$ (3,169)	$ (3,983)
Total	120,784	156,744
Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	(1,335)	(40,024)
Non-current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations	119,449	116,720
Senior secured notes | Senior secured second-priority lien notes (maturing December 15, 2021)
Obligations
Gross debt	120,569	120,569
Total		120,600
Senior secured notes | Senior secured third-priority lien notes (redeemed March 26, 2018)
Obligations
Gross debt	0	28,497
Total		28,500
Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023)
Obligations
Gross debt	0	10,000
Equipment capital leases and other debt
Obligations
Gross debt	$ 3,384	$ 1,661

Long-term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Aug. 16, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unrestricted cash		$ 30,043,000		$ 52,056,000	$ 40,225,000
Aggregate principal amount of debt		120,784,000		$ 156,744,000
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term	4 years
Amount of increase in maximum revolver	$ 10,000,000
Maximum amount of certain indebtedness	50,000,000		$ 40,000,000
Current borrowing capacity		42,800,000
Indebtedness under the Credit Facility		$ 0
Required liquidity maintained five consecutive business days	6,250,000		7,500,000
Required liquidity maintained any business day	$ 5,000,000		6,500,000
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.1
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | Subsidiary Issuer
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of obligations secured by stock of Subsidiary Borrowers		100.00%
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | Mexican Subsidiary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of certain indebtedness	$ 5,000,000
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | ION International Holdings L.P.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of obligations secured by stock of Subsidiary Borrowers		65.00%
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate for debt	3.00%
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate for debt	2.00%
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate for debt	4.00%
Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023) | PNC Bank, National Association (PNC) | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate for debt	3.00%
Senior secured notes | Senior secured third-priority lien notes (redeemed March 26, 2018)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated rate on debt				8.125%
Aggregate principal amount of debt				$ 28,500,000
Senior secured notes | Senior secured second-priority lien notes (maturing December 15, 2021)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated rate on debt				9.125%
Aggregate principal amount of debt				$ 120,600,000
Data Library | E&P Technology & Services | Line of credit | Revolving line of credit (amended August 16, 2018, maturing August 16, 2023)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of certain indebtedness	$ 28,500,000		$ 15,000,000

Long-term Debt - Debt Instrumen

Long-term Debt - Debt Instrument Redemption Percentages (Details) - Senior secured notes - Senior secured second-priority lien notes (maturing December 15, 2021) - Forecast	Dec. 15, 2019
2,019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentages	105.50%
2,020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentages	103.50%
2021 and thereafter
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price percentages	100.00%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (De

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Number of shares issued or committed for issuance under outstanding stock options	804,936		782,739
Restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding	128,131	201,702	163,184

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - R

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (7,536)	$ 4,935	$ (51,828)	$ (28,848)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	14,003	11,890	13,586	11,862
Effect of dilutive stock awards	0	181	0	0
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding (in shares)	14,003	12,071	13,586	11,862
Basic net income (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ (0.54)	$ 0.42	$ (3.81)	$ (2.43)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ (0.54)	$ 0.41	$ (3.81)	$ (2.43)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rates	(38.60%)	25.20%	(6.90%)	(15.10%)
Income tax expense	$ 2,079	$ 1,686	$ 3,305	$ 3,670
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 400		$ 400

Litigation (Details)

Litigation (Details) - WesternGeco	May 16, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 25, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012USD ($)Patent	Jun. 30, 2009Patent	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Patent	Jul. 02, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of patent apparatus claims contained | Patent						4	4
Number of patents invalidated | Patent								4
Number of patents pending | Patent								6
Settled Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded	$ 5,000,000		$ 123,800,000	$ 9,400,000	$ 73,100,000	$ 105,900,000
Reduction in damages award in the case				$ (3,000,000)
Prejudgment interest expense accrued									$ 10,900,000
Loss contingency accrual								$ 0
Amount of royalty damages paid		$ 20,800,000
Settled Litigation | Lost Royalties
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded						$ 12,500,000
Settled Litigation | Lost Profits
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual			$ 123,800,000							$ 22,000,000
Pending Litigation | Lost Profits
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages awarded									$ 93,400,000

Other Expense, Net (Details)

Other Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Accrual for loss related to legal proceedings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (5,000)
Other income (expense), net	91	722	(616)	846
Total other expense, net	$ 91	$ 722	$ (616)	$ (4,154)

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and subassemblies	$ 20,910	$ 20,448
Work-in-process	1,070	1,146
Finished goods	7,986	7,953
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	(14,837)	(15,039)
Total	$ 15,129	$ 14,508

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017	$ 30,806
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018	26,914
Foreign currency translation adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2017	(18,879)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	(712)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018	$ (19,591)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 6,733	$ 7,273
Income taxes	2,257	3,756
Non-cash items from investing and financing activities:
Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	3,298	0
Investment in multi-client data library in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 6,657	$ 8,485

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying amounts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 124	$ 160.7
Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 124	$ 158.2

Stockholder's Equity and Stoc_3

Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2019	Feb. 21, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of warrants issued to purchase additional shares of common stock (in warrants)		1,820,000
Net proceeds from issuance of stock				$ 46,999	$ 0
Amount of debt retired			$ 28,500
Warrant exercise price (usd per warrant)		$ 33.60
Number of shares issued or reserved for future issuance under outstanding stock options				804,936	782,739
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 2,508	$ 1,694
Forecast
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Potential additional proceeds from exercise of warrants	$ 61,200
Restricted Stock and Unit Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of restricted stock and shares reserved for restricted stock units outstanding				128,131	163,184	201,702
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued or reserved for future issuance under outstanding stock options				530,865	1,416,133	565,864
Stock-based compensation expense				$ 2,800	$ 500
Common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
New issues of equity in public offering (in shares)		1,820,000
Public offering price of stock (usd per share)		$ 27.50

Stockholder's Equity and Stoc_4

Stockholder's Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Expense - Activity Related to Stock Options, Restricted Stock Restricted Stock Unit Awards and Stock Appreciation Rights (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018shares
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
Ending balance (In shares)	804,936
Stock Options
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
Beginning balance (in shares)	890,341
Granted (in shares)	10,000
Exercised (in shares)	(70,086)
Cancelled/forfeited (in shares)	(25,319)
Ending balance (In shares)	804,936
Restricted Stock and Unit Awards
Restricted Stock and Unit Awards
Beginning balance (in shares)	201,702
Granted (in shares)	66,773
Vested (in shares)	(137,844)
Cancelled/forfeited (in shares)	(2,500)
Ending balance (in shares)	128,131
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
Beginning balance (in shares)	565,864
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	(34,999)
Cancelled/forfeited (in shares)	0
Ending balance (In shares)	530,865

Condensed Consolidating Finan_3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,043	$ 52,056	$ 40,225
Accounts receivable, net	23,624	19,478
Unbilled receivables	25,724	37,304
Inventories	15,129	14,508
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,854	7,643
Total current assets	100,374	130,989
Deferred income tax asset	4,058	1,753
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	49,968	52,153
Multi-client data library, net	83,254	89,300
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	23,590	24,089
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other assets	2,713	2,785
Total assets	263,957	301,069
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,335	40,024
Accounts payable	31,872	24,951
Accrued expenses	33,556	38,697
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	28,235	27,035
Deferred revenue	10,327	8,910
Total current liabilities	105,325	139,617
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	119,449	116,720
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	12,269	13,926
Total liabilities	237,043	270,263
Equity:
Common stock	140	120
Additional paid-in capital	951,811	903,247
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(906,749)	(854,921)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,591)	(18,879)
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	25,611	29,567
Noncontrolling interest	1,303	1,239
Total equity	26,914	30,806
Total liabilities and equity	263,957	301,069
ION Geophysical Corporation
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	20,553		17,243
The Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	18		43
All Other Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	9,472		$ 22,939
Reportable Legal Entities | ION Geophysical Corporation
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	20,553	39,344
Accounts receivable, net	8	50
Unbilled receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,107	2,427
Total current assets	22,668	41,821
Deferred income tax asset	1,264	1,264
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	375	511
Multi-client data library, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	812,068	753,045
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany receivables	0	0
Other assets	1,708	686
Total assets	838,083	797,327
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	39,774
Accounts payable	3,166	1,774
Accrued expenses	13,356	12,284
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Total current liabilities	16,522	53,832
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	117,400	116,691
Intercompany payables	678,114	596,783
Other long-term liabilities	436	454
Total liabilities	812,472	767,760
Equity:
Common stock	140	120
Additional paid-in capital	951,811	903,247
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(906,749)	(854,921)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,591)	(18,879)
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	25,611	29,567
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	25,611	29,567
Total liabilities and equity	838,083	797,327
Reportable Legal Entities | The Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	18	66
Accounts receivable, net	15,101	12,496
Unbilled receivables	14,326	34,484
Inventories	9,421	8,686
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,211	769
Total current assets	40,077	56,501
Deferred income tax asset	2,645	336
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	9,155	7,170
Multi-client data library, net	75,631	81,442
Investment in subsidiaries	261,875	321,934
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany receivables	271,410	225,144
Other assets	935	1,811
Total assets	661,728	694,338
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,335	250
Accounts payable	25,825	20,982
Accrued expenses	11,088	16,957
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	28,020	26,824
Deferred revenue	7,507	7,231
Total current liabilities	73,775	72,244
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	2,049	29
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	5,815	6,084
Total liabilities	81,639	78,357
Equity:
Common stock	290,460	290,460
Additional paid-in capital	180,700	180,701
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	365,725	376,690
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,324	4,372
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	(261,120)	(236,242)
Total stockholders’ equity	580,089	615,981
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	580,089	615,981
Total liabilities and equity	661,728	694,338
Reportable Legal Entities | All Other Subsidiaries
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	9,472	12,646
Accounts receivable, net	8,515	6,932
Unbilled receivables	11,398	2,820
Inventories	5,708	5,822
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,536	4,447
Total current assets	37,629	32,667
Deferred income tax asset	149	153
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	40,438	44,472
Multi-client data library, net	7,623	7,858
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Goodwill	23,590	24,089
Intercompany receivables	66,287	56,633
Other assets	70	288
Total assets	175,786	166,160
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	2,881	2,195
Accrued expenses	9,112	9,456
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	215	211
Deferred revenue	2,820	1,679
Total current liabilities	15,028	13,541
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	0	0
Intercompany payables	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	6,018	7,388
Total liabilities	21,046	20,929
Equity:
Common stock	47,776	49,394
Additional paid-in capital	203,907	202,290
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	1,973	(9,247)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(20,923)	(19,681)
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	(79,296)	(78,764)
Total stockholders’ equity	153,437	143,992
Noncontrolling interest	1,303	1,239
Total equity	154,740	145,231
Total liabilities and equity	175,786	166,160
Consolidating Adjustments
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Unbilled receivables	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Deferred income tax asset	0	0
Property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment, net	0	0
Multi-client data library, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,073,943)	(1,074,979)
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany receivables	(337,697)	(281,777)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(1,411,640)	(1,356,756)
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Accrued multi-client data library royalties	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	0	0
Intercompany payables	(678,114)	(596,783)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	(678,114)	(596,783)
Equity:
Common stock	(338,236)	(339,854)
Additional paid-in capital	(384,607)	(382,991)
Accumulated earnings (deficit)	(367,698)	(367,443)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	16,599	15,309
Due from ION Geophysical Corporation	340,416	315,006
Total stockholders’ equity	(733,526)	(759,973)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total equity	(733,526)	(759,973)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (1,411,640)	$ (1,356,756)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 47,200	$ 61,095	$ 105,451	$ 139,652
Cost of sales	30,725	30,986	83,640	87,824
Gross profit	16,475	30,109	21,811	51,828
Total operating expenses	18,927	20,173	59,422	59,376
Income (loss) from operations	(2,452)	9,936	(37,611)	(7,548)
Interest expense, net	(3,022)	(3,959)	(9,769)	(12,664)
Intercompany interest, net	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	91	722	(616)	(4,154)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,383)	6,699	(47,996)	(24,366)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,079	1,686	3,305	3,670
Net income (loss)	(7,462)	5,013	(51,301)	(28,036)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(7,536)	4,935	(51,828)	(28,848)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(7,419)	6,046	(52,013)	(25,287)
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	(7,493)	5,968	(52,540)	(26,099)
Reportable Legal Entities | ION Geophysical Corporation
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Total operating expenses	7,349	8,349	26,592	25,761
Income (loss) from operations	(7,349)	(8,349)	(26,592)	(25,761)
Interest expense, net	(3,046)	(4,054)	(9,876)	(12,697)
Intercompany interest, net	265	259	842	852
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	2,291	17,097	(13,826)	13,963
Other income (expense)	19	19	(206)	(5,068)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,820)	4,972	(49,658)	(28,711)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(284)	37	2,170	137
Net income (loss)	(7,536)	4,935	(51,828)	(28,848)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(7,536)	4,935	(51,828)	(28,848)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(7,493)	5,968	(52,540)	(27,175)
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	(7,493)	5,968	(52,540)	(27,175)
Reportable Legal Entities | The Guarantors
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net revenues	39,211	50,366	63,465	99,750
Cost of sales	26,328	22,335	60,869	62,684
Gross profit	12,883	28,031	2,596	37,066
Total operating expenses	7,911	7,877	22,050	20,774
Income (loss) from operations	4,972	20,154	(19,454)	16,292
Interest expense, net	(7)	36	(20)	(60)
Intercompany interest, net	(3,649)	(1,603)	(8,779)	(4,743)
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	(301)	(11,496)	14,081	6,357
Other income (expense)	(2)	(49)	66	(396)
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,013	7,042	(14,106)	17,450
Income tax expense (benefit)	(2,358)	865	(3,141)	475
Net income (loss)	3,371	6,177	(10,965)	16,975
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	3,371	6,177	(10,965)	16,975
Comprehensive net income (loss)	3,370	6,190	(11,013)	16,940
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	3,370	6,190	(11,013)	16,940
Reportable Legal Entities | All Other Subsidiaries
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net revenues	7,989	10,729	41,986	39,902
Cost of sales	4,397	8,651	22,771	25,140
Gross profit	3,592	2,078	19,215	14,762
Total operating expenses	3,667	3,947	10,780	12,841
Income (loss) from operations	(75)	(1,869)	8,435	1,921
Interest expense, net	31	59	127	93
Intercompany interest, net	3,384	1,344	7,937	3,891
Equity in earnings (losses) of investments	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	74	752	(476)	1,310
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,414	286	16,023	7,215
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,721	784	4,276	3,058
Net income (loss)	(1,307)	(498)	11,747	4,157
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(1,381)	(576)	11,220	3,345
Comprehensive net income (loss)	11,382	448	10,505	6,197
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	(74)	(78)	(527)	(812)
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	11,308	370	9,978	5,385
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net revenues	0	0	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
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	(1,990)	(5,601)	(255)	(20,320)
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,990)	(5,601)	(255)	(20,320)
Income tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	(1,990)	(5,601)	(255)	(20,320)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to ION	(1,990)	(5,601)	(255)	(20,320)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(14,678)	(6,560)	1,035	(21,249)
Comprehensive (income) loss, attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (14,678)	$ (6,560)	$ 1,035	$ (21,249)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ (7,324)	$ 9,694
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	(19,911)	(16,576)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	(510)	(1,021)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets	197
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,224)	(17,597)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	(10,000)	0
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(30,071)	(4,320)
Costs associated with issuance of debt	(565)
Intercompany lending	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	46,999	0
Dividend payment to non-controlling interest	(200)	0
Other financing activities	(924)	(257)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	5,239	(4,577)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	296	(271)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(22,013)	(12,751)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	52,419	53,433
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	30,406	40,682
ION Geophysical Corporation
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(32,495)	(3,109)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	0	0
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	(282)	(165)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(282)	(165)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	(10,000)
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(29,879)	(1,018)
Costs associated with issuance of debt	(565)
Intercompany lending	8,555	(1,574)
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	46,999
Dividend payment to non-controlling interest	(200)
Other financing activities	(924)	(257)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	13,986	(2,849)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	0
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(18,791)	(6,123)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	39,707	23,823
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	20,916	17,700
The Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	28,151	21,127
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	(17,427)	(16,576)
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	(21)	(775)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets	112
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,336)	(17,351)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	0
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	(192)	(3,244)
Costs associated with issuance of debt	0
Intercompany lending	(10,671)	(704)
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	0
Dividend payment to non-controlling interest	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(10,863)	(3,948)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	0
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(48)	(172)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	66	215
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	18	43
All Other Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(2,980)	(8,324)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in multi-client data library	(2,484)	0
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	(207)	(81)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and rental assets	85
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,606)	(81)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under revolving line of credit	0
Payments on notes payable and long-term debt	0	(58)
Costs associated with issuance of debt	0
Intercompany lending	2,116	2,278
Net proceeds from issuance of stock	0
Dividend payment to non-controlling interest	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,116	2,220
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	296	(271)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(3,174)	(6,456)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	12,646	29,395
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 9,472	$ 22,939

Condensed Consolidating Finan_6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Cash Flow, Restricted Cash Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,043	$ 52,056	$ 40,225
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows	30,406	52,419	40,682	$ 53,433
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	60		154
Other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	303		303
ION Geophysical Corporation
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	20,553		17,243
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows	20,916	39,707	17,700	23,823
ION Geophysical Corporation | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	60		154
ION Geophysical Corporation | Other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	303		303
The Guarantors
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	18		43
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows	18	66	43	215
The Guarantors | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	0		0
The Guarantors | Other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	0		0
All Other Subsidiaries
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	9,472		22,939
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in statement of cash flows	9,472	$ 12,646	22,939	$ 29,395
All Other Subsidiaries | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	0		0
All Other Subsidiaries | Other long-term assets
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$ 0		$ 0