Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 14,706	$ 511
Depreciation and amortization	39,384	42,414
Deferred income tax provision	1,065	205
Amortization of deferred financing costs	492	516
Amortization of debt premium	0	(26)
Amortization of stock-based compensation	73	264
Amortization of favorable facility lease	72	73
Non-cash other income	0	(48)
Non-cash revenue	(2,115)	(1,240)
Gain on sale of marketable securities	0	(1,487)
Decrease (increase) in receivables	(1,092)	1,482
Decrease (increase) in other assets	(543)	188
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	985	(6,358)
Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities	(7,534)	(13,903)
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,493	22,591
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(56,420)	(46,096)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(250)	(239)
Net proceeds from sale of marketable securities	0	1,487
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	0	35
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(4)	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,674)	(44,814)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on notes payable	(16)	(14)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(42)	(40)
Borrowings on line of credit	0	737
Payments on line of credit	0	(737)
Net cash used in financing activities	(58)	(54)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(240)	(4)
Net decrease in cash and equivalents	(11,479)	(22,281)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	74,894	89,971
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,415	67,690
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest	13,475	19,679
Income taxes, net of refunds received	1,462	(15)
Additions to seismic data library	$ 709	$ 190