| Cover | Aug. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ION Geophysical Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-12691 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-2286646 |
| Entity Address, Street Address | 2105 CityWest Blvd |
| Entity Address, Suite | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City | Houston |
| Entity Address, State | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77042 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 933-3339 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading symbol(s) | IO |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000866609 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
