| Document And Entity Information | Jul. 07, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | ION Geophysical Corporation |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Jul. 7, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 1-12691 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 22-2286646 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 77042-2855 |
| 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 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | IO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000866609 |
