Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,243	$ 1,043
Notes and other, allowance for doubtful accounts	988	1,501
Seismic data library, accumulated amortization	816,718	751,980
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	12,725	11,882
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 32,360	$ 29,378
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	100	100
Common stock, shares issued	100	100
Common stock, shares outstanding	100	100