10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_______________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

_______________________________________________

 (Mark One)

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 001-10165

_______________________________________________

SEITEL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________________________

Delaware	76-0025431
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
10811 S. Westview Circle Drive Building C, Suite 100 Houston, Texas	77043
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(713) 881-8900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_______________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ¨    No  ý

(Explanatory Note: The registrant is a voluntary filer and is therefore not subject to the filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, during the preceding 12 months, the registrant has filed all reports that it would have been required to file by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 if the registrant was subject to the filing requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during such timeframe.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  ý    No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “ accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	ý	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  ý

As of November 7, 2014, there were 100 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding, par value $.001 per share.

INDEX

		Page
PART  I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1. Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholder’s Equity (Unaudited)	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8
	Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	30
	Item 4. Controls and Procedures	31
PART  II.	OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1. Legal Proceedings	31
	Item 1A. Risk Factors	31
	Item 6. Exhibits	31
	SIGNATURES	32

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	(Unaudited) September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	56,581		$	31,353
Receivables
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $269 and $332, respectively	36,652			34,616
Notes and other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $688, respectively	1,752			1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,140			1,130
Income tax refund	1,274			7,441
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,050,873 and $984,536, respectively	175,006			195,778
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $14,835 and $14,432, respectively	3,750			4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	9,205			9,844
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $32,986 and $38,739, respectively	11,174			14,762
Goodwill	196,742			201,535
Deferred income taxes	83,881			92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	$	577,157		$	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	33,912		$	37,777
Income taxes payable	707			787
Senior Notes	250,000			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	2,359			2,676
Deferred revenue	27,439			41,739
Deferred income taxes	5,872			7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	320,289			340,557
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note G)
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,058			399,641
Retained deficit	(149,501		)	(158,454		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,311			13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	256,868			254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	577,157		$	595,513

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
REVENUE	$	41,299		$	44,410		$	145,686		$	143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	18,309			32,085			85,938			89,252
Cost of sales	29			188			282			290
Selling, general and administrative	7,181			5,912			21,499			19,553
	25,519			38,185			107,719			109,095
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	15,780			6,225			37,967			34,210
Interest expense, net	(6,306		)	(6,202		)	(18,724		)	(21,655		)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	(901		)	714			(1,344		)	(1,104		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			—			(1,504		)
Other income	5			16			64			17
Income before income taxes	8,578			753			17,963			9,964
Provision for income taxes	4,092			516			9,010			1,621
NET INCOME	$	4,486		$	237		$	8,953		$	8,343

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014			2013
Net income	$	4,486		$	237	$	8,953		$	8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,882		)	3,145		(7,458		)	(5,007		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(2,396	)	$	3,382	$	1,495		$	3,336

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

				Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Deficit			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Common Stock
	Shares	Amount
Balance, December 31, 2013	100	$	—	$	399,641	$	(158,454	)	$	13,769
Amortization of stock-based compensation costs	—	—		417		—			—
Net income	—	—		—		8,953			—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—	—		—		—			(7,458		)
Balance, September 30, 2014	100	$	—	$	400,058	$	(149,501	)	$	6,311

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$	8,953		$	8,343
Depreciation and amortization	85,938			89,252
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			1,504
Deferred income tax provision	7,430			149
Foreign currency exchange losses	1,344			1,104
Amortization of deferred financing costs	808			989
Amortization of stock-based compensation	417			683
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts	(337		)	—
Non-cash other loss	14			—
Non-cash revenue	(260		)	(1,710		)
Decrease in receivables	3,342			20,200
Increase in other assets	(703		)	(1,830		)
Decrease in deferred revenue	(14,140		)	(1,868		)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities	6,544			(5,650		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	99,350			111,166
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(72,272		)	(111,812		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(1,404		)	(695		)
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	—			59
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10		)	(253		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,686		)	(112,701		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	—			250,000
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	—			(275,000		)
Principal payments on notes payable	—			(29		)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(187		)	(186		)
Costs of debt transactions	—			(6,915		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(187		)	(32,130		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(249		)	(186		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	25,228			(33,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	31,353			61,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	56,581		$	28,040
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	12,137		$	18,409
Income taxes, net of refunds received	$	(3,728	)	$	7,251
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to seismic data library	$	177		$	3,903

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

September 30, 2014

NOTE A-BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Seitel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. In preparing the Company’s financial statements, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited balance sheet of the Company as of that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

NOTE B-REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from Data Acquisition

The Company generates revenue when it creates a new seismic survey that is initially licensed by one or more of its customers to use the resulting data. The payments for the initial licenses are sometimes referred to as underwriting or prefunding. Customers make periodic payments throughout the creation period, which generally correspond to costs incurred and work performed. These payments are non-refundable. Contracts which are signed up to the time the Company makes a firm commitment to create the new seismic survey are considered underwriting. Any subsequent licensing of the data while the survey is in progress or once it is completed is considered a resale license (see “Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses”).

Acquisition underwriting revenue is recognized throughout the creation period using the proportional performance method based upon costs incurred and work performed to date as a percentage of total estimated costs and work required. Management believes that this method is the most reliable and representative measure of progress for its data creation projects. On average, the duration of the data creation process is approximately one year. Under these contracts, the Company creates new seismic data designed in conjunction with its customers and specifically suited to the geology of the area using the most appropriate technology available.

The Company outsources the substantial majority of the work required to complete data acquisition projects to third party contractors. The Company’s payments to these third party contractors comprise the substantial majority of the total estimated costs of the project and are paid throughout the creation period. A typical survey includes specific activities required to complete the survey, each of which has value to the customers. Typical activities, that often occur concurrently, include:

• permitting for land access, mineral rights, and regulatory approval;

• surveying;

• drilling for the placement of energy sources;

• recording the data in the field; and

• processing the data.

The customers paying for the initial licenses receive legally enforceable rights to any resulting product of each activity described above. The customers also receive access to and use of the newly acquired, processed data.

The customers’ access to and use of the results of the work performed and of the newly acquired, processed data is governed by a master license agreement, which is a separate agreement from the acquisition contract. The Company’s acquisition contracts require the customer either to have a master license agreement in place or to execute one at the time the acquisition contract is signed. The Company maintains sole ownership of the newly acquired data, which is added to its library, and is free to license the data to other customers.

Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses

The Company recognizes a substantial portion of its revenue from licensing of data once it is available for delivery. These are sometimes referred to as resale licensing revenue, late sales or shelf sales.

These sales fall under the following four basic forms of non-exclusive license contracts.

8

• Specific license contract—The customer licenses and selects specific data from the data library, including data currently in progress, at the time the contract is entered into and holds this license for a long-term period.

• Library card license contract—The customer initially receives only access to certain data. The customer may then select specific data, from the collection of data to which it has access, to hold long-term under its license agreement. The length of the selection periods under the library card contracts is limited in time and varies from customer to customer.

• Review and possession license contract—The customer obtains the right to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time. During the review period, the customer may select specific data from that available for review to hold long-term under its license agreement. Any data not selected for long-term licensing must be returned to the Company at the end of the review period.

• Review only license contract—The customer obtains rights to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time, but does not obtain the right to select specific data to hold long-term.

The Company’s non-exclusive license contracts specify the following:

• that all customers must also have in place or execute a master license agreement that governs the use of all data received under the Company’s non-exclusive license contracts;

• the specific payment terms, generally ranging from 30 days to 12 months, and that such payments are non-cancelable and non-refundable;

• the actual data that is accessible to the customer; and

• that the data is licensed in its present form, as is, where is, and that the Company is under no obligation to make any enhancements, modifications or additions to the data unless specific terms to the contrary are included.

Revenue from the non-exclusive licensing of seismic data is recognized when the following criteria are met:

• the Company has an agreement with the customer that is validated by a signed contract;

• the sales price is fixed and determinable;

• collection is reasonably assured;

• the customer has selected the specific data or the contract has expired without full selection;

• the data is currently available for delivery; and

• the license term has begun.

Copies of the licensed data are available to the customer immediately upon request.

For licenses that have been invoiced for which payment is due or has been received, but have not met the aforementioned criteria, the revenue is deferred along with the related direct costs (primarily consisting of sales commissions). This normally occurs under the library card, review and possession or review only license contracts because the data selection may occur over time. Additionally, if the contract allows licensing of data that is not currently available or enhancements, modifications or additions to the data are required per the contract, revenue is deferred until such time that the data is available.

Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges

In certain cases, the Company will take ownership of a customer’s seismic data or revenue interest (collectively referred to as “data”) in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected seismic data from the Company’s library and, in some cases, services provided by Seitel Solutions (“Solutions”). In connection with specific data acquisition contracts, the Company may choose to receive both cash and ownership of seismic data from the customer as consideration for the underwriting of new data acquisition. In addition, the Company may receive advanced data processing services on selected existing data in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected data from the Company’s library. These exchanges are referred to as non-monetary exchanges. A non-monetary exchange for data always complies with the following criteria:

• the data license delivered is always distinct from the data received;

• the customer forfeits ownership of its data; and

• the Company retains ownership in its data.

In non-monetary exchange transactions, the Company records a data library asset for the seismic data received or processed at the time the contract is entered into or the data is completed, as applicable, and recognizes revenue on the transaction in equal value in accordance with its policy on revenue from data licenses or data acquisition, or as services are provided by Solutions, as applicable. The data license to the customer is in the form of one of the four basic forms of contracts discussed above. These

9

transactions are valued at the fair value of the data received or the fair value of the license granted or services provided, whichever is more readily determinable.

Fair value of the data exchanged is determined using a multi-step process as follows:

• First, the Company considers the value of the data or services received from the customer. In determining the value of the data received, the Company considers the age, quality, current demand and future marketability of the data and, in the case of 3D seismic data, the cost that would be required to create the data. In addition, the Company applies a limitation on the value it assigns per square mile on the data received. In determining the value of the services received, the Company considers the cost of such similar services that it could obtain from a third-party provider.

• Second, the Company determines the value of the license granted to the customer. Typically, the range of cash transactions by the Company for licenses of similar data during the prior six months are evaluated. In evaluating the range of cash transactions, the Company does not consider transactions that are disproportionately high or low.

Due to the Company’s revenue recognition policies, revenue recognized on non-monetary exchange transactions may not occur at the same time the seismic data acquired is recorded as an asset. The activity related to non-monetary exchanges was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Seismic data library additions	$	—	$	926	$	177	$	3,903
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	22		941		260		1,623
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	—		3		—		87

Revenue from Solutions

Revenue from Solutions is recognized as the services for reproduction and delivery of seismic data are provided to customers.

NOTE C-SEISMIC DATA LIBRARY

The Company’s seismic data library consists of seismic surveys that are offered for license to customers on a non-exclusive basis. Costs associated with creating, acquiring or purchasing the seismic data library are capitalized and amortized principally on the income forecast method subject to a straight-line amortization period of four years, applied on a quarterly basis at the individual survey level.

Costs of Seismic Data Library

For purchased seismic data, the Company capitalizes the purchase price of the acquired data.

For data received through a non-monetary exchange, the Company capitalizes an amount equal to the fair value of the data received by the Company or the fair value of the license granted or services provided to the customer, whichever is more readily determinable. See Note B – “Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges” for discussion of the process used to determine fair value.

For newly created data, the capitalized costs include costs paid to third parties for the acquisition of data and related permitting, surveying and other activities associated with the data creation activity. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain internal costs related to processing the created data. Such costs include salaries and benefits of the Company’s processing personnel and certain other costs incurred for the benefit of the processing activity. The Company believes that the internal processing costs capitalized are not greater than, and generally are less than, those that would be incurred and capitalized if such activity were performed by a third party. Capitalized costs for internal data processing were $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2.8 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Data Library Amortization

The Company amortizes its seismic data library investment using the greater of the amortization that would result from the application of the income forecast method subject to a minimum amortization rate or a straight-line basis over the useful life of the data. With respect to each survey in the data library, the straight-line policy is applied from the time such survey is available for licensing to customers on a non-exclusive basis.

10

The Company applies the income forecast method by forecasting the ultimate revenue expected to be derived from a particular data library component over the estimated useful life of each survey comprising part of such component. This forecast is made by the Company annually and reviewed quarterly. If, during any such review, the Company determines that the ultimate revenue for a library component is expected to be significantly different than the original estimate of total revenue for such library component, the Company revises the amortization rate attributable to future revenue from each survey in such component. The lowest amortization rate the Company applies using the income forecast method is 70%. In addition, in connection with the forecast reviews and updates, the Company evaluates the recoverability of its seismic data library investment, and if required, records an impairment charge with respect to such investment. See discussion on “Seismic Data Library Impairment” below.

The actual aggregate rate of amortization depends on the specific seismic surveys licensed and selected by the Company’s customers during the period and the amount of straight-line amortization recorded. The income forecast amortization rates can vary by component and, as of October 1, 2014, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

The greater of the income forecast or straight-line amortization policy is applied quarterly on a cumulative basis at the individual survey level. Under this policy, the Company first records amortization using the income forecast method. The cumulative amortization recorded for each survey is then compared with the cumulative straight-line amortization. If the cumulative straight-line amortization is higher for any specific survey, additional amortization expense is recorded, resulting in accumulated amortization being equal to the cumulative straight-line amortization for such survey. This requirement is applied regardless of future-year revenue estimates for the library component of which the survey is a part and does not consider the existence of deferred revenue with respect to the library component or to any survey.

Seismic Data Library Impairment

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment by grouping individual surveys into components based on its operations and geological and geographical trends, resulting in the following data library segments for purposes of evaluating impairments: (I) North America 3D onshore comprised of the following components: (a) Texas Gulf Coast, (b) Eastern Texas, (c) West Texas, (d) Panhandle Plays in North Texas/Oklahoma, (e) Southern Louisiana/Mississippi, (f) Northern Louisiana, (g) Rocky Mountains, (h) Utica/Marcellus in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, (i) other United States, (j) Montney in British Columbia and Alberta, (k) Horn River in British Columbia, (l) Cardium in Alberta and (m) other Canada; (II) United States 2D; (III) Canada 2D; (IV) Gulf of Mexico offshore; and (V) international data outside North America. The Company believes that these library components constitute the lowest levels of independently identifiable cash flows.

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers the level of sales performance in each component compared to projected sales, as well as industry conditions, among others, to be key factors in determining when its seismic data investment should be evaluated for impairment. In evaluating sales performance of each component, the Company generally considers five consecutive quarters of actual performance below forecasted sales to be an indicator of potential impairment.

The impairment evaluation is based first on a comparison of the undiscounted future cash flows over each component’s remaining estimated useful life with the carrying value of each library component. If the undiscounted cash flows are equal to or greater than the carrying value of such component, no impairment is recorded. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of any component, the forecast of future cash flows related to such component is discounted to fair value and compared with such component’s carrying amount. The difference between the library component’s carrying amount and the discounted future value of the expected revenue stream is recorded as an impairment charge.

For purposes of evaluating potential impairment losses, the Company estimates the future cash flows attributable to a library component by evaluating, among other factors, historical and recent revenue trends, oil and gas prospectivity in particular regions, general economic conditions affecting its customer base and expected changes in technology and other factors that the Company deems relevant. The cash flow estimates exclude expected future revenues attributable to non-monetary data exchanges and future data creation projects.

The estimation of future cash flows and fair value is highly subjective and inherently imprecise. Estimates can change materially from period to period based on many factors, including those described in the preceding paragraph. Accordingly, if conditions change in the future, the Company may record impairment losses relative to its seismic data library investment, which could be material to any particular reporting period.

The Company did not have any impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

NOTE D-DEBT

9½% Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 20, 2013, the Company issued, in a private placement, $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9½% senior notes (the “9½% Senior Notes”). As required by their terms, the 9½% Senior Notes were exchanged for senior notes of like amounts and terms in a publicly registered exchange offer in August 2013. The 9½% Senior Notes mature on April 15, 2019. Interest is payable in cash, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 9½% Senior Notes are unsecured and are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's significant domestic subsidiaries on a senior basis. The 9½% Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants which limit the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with affiliates, and complete mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets.

From time to time on or before April 15, 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 9½% Senior Notes with the net proceeds of equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.50% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture), each holder of the 9½% Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase all of such holder's notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Credit Facility: On May 25, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (the “U.S. Lender”) and Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation Canada (the “Canadian Lender,” and collectively with the U.S. Lender, the “Lenders”). The Credit Facility provides a $30.0 million revolving credit facility with a Canadian sublimit of $5.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations based on the Company's seismic data assets and eligible accounts receivable, each as defined in the Credit Facility, calculated on a monthly basis. The Credit Facility expires on May 25, 2016. Each existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the “U.S. Guarantors”) is a guarantor of payment of the U.S. obligations under the Credit Facility, and Seitel Canada Ltd. (“Seitel Canada”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each future direct and indirect wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of the Company (such subsidiaries together with Seitel Canada, the “Canadian Guarantors”) are guarantors of payment of the Canadian obligations under the Credit Facility.

The borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a perfected first priority lien and security interest (subject to certain exceptions) in favor of the U.S. Lender in all present and future assets and equity of the Company and each U.S. Guarantor and 65% of the equity in Seitel Canada, and borrowings by Seitel Canada are secured by a perfected first priority lien and security interest (subject to certain exceptions) in favor of the Canadian Lender in all present and future assets of each Canadian Guarantor. U.S. borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, either (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") rate plus 3.50% or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, (ii) the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1% and (iii) the prime rate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, plus 2.50%. Canadian borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest based on a Canadian base rate, as defined in the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility requires that the Company maintain minimum excess availability (as defined in the Credit Facility) of $10.0 million or, if such excess availability is not maintained, then the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) may not be less than 1.00 to 1.00. In addition, the Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, borrowing conditions, events of default and remedies for the Lenders. The aggregate loan or any individual loan made under the Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time subject to certain restrictions. The Credit Facility is also subject to the payment of upfront, letter of credit, administrative and certain other fees. As of September 30, 2014, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility and there was $30.0 million of availability.

11

NOTE E-FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, market data or assumptions are used that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk when appropriate. The Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
At September 30, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	55,764	$	55,764	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2013:
Cash equivalents	$	30,729	$	30,729	$	—	$	—

The Company had no transfers of assets between any of the above levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

Cash equivalents include money market funds that invest in United States government obligations and a Canadian dollar investment account, all with original maturities of three months or less. The original costs of these assets approximate fair value due to their short-term maturity.

Other Financial Instruments:

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the Company's debt was $250.0 million. The estimated fair value of the debt was approximately $262.5 million at September 30, 2014 and $256.8 million at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Company's senior notes is based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).

NOTE F-STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included $750,000 and $651,000, respectively, of restricted cash related to collateral on seismic operations bonds and $125,000 (Canadian) of restricted cash posted as security against Company issued credit cards for Seitel Canada.

Income taxes paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were $2.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively. During the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, the Company received income tax refunds of $5.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

The Company had non-cash additions to its seismic data library comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	177	$	1,511
Completion of data in progress from prior non-monetary exchanges	—		2,392
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	177	$	3,903

12

Non-cash revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	—	$	87
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	260		1,623
Total non-cash revenue	$	260	$	1,710

NOTE G-COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved from time to time in ordinary, routine claims and lawsuits incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, uninsured losses, if any, resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters should not be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is not possible to predict or determine the outcomes of the legal actions brought against it or by it, or to provide an estimate of all additional losses, if any, that may arise. At September 30, 2014, the Company has recorded the estimated amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to litigation and claims. Such amounts are not material to the financial statements.

NOTE H-RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This ASU provides guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The new standard will be effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-15, but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The objective of the ASU is to establish a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also significantly expands disclosure requirements concerning revenues for most entities. The Company is required to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted, but once effective, entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and financial statement disclosures.

NOTE I-SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTORS CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On March 20, 2013, the Company completed a private placement of 9½% Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. The Company’s payment obligations under the 9½% Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's significant 100% owned U.S. subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). All subsidiaries of the Company that do not guarantee the 9½% Senior Notes are referred to as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

The indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes provides that the guarantees by the Guarantor Subsidiaries will be released in the following customary circumstances: (i) upon a sale or other disposition, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the equity interests of that guarantor to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the guarantor sells all or substantially all of its assets to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company; (iii) the guarantor is properly designated as an unrestricted subsidiary or ceases to be a restricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance of the 9½% Senior Notes or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes; (v) the guarantor becomes an immaterial subsidiary or (vi) the guarantor is released from its guarantee obligations under the Credit Facility.

The consolidating condensed financial statements are presented below and should be read in connection with the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because (i) the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly-owned and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 9½% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis and (ii) the Company’s management has determined such separate financial statements are not material to investors.

13

The following consolidating condensed financial information presents the consolidating condensed balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the consolidating condensed statements of income, statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 of (a) the Company; (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries; (c) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries; (d) elimination entries; and (e) the Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances, intercompany transactions and intercompany sales.

14

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	47,383	$	9,198		$	—		$	56,581
Receivables
Trade, net	—			31,769		4,883			—			36,652
Notes and other, net	—			9		1,743			—			1,752
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,140		—			—			1,140
Income tax refund	—			—		1,274			—			1,274
Intercompany receivables (payables)	11,809			4,504		(16,313		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	492,895			428,647		691			(922,233		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			118,306		56,860			(160		)	175,006
Net property and equipment	—			1,690		2,060			—			3,750
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,435			2,465		305			—			9,205
Intangible assets, net	900			7,629		2,645			—			11,174
Goodwill	—			107,688		89,054			—			196,742
Deferred income taxes	—			83,881		—			—			83,881
TOTAL ASSETS	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,946		$	17,077	$	5,889		$	—		$	33,912
Income taxes payable	536			171		—			—			707
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			26		2,333			—			2,359
Deferred revenue	—			26,495		944			—			27,439
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,872			—			5,872
TOTAL LIABILITIES	261,482			43,769		15,038			—			320,289
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,058			—		—			—			400,058
Parent investment	—			764,110		156,152			(920,262		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(149,501		)	27,232		(25,088		)	(2,144		)	(149,501		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		6,298			13			6,311
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	250,557			791,342		137,362			(922,393		)	256,868
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157

15

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	24,859	$	6,494		$	—		$	31,353
Receivables
Trade, net	—			22,711		11,905			—			34,616
Notes and other, net	—			4		1,928			—			1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,130		—			—			1,130
Income tax refund	—			—		7,441			—			7,441
Intercompany receivables (payables)	15,416			14,719		(30,135		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	473,191			433,709		1,335			(908,235		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			116,199		79,794			(215		)	195,778
Net property and equipment	—			2,244		2,367			—			4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,841			2,581		422			—			9,844
Intangible assets, net	900			10,038		3,824			—			14,762
Goodwill	—			107,688		93,847			—			201,535
Deferred income taxes	—			92,511		—			—			92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,008		$	16,636	$	16,133		$	—		$	37,777
Income taxes payable	153			634		—			—			787
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			50		2,626			—			2,676
Deferred revenue	—			38,748		2,991			—			41,739
Deferred income taxes	—			—		7,578			—			7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,161			56,068		29,328			—			340,557
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	399,641			—		—			—			399,641
Parent investment	—			764,752		156,924			(921,676		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(158,454		)	7,573		(20,796		)	13,223			(158,454		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		13,766			3			13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	241,187			772,325		149,894			(908,450		)	254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513

16

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,072		$	34,650		$	(1,036	)	$	145,686
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			55,636			30,347			(45		)	85,938
Cost of sales	—			266			16			—			282
Selling, general and administrative	891			14,231			7,413			(1,036		)	21,499
	891			70,133			37,776			(1,081		)	107,719
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(891		)	41,939			(3,126		)	45			37,967
Interest expense, net	(16,803		)	(891		)	(1,030		)	—			(18,724		)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	—			3			(1,347		)	—			(1,344		)
Other income (loss)	(14		)	73			5			—			64
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(17,708		)	41,124			(5,498		)	45			17,963
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(6,957		)	17,173			(1,206		)	—			9,010
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	19,704			(4,292		)	—			(15,412		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	8,953		$	19,659		$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953

17

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(7,468		)	10			(7,458		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(11,760	)	$	(15,357	)	$	1,495

18

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,387		$	31,893		$	(975	)	$	143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			66,904			22,348			—			89,252
Cost of sales	—			287			3			—			290
Selling, general and administrative	1,086			12,584			6,858			(975		)	19,553
	1,086			79,775			29,209			(975		)	109,095
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,086		)	32,612			2,684			—			34,210
Interest expense, net	(17,967		)	(2,401		)	(1,287		)	—			(21,655		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(1,104		)	—			(1,104		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(1,504		)	—			—			—			(1,504		)
Other income	—			17			—			—			17
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income of subsidiaries	(20,557		)	30,228			293			—			9,964
Provision for income taxes	—			1,472			149			—			1,621
Equity in income of subsidiaries	28,900			144			—			(29,044		)	—
NET INCOME	$	8,343		$	28,900		$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343

19

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(5,007		)	—			(5,007		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	(4,863	)	$	(29,044	)	$	3,336

20

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(12,485	)	$	73,248		$	38,587		$	—	$	99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(52,935		)	(19,337		)	—		(72,272		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(1,273		)	(131		)	—		(1,404		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(54,218		)	(19,468		)	—		(73,686		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(24		)	(163		)	—		(187		)
Intercompany transfers	12,485			3,515			(16,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,485			3,491			(16,163		)	—		(187		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			3			(252		)	—		(249		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			22,524			2,704			—		25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			24,859			6,494			—		31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	47,383		$	9,198		$	—	$	56,581

21

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(18,542	)	$	102,136		$	27,572		$	—	$	111,166
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(89,278		)	(22,534		)	—		(111,812		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(457		)	(238		)	—		(695		)
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	—			59			—			—		59
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(253		)	—			—		(253		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(89,929		)	(22,772		)	—		(112,701		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	250,000			—			—			—		250,000
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	(275,000		)	—			—			—		(275,000		)
Principal payments on notes payable	(29		)	—			—			—		(29		)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(23		)	(163		)	—		(186		)
Costs of debt transactions	(6,915		)	—			—			—		(6,915		)
Intercompany transfers	50,486			(51,336		)	850			—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,542			(51,359		)	687			—		(32,130		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			—			(186		)	—		(186		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(39,152		)	5,301			—		(33,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			60,533			1,358			—		61,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	21,381		$	6,659		$	—	$	28,040

22

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this document.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements contained in this report about our future outlook, prospects, strategies and plans, and about industry conditions, demand for seismic services and the future economic life of our seismic data are forward-looking, among others. All statements that express belief, expectation, estimates or intentions, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “propose,” “plan,” “target,” “foresee,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our present belief and are based on our current expectations and assumptions with respect to future events and their potential effect on us. While we believe our expectations and assumptions are reasonable, they involve risks and uncertainties beyond our control that could cause the actual results or outcome to differ materially from the expected results or outcome reflected in our forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Quarterly Report may not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, actual customer demand for our seismic data and related services, the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for natural gas, crude oil and condensate and natural gas liquids, conditions in the capital markets during the periods covered by the forward-looking statements, the effect of economic conditions, our ability to obtain financing on satisfactory terms if internally generated funds and our current credit facility are insufficient to fund our capital needs, the impact on our financial condition as a result of our debt and our debt service, our ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with our vendors and service providers, our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations, changes in the oil and gas industry or the economy generally and changes in the exploration budgets of our customers, as well as the risk factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The forward-looking statements contained in this report speak only as of the date hereof and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by federal and state securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC and in our future periodic reports filed with the SEC.

Overview

General

We are a leading provider of onshore seismic data to the oil and gas industry in North America. We own an extensive library of onshore and offshore seismic data that we have accumulated since our inception in 1982 that we offer for license to exploration and production (“E&P”) companies. We believe our data library is the largest onshore three-dimensional (“3D”) database available for licensing in North America and includes leading positions in oil and liquids-rich unconventional plays.

Our products and services are used by E&P companies in oil and gas exploration and development efforts to increase the probability of drilling success, to better delineate existing oil and gas fields and to augment their reservoir completion and management techniques. In unconventional plays, E&P companies use seismic data as a development tool to better identify efficient drilling plans and maximize production by identifying and understanding a series of critical characteristics of the targeted resource. We generate revenue primarily by licensing data from our data library and from new data creation projects, which are substantially underwritten or paid for by our clients. By participating in underwritten, nonexclusive surveys or purchasing licenses to existing data, E&P companies can obtain access to surveys at reduced costs as compared to acquiring seismic data on a proprietary basis.

Our primary areas of focus are onshore United States and Canada and, to a lesser extent, offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Major integrated oil and gas companies and national oil companies have become more active in the North American market in recent years, primarily in the unconventional plays, through joint ventures, asset purchases and corporate transactions. The larger independent oil and gas companies continue to be responsible for a significant portion of current U.S. drilling activity. Our

23

offshore seismic data is primarily located in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and generates a small percentage of our revenue.

Principal Factors Affecting Our Business

Our business is dependent upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. The following are those that we consider to be principal factors affecting our business.

Demand for Seismic Data: Demand for our products and services is cyclical due to the nature of the oil and gas industry. In particular, demand for our seismic data services depends upon exploration, production, development and field management spending by E&P companies and, in the case of new data creation, the willingness of these companies to forgo ownership in the seismic data. Capital expenditures by E&P companies depend upon several factors, including actual and forecasted oil and natural gas commodity prices, prospect availability and the companies’ own short-term and strategic plans. These capital expenditures may also be affected by worldwide economic or industry-wide conditions. With the shift to unconventional plays, seismic data is increasingly tied to relatively stable development capital expenditures.

Merger and Acquisition/Joint Venture Activity: Merger and acquisition activity continues to occur within our client base. This activity could have a negative impact on seismic companies that operate in markets with a limited number of participating clients. However, we believe that, over time, this activity could have a positive impact on our business, as it should generate re-licensing fees, result in increased vitality in the trading of mineral interests and result in the creation of new independent customers through the rationalization of staff within those companies affected by this activity.

Exploiting unconventional plays is a capital intensive endeavor and many technically proficient E&P companies remain capital constrained. They find themselves needing to sell their positions to, or create partnerships with, large well-capitalized companies in order to develop their recoverable resource base. These joint venture partners or new owners will often need to purchase licenses to our seismic data for their own use.

North America Drilling Activity: Drilling activity remains focused on areas with oil and liquids-rich hydrocarbons, while activity in dry gas areas continues to be depressed.

Availability of Capital for Our Customers: Some of our customers are independent E&P companies and private prospect-generating companies that rely primarily on private capital markets to fund their exploration, production, development and field management activities. Reductions in cash flows resulting from lower commodity prices, along with the reduced availability of credit and increased costs of borrowing, could have a material impact on the ability of such companies to obtain funding necessary to purchase our seismic data.

Government Regulation: Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, provincial, state, foreign and local laws and regulations, including environmental and health and safety laws. We invest financial and managerial resources to comply with these laws and related permit requirements. Modification of existing laws or regulations and the adoption of new laws or regulations limiting or increasing exploration or production activities by oil and gas companies may have a material effect on our business operations.

Key Performance Measures

Management considers certain performance measures in evaluating and managing our financial condition and operating performance at various times and from time to time. Some of these performance measures are non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, nor are they a substitute for, GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement our presentation of our financial results that are prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following are the key performance measures considered by management.

Cash Resales: Cash resales represent new contracts for data licenses from our library, including data currently in progress, payable in cash. We believe this measure is important in assessing overall industry and client activity. Cash resales are likely to fluctuate quarter to quarter as they do not require the longer planning and lead times necessary for new data creation.

24

The following is a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, total revenue (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
Cash resales	$	29,405		$	18,527	$	87,771	$	63,602
Other revenue components:
Acquisition underwriting revenue	11,175			22,440		42,512		62,926
Non-monetary exchanges	—			926		177		1,511
Revenue recognition adjustments	(248		)	1,305		12,086		11,680
Solutions and other	967			1,212		3,140		3,586
Total revenue	$	41,299		$	44,410	$	145,686	$	143,305

Cash EBITDA: Cash EBITDA represents cash generated from licensing data from our seismic library net of recurring cash operating expenses. We believe this measure is helpful in determining the level of cash from operations we have available for debt service and funding of capital expenditures (net of the portion funded or underwritten by our customers). Cash EBITDA includes cash resales plus all other cash revenues other than from data acquisitions, less cost of goods sold and cash selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding non-routine and other corporate expenses such as severance and legal, financial and other expenses related to corporate and strategic transactions).

The following is a quantitative reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Cash EBITDA	$	23,279		$	13,927		$	69,597		$	48,284
Add (subtract) other revenue components not included in cash EBITDA:
Acquisition underwriting revenue	11,175			22,440			42,512			62,926
Non-monetary exchanges	—			926			177			1,511
Revenue recognition adjustments	(248		)	1,305			12,086			11,680
Add (subtract) other items included in net income:
Depreciation and amortization	(18,309		)	(32,085		)	(85,938		)	(89,252		)
Non-cash operating expenses	(113		)	(185		)	(417		)	(683		)
Non-routine and other corporate expenses	(4		)	(103		)	(50		)	(256		)
Interest expense, net	(6,306		)	(6,202		)	(18,724		)	(21,655		)
Foreign currency gains (losses)	(901		)	714			(1,344		)	(1,104		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			—			(1,504		)
Other income	5			16			64			17
Provision for income taxes	(4,092		)	(516		)	(9,010		)	(1,621		)
Net income	$	4,486		$	237		$	8,953		$	8,343

Growth of Our Seismic Data Library: We regularly add to our seismic data library through four different methods: (1) recording new data; (2) buying ownership of existing data for cash; (3) obtaining ownership of existing data sets through non-monetary exchanges; and (4) creating new value-added products from existing data within our library. For the period from January 1, 2014 to November 7, 2014, we completed the addition of approximately 1,300 square miles of seismic data to our library. As of November 7, 2014, we had approximately 1,300 square miles of seismic data in progress.

Critical Accounting Policies

We operate in one business segment, which is made up of seismic data acquisition, seismic data licensing, seismic data processing and seismic reproduction services. There have not been any changes in our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2013.

25

Results of Operations

Revenue

The following table summarizes the components of our revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
Acquisition underwriting revenue:
Cash underwriting	$	11,175		$	22,437	$	42,512	$	62,839
Underwriting from non-monetary exchanges	—			3		—		87
Total acquisition underwriting revenue	11,175			22,440		42,512		62,926
Resale licensing revenue:
Cash resales	29,405			18,527		87,771		63,602
Non-monetary exchanges	—			926		177		1,511
Revenue recognition adjustments	(248		)	1,305		12,086		11,680
Total resale licensing revenue	29,157			20,758		100,034		76,793
Total seismic revenue	40,332			43,198		142,546		139,719
Solutions and other	967			1,212		3,140		3,586
Total revenue	$	41,299		$	44,410	$	145,686	$	143,305

Total revenue was $41.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $44.4 million in the third quarter of 2013. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $22.4 million in the third quarter of 2013. The decrease between quarters is attributable to successful execution of our cash generation strategy in 2014, which focuses on reduced, but targeted, investment. New data acquisition activity in the third quarter of 2014 was primarily focused in the Eagle Ford/Woodbine unconventional play in the U.S. Total resale licensing revenue was $29.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $20.8 million in the third quarter of 2013. Cash resales were $29.4 million, an increase of $10.9 million, or 59%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to cash resales of $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. Cash resales increased between the quarters primarily due to an increase in licensing of data in conventional areas. Revenue recognition adjustments are non-cash adjustments to revenue and reflect the net amount of (i) revenue deferred as a result of all of the revenue recognition criteria not being met and (ii) the subsequent revenue recognition once the criteria are met. The change in revenue recognition adjustments between the third quarters of 2013 and 2014 was primarily due to a decrease in revenue recognized on contracts where the data was not available for delivery at the time of licensing. This reduction in revenue recognized was partially offset by a decrease in the deferral of new licensing contracts. Solutions and other revenue was $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2013.

Total revenue for the first nine months of 2014 was $145.7 million compared to $143.3 million in the first nine months of 2013. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $42.5 million for the first nine months of 2014, reflecting 69% underwriting on new data acquisition projects, compared to $62.9 million in the first nine months of 2013, reflecting 67% underwriting on new data acquisition projects. In 2014, we have been focused on reduced, but targeted, investment. This reduction directly impacts acquisition underwriting revenue. We continue to focus our data acquisition activity on areas with oil and liquids-rich hydrocarbons, with the majority of our activity in the first nine months of 2014 occurring in the Eagle Ford/Woodbine, Utica/Marcellus, Permian and Montney areas. Total resale licensing revenue was $100.0 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $76.8 million in the first nine months of 2013. For the first nine months of 2014, cash resales were $87.8 million, an increase of $24.2 million, or 38%, compared to $63.6 million in the first nine months of 2013. We have experienced stronger cash resale activity in the first nine months of 2014 in both unconventional and conventional areas. Revenue recognition adjustments in the first nine months of 2014 did not significantly vary from the first nine months of 2013. Solutions and other revenue was $3.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $3.6 million in the first nine months of 2013.

At September 30, 2014, we had a deferred revenue balance of $27.4 million, compared to the December 31, 2013 balance of $41.7 million. The deferred revenue balance related to (i) data licensing contracts on which selection of specific data had not yet occurred, (ii) deferred revenue on data acquisition projects and (iii) contracts in which the data products are not yet available or the revenue recognition criteria has not yet been met. The deferred revenue will be recognized when selection of specific data is made by the customer, upon expiration of the data selection period specified in the data licensing contracts, as work progresses on the data acquisition contracts, as the data products become available or as all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.

26

Depreciation and Amortization

The table below sets forth the components of depreciation and amortization and presents seismic data amortization as a percentage of total seismic revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014				2013				2014				2013
Amortization of seismic data:
Income forecast	$	12,176	30.2	%	$	24,406	56.5	%	$	65,587	46.0	%	$	67,926	48.6	%
Straight-line	4,753		11.8	%	5,995		13.9	%	16,200		11.4	%	16,256		11.6	%
Total amortization of seismic data	16,929		42.0	%	30,401		70.4	%	81,787		57.4	%	84,182		60.2	%
Depreciation of property and equipment	292				260				738				780
Amortization of acquired intangibles	1,088				1,424				3,413				4,290
Total	$	18,309			$	32,085			$	85,938			$	89,252

Income forecast amortization as a percentage of total seismic revenue decreased from 2013 to 2014 primarily due to the mix of data being licensed. In all periods, we had resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the percentage of resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized was 78% and 49%, respectively, as compared to 41% and 56% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Also impacting the percentage of income forecast amortization to total seismic revenue was the decrease in amortization expense related to new data acquisition resulting from the lower level of acquisition underwriting revenue in the 2014 periods. Straight-line amortization represents the expense required under our accounting policy to ensure the book value of our data is fully amortized within four years of when the data becomes available for sale. The amount of straight-line amortization will vary between periods due to the distribution of revenue among the various seismic surveys.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2013 and $21.5 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $19.6 million in the first nine months of 2013. SG&A expenses are made up of the following cash and non-cash expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Cash SG&A expenses	$	7,068	$	5,727	$	21,082	$	18,870
Non-cash compensation expense	113		185		417		683
Total	$	7,181	$	5,912	$	21,499	$	19,553

Cash SG&A expenses increased $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in annual incentive compensation resulting from the increase in Cash EBITDA in 2014. The increase in cash SG&A expenses of $2.2 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 was primarily due to an increase in variable expenses. These variable expenses are comprised of commissions and annual incentive compensation and were higher in the first nine months of 2014 due to the increase in revenue and Cash EBITDA. This increase was offset by a benefit resulting from the reduction in our allowance for doubtful accounts primarily due to the collection of a previously reserved receivable.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net, was $6.3 million and $18.7 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to $6.2 million and $21.7 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The decrease in interest expense from the first nine months of 2013 to the first nine months of 2014 was due to the refinancing of our 9.75% senior notes due 2014 (“9.75% Senior Notes”) in March 2013, which resulted in a lower principal amount and a lower interest rate.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

In connection with the early extinguishment of our 9.75% Senior Notes in March 2013, we recorded a $1.5 million non-cash charge which included the write-off of unamortized issue expenses in the first nine months of 2013.

27

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. As a result of the release of the valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013, we are now recognizing federal tax expense on our U.S. operations. Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2014 was comprised of (i) U.S. federal tax expense of $4.6 million, (ii) U.S. state tax expense of $0.3 million and (iii) a benefit of $0.8 million related to our Canadian operations. The expense in the third quarter of 2013 was comprised of (i) an expense of $0.2 million related to our Canadian operations, (ii) $0.5 million in U.S. state tax expense and (iii) a benefit of $0.2 million related to certain research and development tax credits in Canada.

Income tax expense was $9.0 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The expense for the first nine months of 2014 was comprised of (i) $9.2 million in U.S. federal tax expense, (ii) $1.0 million in U.S. state tax expense, (iii) a benefit of $1.3 million related to our Canadian operations and (iv) an expense of $0.1 million related to interest on uncertain tax positions. The expense for the first nine months of 2013 was comprised of (i) a $0.2 million expense related to our Canadian operations, (ii) a benefit of $0.2 million related to certain research and development tax credits in Canada, (iii) $1.4 million in U.S. state tax expense, (iv) $0.1 million in U.S. Federal tax expense related to our estimated alternative minimum tax liability and (v) an expense $0.1 million related to interest on uncertain tax positions.

Net Income

Net income was $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2013. The $4.3 million increase was primarily due to lower amortization expense associated with our data library partially offset by a reduction in revenue primarily resulting from lower data acquisition revenue, an increase in variable SG&A expenses and higher income tax expense resulting from U.S. operations. Net income was $9.0 million in the first nine months of 2014 compared to $8.3 million in the first nine months of 2013. The increase in net income of $0.7 million from the first nine months of 2013 to the first nine months of 2014 primarily resulted from an increase in revenue primarily resulting from increased resale activity, lower amortization of seismic data and lower interest expense offset by an increase in variable SG&A expenses and higher income tax expense resulting from U.S. operations. Additionally, the first nine months of 2013 included a $1.5 million charge related to the early extinguishment of our debt.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2014, we had $56.6 million in consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, including $0.9 million of restricted cash. Our foreign subsidiary regularly holds cash which is used to reinvest in our Canadian operations. If we decide at a later date to repatriate those funds to the U.S., we may be required to provide taxes on certain of those funds based on applicable U.S. tax rates net of foreign taxes. Cash held by our foreign subsidiary fluctuates throughout the year and at September 30, 2014, was $9.1 million.

In addition to the cash on our balance sheet, other sources of liquidity, including our Credit Facility, are described below. For additional information regarding the Credit Facility and the 9½% Senior Notes, See “Note D - Debt” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements herein.

Credit Facility: On May 25, 2011, we entered into a credit agreement which provides us with the ability to borrow up to $30.0 million. The Credit Facility provides a $30.0 million revolving credit facility with a Canadian sublimit of $5.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations based on our seismic data assets and eligible accounts receivable, each as defined in the Credit Facility, calculated on a monthly basis. U.S. borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest based on, at our option, either the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus an applicable margin, or the base rate, as defined in the agreement, plus an applicable margin. Canadian borrowings under the Credit Facility accrue interest based on a Canadian base rate, as defined in the agreement. In addition, we are required to pay an unused line fee of 0.50% per annum in respect of any unutilized commitments under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility expires on May 25, 2016. As of September 30, 2014, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility and there was $30.0 million of availability. To the best of our knowledge, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Facility at September 30, 2014.

9½% Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 20, 2013, we issued in a private placement $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9½% Senior Notes. Interest is payable in cash, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The notes mature on April 15, 2019. To the best of our knowledge, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the indenture governing our 9½% Senior Notes at September 30, 2014.

We may from time to time, as part of various financing and investment strategies, purchase our outstanding indebtedness. These purchases, if any, could have a material positive or negative impact on our liquidity available to repay outstanding debt obligations or on our consolidated results of operations.

28

Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash flows provided by operating activities were $99.4 million and $111.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Operating cash flows for 2014 decreased from 2013 primarily due to a reduction in acquisition underwriting revenue and lower collections on cash resales partially offset by income tax refunds received and reduced interest payments.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash flows used in investing activities were $73.7 million and $112.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash expenditures for seismic data were $72.3 million and $111.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in cash invested in seismic data for 2014 compared to 2013 was primarily due to a reduction in data acquisition activity in the U.S.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash flows used in financing activities were $0.2 million and $32.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. This decrease was due to the refinancing of our 9.75% Senior Notes in 2013 whereby we used $25.0 million cash on hand to pay down principal and paid $6.9 million in fees and expenses in connection with the issuance of our 9½% Senior Notes.

Anticipated Liquidity: Our ability to cover our operating and capital expenses, make required debt service payments on our 9½% Senior Notes, incur additional indebtedness and comply with our various debt covenants will depend primarily on our ability to generate substantial operating cash flows. Over the next 12 months, we expect to obtain the funds necessary to pay our operating, capital and other expenses, as well as interest on our 9½% Senior Notes and principal and interest on our other indebtedness, from our operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents on hand and, if required, from additional borrowings (to the extent available under our Credit Facility subject to the borrowing base). Our ability to satisfy our payment obligations depends substantially on our future operating and financial performance, which necessarily will be affected by, and subject to, industry, market, economic and other factors. If necessary, we could choose to reduce our spending on capital projects and operating expenses to ensure we operate within the cash flow generated from our operations. We will not be able to predict or control many of these factors, such as economic conditions in the markets where we operate and competitive pressures.

Deferred Taxes

As of September 30, 2014, we had a net deferred tax liability of $5.9 million attributable to our Canadian operations. In the United States, we had a federal deferred tax asset of $82.3 million and a state deferred tax asset of $1.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Other than operating leases, we do not maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or others that are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expense, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Capital Expenditures

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, capital expenditures for seismic data and other property and equipment amounted to $66.4 million. Our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2014 are presently estimated to be $30.8 million. The first nine months of 2014 actual and 2014 estimated remaining capital expenditures are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			Estimate for Remainder of 2014			Total Estimate for 2014
New data acquisition	$	61,879		$	28,921		$	90,800
Cash purchases and data processing	3,710			690			4,400
Non-monetary exchanges	177			523			700
Property and equipment and other	603			697			1,300
Total capital expenditures	66,369			30,831			97,200
Less: Non-monetary exchanges	(177		)	(523		)	(700		)
Changes in working capital	7,484			—			7,484
Cash investment per statement of cash flows	$	73,676		$	30,308		$	103,984

29

Net cash capital expenditures represent total capital expenditures less cash underwriting revenue from our clients and non-cash additions to the seismic data library. We believe this measure is important as it reflects the amount of capital expenditures funded from our operating cash flow. The following table shows how our net cash capital expenditures (a non-GAAP financial measure) are derived from total capital expenditures, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			Estimate for Remainder of 2014			Total Estimate for 2014
Total capital expenditures	$	66,369		$	30,831		$	97,200
Less: Non-cash additions	(177		)	(523		)	(700		)
Cash underwriting	(42,512		)	(21,288		)	(63,800		)
Net cash capital expenditures	$	23,680		$	9,020		$	32,700

As of November 7, 2014, we had capital expenditure commitments related to data acquisition projects of approximately $66.8 million, of which we have obtained approximately $45.4 million of cash underwriting. We expect approximately $7 million of our $21.4 million committed net cash capital expenditures to be incurred in 2014 with the remainder being incurred in 2015. See discussion of our sources of liquidity under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” beginning on page 29 of this Quarterly Report.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including adverse changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Historically, we have not entered into financial instruments to mitigate these risks. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Hypothetical changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates chosen for the estimated sensitivity analysis are considered to be reasonable near-term changes generally based on consideration of past fluctuations for each risk category. However, since it is not possible to accurately predict future changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, these hypothetical changes may not necessarily be an indicator of probable future fluctuations.

The following information about our market-sensitive financial instruments constitutes a “forward-looking statement.”

Interest Rate Risk

We may enter into various financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps or interest rate lock agreements, to manage the impact of changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2014, we did not have any open interest rate swap or interest rate lock agreements. Therefore, our exposure to changes in interest rates primarily results from our long-term debt with fixed interest rates and our short-term debt with floating interest rates if we were to borrow under our Credit Facility. See also our “Interest Rate Risk” disclosure under Item 7A. in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Our Canadian subsidiary conducts business in the Canadian dollar and is therefore subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing and investing transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currently, we do not have any open forward exchange contracts.

Additionally, certain intercompany balances between our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are denominated in U.S. dollars. Since this is not the functional currency of our Canadian subsidiary, the changes in these balances are translated in our Consolidated Statements of Income. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as it relates to these intercompany balances. A sensitivity analysis indicates that, based on the intercompany balance as of September 30, 2014, if the U.S. dollar strengthened or weakened 3% (determined using an average of the last three years' historical exchange rates) against the Canadian dollar, the effect upon our Consolidated Statements of Income would be approximately $0.5 million.

We have not had any significant changes in our market risk exposures during the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

30

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2014 were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Part I, Item 1, Note G to Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as amended, initially filed with the SEC on February 21, 2014, and the other information set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. You should be aware that these risk factors and other information may not describe every risk we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

Those exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the Exhibit Index immediately preceding the exhibits filed herewith and such listing is incorporated herein by reference.

31

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	SEITEL, INC.
Date: November 12, 2014		/s/     Robert D. Monson
		Robert D. Monson
		Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 12, 2014	/s/     Marcia H. Kendrick
	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

32

EXHIBIT

INDEX

Exhibit		Title
3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-144844, as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2007).
3.2		Bylaws of Seitel, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-144844, as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2007).
10.1	†	Employment Agreement by and between Seitel, Inc. and Richard Kelvin dated August 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on August 7, 2014).
31.1	*	Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	*	Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	**	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2	**	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS	*	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH	*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL	*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF	*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB	*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE	*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

† Management contract, compensation plan or arrangement.

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished, not filed.

33

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

I, Robert D. Monson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Seitel, Inc. (“the registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 12, 2014
/s/	Robert D. Monson
	Robert D. Monson
	Chief Executive Officer and President

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED

I, Marcia H. Kendrick, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Seitel, Inc. (“the registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 12, 2014
/s/	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Seitel, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert D. Monson, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 12, 2014
/s/	Robert D. Monson
	Robert D. Monson
	Chief Executive Officer and President

A signed original of this written statement, required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Seitel, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Marcia H. Kendrick, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: November 12, 2014
/s/	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement, required by Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Statement of Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUE	$ 41,299	$ 44,410	$ 145,686	$ 143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	18,309	32,085	85,938	89,252
Cost of sales	29	188	282	290
Selling, general and administrative	7,181	5,912	21,499	19,553
Total operating expenses	25,519	38,185	107,719	109,095
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	15,780	6,225	37,967	34,210
Interest expense, net	(6,306)	(6,202)	(18,724)	(21,655)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	(901)	714	(1,344)	(1,104)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(1,504)
Other income (loss)	5	16	64	17
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	8,578	753	17,963	9,964
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,092	516	9,010	1,621
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			0	0
NET INCOME	4,486	237	8,953	8,343
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUE			0	0
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization			0	0
Cost of sales			0	0
Selling, general and administrative			891	1,086
Total operating expenses			891	1,086
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS			(891)	(1,086)
Interest expense, net			(16,803)	(17,967)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)			0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				(1,504)
Other income (loss)			(14)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			(17,708)	(20,557)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(6,957)	0
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			19,704	28,900
NET INCOME			8,953	8,343
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUE			112,072	112,387
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization			55,636	66,904
Cost of sales			266	287
Selling, general and administrative			14,231	12,584
Total operating expenses			70,133	79,775
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS			41,939	32,612
Interest expense, net			(891)	(2,401)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)			3	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				0
Other income (loss)			73	17
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			41,124	30,228
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			17,173	1,472
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			(4,292)	144
NET INCOME			19,659	28,900
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUE			34,650	31,893
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization			30,347	22,348
Cost of sales			16	3
Selling, general and administrative			7,413	6,858
Total operating expenses			37,776	29,209
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS			(3,126)	2,684
Interest expense, net			(1,030)	(1,287)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)			(1,347)	(1,104)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				0
Other income (loss)			5	0
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			(5,498)	293
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			(1,206)	149
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			0	0
NET INCOME			(4,292)	144
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
REVENUE			(1,036)	(975)
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization			(45)	0
Cost of sales			0	0
Selling, general and administrative			(1,036)	(975)
Total operating expenses			(1,081)	(975)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS			45	0
Interest expense, net			0	0
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)			0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				0
Other income (loss)			0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			45	0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			0	0
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries			(15,412)	(29,044)
NET INCOME			$ (15,367)	$ (29,044)

XML

Seismic Data Library (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 01, 2014
Seismic Data Library [Line Items]
Straight-line amortization period			4 years
Internal data processing costs capitalized	$ 900,000	$ 800,000	$ 2,800,000	$ 2,700,000
Lowest amortization rate using the income forecast method			70.00%
Actual aggregate rate of amortization					70.00%
Asset impairment charges			$ 0	$ 0

XML

Basis Of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Seitel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. In preparing the Company’s financial statements, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited balance sheet of the Company as of that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Restricted Cash) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 Cash Posted As Security Against Company Issued Credit Cards for Seitel Canada [Member] CAD	Dec. 31, 2013 Cash Posted As Security Against Company Issued Credit Cards for Seitel Canada [Member] CAD	Sep. 30, 2014 Seismic Operations Bonds [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 Seismic Operations Bonds [Member] USD ($)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash			125,000	125,000	$ 750,000	$ 651,000
Income Taxes Paid	2,200,000	7,500,000
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	$ 5,900,000	$ 300,000

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Other Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Book Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 250.0	$ 250.0
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 262.5	$ 256.8

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Non-Cash Additions and Non-Cash Revenue) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue			$ 177	$ 1,511
Completion of data in progress from prior non-monetary exchanges			0	2,392
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library			177	3,903
Non-cash revenue			260	1,710
Underwriting [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Non-cash revenue	0	3	0	87
Specific Data Licenses and Selections [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Non-cash revenue	$ 22	$ 941	$ 260	$ 1,623

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013 9.75% Senior Notes [Member]	Mar. 20, 2013 9½% Senior Notes [Member]
Face amount of senior notes		$ 250.0
Interest rate of senior notes	9.75%	9.50%

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Senior Notes [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013 9.75% Senior Notes [Member]	Mar. 20, 2013 9½% Senior Notes [Member]
Interest rate of senior notes	9.75%	9.50%

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 56,581	$ 31,353	$ 28,040	$ 61,891
Receivables
Trade, net	36,652	34,616
Notes and other, net	1,752	1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,140	1,130
Income tax refund	1,274	7,441
Intercompany receivables (payables)	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net seismic data library	175,006	195,778
Net property and equipment	3,750	4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	9,205	9,844
Intangible assets, net	11,174	14,762
Goodwill	196,742	201,535
Deferred income taxes	83,881	92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	577,157	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	33,912	37,777
Income taxes payable	707	787
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	2,359	2,676
Deferred revenue	27,439	41,739
Deferred income taxes	5,872	7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	320,289	340,557
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	400,058	399,641
Parent investment	0	0
Retained earnings (deficit)	(149,501)	(158,454)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,311	13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	256,868	254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	577,157	595,513
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables
Trade, net	0	0
Notes and other, net	0	0
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Income tax refund	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	11,809	15,416
Investment in subsidiaries	492,895	473,191
Net seismic data library	0	0
Net property and equipment	0	0
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,435	6,841
Intangible assets, net	900	900
Goodwill	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	512,039	496,348
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,946	5,008
Income taxes payable	536	153
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	261,482	255,161
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	400,058	399,641
Parent investment	0	0
Retained earnings (deficit)	(149,501)	(158,454)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	250,557	241,187
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	512,039	496,348
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	47,383	24,859	21,381	60,533
Receivables
Trade, net	31,769	22,711
Notes and other, net	9	4
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,140	1,130
Income tax refund	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	4,504	14,719
Investment in subsidiaries	428,647	433,709
Net seismic data library	118,306	116,199
Net property and equipment	1,690	2,244
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	2,465	2,581
Intangible assets, net	7,629	10,038
Goodwill	107,688	107,688
Deferred income taxes	83,881	92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	835,111	828,393
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	17,077	16,636
Income taxes payable	171	634
Senior Notes	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	26	50
Deferred revenue	26,495	38,748
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	43,769	56,068
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Parent investment	764,110	764,752
Retained earnings (deficit)	27,232	7,573
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	791,342	772,325
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	835,111	828,393
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	9,198	6,494	6,659	1,358
Receivables
Trade, net	4,883	11,905
Notes and other, net	1,743	1,928
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Income tax refund	1,274	7,441
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(16,313)	(30,135)
Investment in subsidiaries	691	1,335
Net seismic data library	56,860	79,794
Net property and equipment	2,060	2,367
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	305	422
Intangible assets, net	2,645	3,824
Goodwill	89,054	93,847
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	152,400	179,222
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	5,889	16,133
Income taxes payable	0	0
Senior Notes	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	2,333	2,626
Deferred revenue	944	2,991
Deferred income taxes	5,872	7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	15,038	29,328
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Parent investment	156,152	156,924
Retained earnings (deficit)	(25,088)	(20,796)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,298	13,766
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	137,362	149,894
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	152,400	179,222
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables
Trade, net	0	0
Notes and other, net	0	0
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Income tax refund	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(922,233)	(908,235)
Net seismic data library	(160)	(215)
Net property and equipment	0	0
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	(922,393)	(908,450)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	0	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Senior Notes	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	0	0
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Parent investment	(920,262)	(921,676)
Retained earnings (deficit)	(2,144)	13,223
Accumulated other comprehensive income	13	3
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	(922,393)	(908,450)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	$ (922,393)	$ (908,450)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 56,581	$ 31,353
Receivables
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $449 and $332, respectively	36,652	34,616
Notes and other, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 and $688, respectively	1,752	1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,140	1,130
Income tax refund	1,274	7,441
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,048,826 and $984,536, respectively	175,006	195,778
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $14,913 and $14,432, respectively	3,750	4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	9,205	9,844
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $32,313 and $38,739, respectively	11,174	14,762
Goodwill	196,742	201,535
Deferred income taxes	83,881	92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	577,157	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	33,912	37,777
Income taxes payable	707	787
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	2,359	2,676
Deferred revenue	27,439	41,739
Deferred income taxes	5,872	7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	320,289	340,557
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note G)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	400,058	399,641
Retained deficit	(149,501)	(158,454)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,311	13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	256,868	254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	$ 577,157	$ 595,513

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Stockholder's Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 254,956	$ 0	$ 399,641	$ (158,454)	$ 13,769
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	100	100
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity [Roll Forward]
Amortization of stock-based compensation costs			417
Net income	8,953			8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,458)				(7,458)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 256,868	$ 0	$ 400,058	$ (149,501)	$ 6,311
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	100	100

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Parent [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Parent [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Consolidating Eliminations [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 99,350	$ 111,166	$ (12,485)	$ (18,542)	$ 73,248	$ 102,136	$ 38,587	$ 27,572	$ 0	$ 0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(72,272)	(111,812)	0	0	(52,935)	(89,278)	(19,337)	(22,534)	0	0
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(1,404)	(695)	0	0	(1,273)	(457)	(131)	(238)	0	0
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	0	59		0		59		0		0
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10)	(253)	0	0	(10)	(253)	0	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,686)	(112,701)	0	0	(54,218)	(89,929)	(19,468)	(22,772)	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	0	250,000		250,000		0		0		0
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	0	(275,000)		(275,000)		0		0		0
Principal payments on notes payable	0	(29)		(29)		0		0		0
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(187)	(186)	0	0	(24)	(23)	(163)	(163)	0	0
Costs of debt transactions	0	(6,915)		(6,915)		0		0		0
Intercompany transfers	0	0	12,485	50,486	3,515	(51,336)	(16,000)	850	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(187)	(32,130)	12,485	18,542	3,491	(51,359)	(16,163)	687	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes	(249)	(186)	0	0	3	0	(252)	(186)	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	25,228	(33,851)	0	0	22,524	(39,152)	2,704	5,301	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	31,353	61,891	0	0	24,859	60,533	6,494	1,358	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 56,581	$ 28,040	$ 0	$ 0	$ 47,383	$ 21,381	$ 9,198	$ 6,659	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	47,383	$	9,198		$	—		$	56,581
Receivables
Trade, net	—			31,769		4,883			—			36,652
Notes and other, net	—			9		1,743			—			1,752
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,140		—			—			1,140
Income tax refund	—			—		1,274			—			1,274
Intercompany receivables (payables)	11,809			4,504		(16,313		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	492,895			428,647		691			(922,233		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			118,306		56,860			(160		)	175,006
Net property and equipment	—			1,690		2,060			—			3,750
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,435			2,465		305			—			9,205
Intangible assets, net	900			7,629		2,645			—			11,174
Goodwill	—			107,688		89,054			—			196,742
Deferred income taxes	—			83,881		—			—			83,881
TOTAL ASSETS	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,946		$	17,077	$	5,889		$	—		$	33,912
Income taxes payable	536			171		—			—			707
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			26		2,333			—			2,359
Deferred revenue	—			26,495		944			—			27,439
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,872			—			5,872
TOTAL LIABILITIES	261,482			43,769		15,038			—			320,289
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,058			—		—			—			400,058
Parent investment	—			764,110		156,152			(920,262		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(149,501		)	27,232		(25,088		)	(2,144		)	(149,501		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		6,298			13			6,311
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	250,557			791,342		137,362			(922,393		)	256,868
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	24,859	$	6,494		$	—		$	31,353
Receivables
Trade, net	—			22,711		11,905			—			34,616
Notes and other, net	—			4		1,928			—			1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,130		—			—			1,130
Income tax refund	—			—		7,441			—			7,441
Intercompany receivables (payables)	15,416			14,719		(30,135		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	473,191			433,709		1,335			(908,235		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			116,199		79,794			(215		)	195,778
Net property and equipment	—			2,244		2,367			—			4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,841			2,581		422			—			9,844
Intangible assets, net	900			10,038		3,824			—			14,762
Goodwill	—			107,688		93,847			—			201,535
Deferred income taxes	—			92,511		—			—			92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,008		$	16,636	$	16,133		$	—		$	37,777
Income taxes payable	153			634		—			—			787
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			50		2,626			—			2,676
Deferred revenue	—			38,748		2,991			—			41,739
Deferred income taxes	—			—		7,578			—			7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,161			56,068		29,328			—			340,557
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	399,641			—		—			—			399,641
Parent investment	—			764,752		156,924			(921,676		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(158,454		)	7,573		(20,796		)	13,223			(158,454		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		13,766			3			13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	241,187			772,325		149,894			(908,450		)	254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513

Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,072		$	34,650		$	(1,036	)	$	145,686
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			55,636			30,347			(45		)	85,938
Cost of sales	—			266			16			—			282
Selling, general and administrative	891			14,231			7,413			(1,036		)	21,499
	891			70,133			37,776			(1,081		)	107,719
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(891		)	41,939			(3,126		)	45			37,967
Interest expense, net	(16,803		)	(891		)	(1,030		)	—			(18,724		)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	—			3			(1,347		)	—			(1,344		)
Other income (loss)	(14		)	73			5			—			64
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(17,708		)	41,124			(5,498		)	45			17,963
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(6,957		)	17,173			(1,206		)	—			9,010
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	19,704			(4,292		)	—			(15,412		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	8,953		$	19,659		$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(7,468		)	10			(7,458		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(11,760	)	$	(15,357	)	$	1,495

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,387		$	31,893		$	(975	)	$	143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			66,904			22,348			—			89,252
Cost of sales	—			287			3			—			290
Selling, general and administrative	1,086			12,584			6,858			(975		)	19,553
	1,086			79,775			29,209			(975		)	109,095
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,086		)	32,612			2,684			—			34,210
Interest expense, net	(17,967		)	(2,401		)	(1,287		)	—			(21,655		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(1,104		)	—			(1,104		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(1,504		)	—			—			—			(1,504		)
Other income	—			17			—			—			17
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income of subsidiaries	(20,557		)	30,228			293			—			9,964
Provision for income taxes	—			1,472			149			—			1,621
Equity in income of subsidiaries	28,900			144			—			(29,044		)	—
NET INCOME	$	8,343		$	28,900		$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(5,007		)	—			(5,007		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	(4,863	)	$	(29,044	)	$	3,336

Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(12,485	)	$	73,248		$	38,587		$	—	$	99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(52,935		)	(19,337		)	—		(72,272		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(1,273		)	(131		)	—		(1,404		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(54,218		)	(19,468		)	—		(73,686		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(24		)	(163		)	—		(187		)
Intercompany transfers	12,485			3,515			(16,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,485			3,491			(16,163		)	—		(187		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			3			(252		)	—		(249		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			22,524			2,704			—		25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			24,859			6,494			—		31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	47,383		$	9,198		$	—	$	56,581

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(18,542	)	$	102,136		$	27,572		$	—	$	111,166
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(89,278		)	(22,534		)	—		(111,812		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(457		)	(238		)	—		(695		)
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	—			59			—			—		59
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(253		)	—			—		(253		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(89,929		)	(22,772		)	—		(112,701		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	250,000			—			—			—		250,000
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	(275,000		)	—			—			—		(275,000		)
Principal payments on notes payable	(29		)	—			—			—		(29		)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(23		)	(163		)	—		(186		)
Costs of debt transactions	(6,915		)	—			—			—		(6,915		)
Intercompany transfers	50,486			(51,336		)	850			—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,542			(51,359		)	687			—		(32,130		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			—			(186		)	—		(186		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(39,152		)	5,301			—		(33,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			60,533			1,358			—		61,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	21,381		$	6,659		$	—	$	28,040

XML

Revenue Recognition (Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Seismic data library additions			$ 177	$ 3,903
Non-cash revenue			260	1,710
Specific Data Licenses or Selections of Data [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Non-cash revenue	22	941	260	1,623
Acquisition Contracts [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Non-cash revenue	0	3	0	87
Seismic Data Library [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction [Line Items]
Seismic data library additions	$ 0	$ 926	$ 177	$ 3,903

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,953	$ 8,343
Depreciation and amortization	85,938	89,252
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	1,504
Deferred income tax provision	7,430	149
Foreign currency exchange losses	1,344	1,104
Amortization of deferred financing costs	808	989
Amortization of stock-based compensation	417	683
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts	(337)	0
Non-cash other loss	14	0
Non-cash revenue	(260)	(1,710)
Decrease in receivables	3,342	20,200
Increase in other assets	(703)	(1,830)
Decrease in deferred revenue	(14,140)	(1,868)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities	6,544	(5,650)
Net cash provided by operating activities	99,350	111,166
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(72,272)	(111,812)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(1,404)	(695)
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	0	59
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10)	(253)
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,686)	(112,701)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	0	250,000
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	0	(275,000)
Principal payments on notes payable	0	(29)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(187)	(186)
Costs of debt transactions	0	(6,915)
Net cash used in financing activities	(187)	(32,130)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(249)	(186)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	25,228	(33,851)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	31,353	61,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	56,581	28,040
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest	12,137	18,409
Income taxes, net of refunds received	(3,728)	7,251
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to seismic data library	$ 177	$ 3,903

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 269	$ 332
Notes and other, allowance for doubtful accounts	0	688
Seismic data library, accumulated amortization	1,050,873	984,536
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	14,835	14,432
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 32,986	$ 38,739
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

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTORS CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On March 20, 2013, the Company completed a private placement of 9½% Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. The Company’s payment obligations under the 9½% Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's significant 100% owned U.S. subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). All subsidiaries of the Company that do not guarantee the 9½% Senior Notes are referred to as Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

The indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes provides that the guarantees by the Guarantor Subsidiaries will be released in the following customary circumstances: (i) upon a sale or other disposition, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the equity interests of that guarantor to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company; (ii) the guarantor sells all or substantially all of its assets to a person that is not the Company or a restricted subsidiary of the Company; (iii) the guarantor is properly designated as an unrestricted subsidiary or ceases to be a restricted subsidiary; (iv) upon legal defeasance of the 9½% Senior Notes or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the 9½% Senior Notes; (v) the guarantor becomes an immaterial subsidiary or (vi) the guarantor is released from its guarantee obligations under the Credit Facility.

The consolidating condensed financial statements are presented below and should be read in connection with the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented because (i) the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly-owned and have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 9½% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis and (ii) the Company’s management has determined such separate financial statements are not material to investors.

The following consolidating condensed financial information presents the consolidating condensed balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the consolidating condensed statements of income, statements of comprehensive income (loss) and statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 of (a) the Company; (b) the Guarantor Subsidiaries; (c) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries; (d) elimination entries; and (e) the Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances, intercompany transactions and intercompany sales.

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	47,383	$	9,198		$	—		$	56,581
Receivables
Trade, net	—			31,769		4,883			—			36,652
Notes and other, net	—			9		1,743			—			1,752
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,140		—			—			1,140
Income tax refund	—			—		1,274			—			1,274
Intercompany receivables (payables)	11,809			4,504		(16,313		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	492,895			428,647		691			(922,233		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			118,306		56,860			(160		)	175,006
Net property and equipment	—			1,690		2,060			—			3,750
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,435			2,465		305			—			9,205
Intangible assets, net	900			7,629		2,645			—			11,174
Goodwill	—			107,688		89,054			—			196,742
Deferred income taxes	—			83,881		—			—			83,881
TOTAL ASSETS	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,946		$	17,077	$	5,889		$	—		$	33,912
Income taxes payable	536			171		—			—			707
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			26		2,333			—			2,359
Deferred revenue	—			26,495		944			—			27,439
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,872			—			5,872
TOTAL LIABILITIES	261,482			43,769		15,038			—			320,289
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,058			—		—			—			400,058
Parent investment	—			764,110		156,152			(920,262		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(149,501		)	27,232		(25,088		)	(2,144		)	(149,501		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		6,298			13			6,311
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	250,557			791,342		137,362			(922,393		)	256,868
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	512,039		$	835,111	$	152,400		$	(922,393	)	$	577,157

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	24,859	$	6,494		$	—		$	31,353
Receivables
Trade, net	—			22,711		11,905			—			34,616
Notes and other, net	—			4		1,928			—			1,932
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,130		—			—			1,130
Income tax refund	—			—		7,441			—			7,441
Intercompany receivables (payables)	15,416			14,719		(30,135		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	473,191			433,709		1,335			(908,235		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			116,199		79,794			(215		)	195,778
Net property and equipment	—			2,244		2,367			—			4,611
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	6,841			2,581		422			—			9,844
Intangible assets, net	900			10,038		3,824			—			14,762
Goodwill	—			107,688		93,847			—			201,535
Deferred income taxes	—			92,511		—			—			92,511
TOTAL ASSETS	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,008		$	16,636	$	16,133		$	—		$	37,777
Income taxes payable	153			634		—			—			787
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			50		2,626			—			2,676
Deferred revenue	—			38,748		2,991			—			41,739
Deferred income taxes	—			—		7,578			—			7,578
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,161			56,068		29,328			—			340,557
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	399,641			—		—			—			399,641
Parent investment	—			764,752		156,924			(921,676		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(158,454		)	7,573		(20,796		)	13,223			(158,454		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		13,766			3			13,769
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	241,187			772,325		149,894			(908,450		)	254,956
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	496,348		$	828,393	$	179,222		$	(908,450	)	$	595,513

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,072		$	34,650		$	(1,036	)	$	145,686
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			55,636			30,347			(45		)	85,938
Cost of sales	—			266			16			—			282
Selling, general and administrative	891			14,231			7,413			(1,036		)	21,499
	891			70,133			37,776			(1,081		)	107,719
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(891		)	41,939			(3,126		)	45			37,967
Interest expense, net	(16,803		)	(891		)	(1,030		)	—			(18,724		)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	—			3			(1,347		)	—			(1,344		)
Other income (loss)	(14		)	73			5			—			64
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(17,708		)	41,124			(5,498		)	45			17,963
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(6,957		)	17,173			(1,206		)	—			9,010
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	19,704			(4,292		)	—			(15,412		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	8,953		$	19,659		$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(4,292	)	$	(15,367	)	$	8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(7,468		)	10			(7,458		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,953	$	19,659	$	(11,760	)	$	(15,357	)	$	1,495

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	112,387		$	31,893		$	(975	)	$	143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			66,904			22,348			—			89,252
Cost of sales	—			287			3			—			290
Selling, general and administrative	1,086			12,584			6,858			(975		)	19,553
	1,086			79,775			29,209			(975		)	109,095
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(1,086		)	32,612			2,684			—			34,210
Interest expense, net	(17,967		)	(2,401		)	(1,287		)	—			(21,655		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(1,104		)	—			(1,104		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(1,504		)	—			—			—			(1,504		)
Other income	—			17			—			—			17
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income of subsidiaries	(20,557		)	30,228			293			—			9,964
Provision for income taxes	—			1,472			149			—			1,621
Equity in income of subsidiaries	28,900			144			—			(29,044		)	—
NET INCOME	$	8,343		$	28,900		$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	144		$	(29,044	)	$	8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(5,007		)	—			(5,007		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	8,343	$	28,900	$	(4,863	)	$	(29,044	)	$	3,336

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(12,485	)	$	73,248		$	38,587		$	—	$	99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(52,935		)	(19,337		)	—		(72,272		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(1,273		)	(131		)	—		(1,404		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(54,218		)	(19,468		)	—		(73,686		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(24		)	(163		)	—		(187		)
Intercompany transfers	12,485			3,515			(16,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,485			3,491			(16,163		)	—		(187		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			3			(252		)	—		(249		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			22,524			2,704			—		25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			24,859			6,494			—		31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	47,383		$	9,198		$	—	$	56,581

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(18,542	)	$	102,136		$	27,572		$	—	$	111,166
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(89,278		)	(22,534		)	—		(111,812		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(457		)	(238		)	—		(695		)
Cash from sale of property, equipment and other	—			59			—			—		59
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(253		)	—			—		(253		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(89,929		)	(22,772		)	—		(112,701		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of 9½% Senior Notes	250,000			—			—			—		250,000
Repayment of 9.75% Senior Notes	(275,000		)	—			—			—		(275,000		)
Principal payments on notes payable	(29		)	—			—			—		(29		)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(23		)	(163		)	—		(186		)
Costs of debt transactions	(6,915		)	—			—			—		(6,915		)
Intercompany transfers	50,486			(51,336		)	850			—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,542			(51,359		)	687			—		(32,130		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			—			(186		)	—		(186		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(39,152		)	5,301			—		(33,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			60,533			1,358			—		61,891
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	21,381		$	6,659		$	—	$	28,040

XML

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 07, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SEITEL INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000750813
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100

XML

Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Seitel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

In preparing the Company’s financial statements, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from Data Acquisition

The Company generates revenue when it creates a new seismic survey that is initially licensed by one or more of its customers to use the resulting data. The payments for the initial licenses are sometimes referred to as underwriting or prefunding. Customers make periodic payments throughout the creation period, which generally correspond to costs incurred and work performed. These payments are non-refundable. Contracts which are signed up to the time the Company makes a firm commitment to create the new seismic survey are considered underwriting. Any subsequent licensing of the data while the survey is in progress or once it is completed is considered a resale license (see “Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses”).

Acquisition underwriting revenue is recognized throughout the creation period using the proportional performance method based upon costs incurred and work performed to date as a percentage of total estimated costs and work required. Management believes that this method is the most reliable and representative measure of progress for its data creation projects. On average, the duration of the data creation process is approximately one year. Under these contracts, the Company creates new seismic data designed in conjunction with its customers and specifically suited to the geology of the area using the most appropriate technology available.

The Company outsources the substantial majority of the work required to complete data acquisition projects to third party contractors. The Company’s payments to these third party contractors comprise the substantial majority of the total estimated costs of the project and are paid throughout the creation period. A typical survey includes specific activities required to complete the survey, each of which has value to the customers. Typical activities, that often occur concurrently, include:

• permitting for land access, mineral rights, and regulatory approval;

• surveying;

• drilling for the placement of energy sources;

• recording the data in the field; and

• processing the data.

The customers paying for the initial licenses receive legally enforceable rights to any resulting product of each activity described above. The customers also receive access to and use of the newly acquired, processed data.

The customers’ access to and use of the results of the work performed and of the newly acquired, processed data is governed by a master license agreement, which is a separate agreement from the acquisition contract. The Company’s acquisition contracts require the customer either to have a master license agreement in place or to execute one at the time the acquisition contract is signed. The Company maintains sole ownership of the newly acquired data, which is added to its library, and is free to license the data to other customers.

Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses

The Company recognizes a substantial portion of its revenue from licensing of data once it is available for delivery. These are sometimes referred to as resale licensing revenue, late sales or shelf sales.

These sales fall under the following four basic forms of non-exclusive license contracts.

• Specific license contract—The customer licenses and selects specific data from the data library, including data currently in progress, at the time the contract is entered into and holds this license for a long-term period.

• Library card license contract—The customer initially receives only access to certain data. The customer may then select specific data, from the collection of data to which it has access, to hold long-term under its license agreement. The length of the selection periods under the library card contracts is limited in time and varies from customer to customer.

• Review and possession license contract—The customer obtains the right to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time. During the review period, the customer may select specific data from that available for review to hold long-term under its license agreement. Any data not selected for long-term licensing must be returned to the Company at the end of the review period.

• Review only license contract—The customer obtains rights to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time, but does not obtain the right to select specific data to hold long-term.

The Company’s non-exclusive license contracts specify the following:

• that all customers must also have in place or execute a master license agreement that governs the use of all data received under the Company’s non-exclusive license contracts;

• the specific payment terms, generally ranging from 30 days to 12 months, and that such payments are non-cancelable and non-refundable;

• the actual data that is accessible to the customer; and

• that the data is licensed in its present form, as is, where is, and that the Company is under no obligation to make any enhancements, modifications or additions to the data unless specific terms to the contrary are included.

Revenue from the non-exclusive licensing of seismic data is recognized when the following criteria are met:

• the Company has an agreement with the customer that is validated by a signed contract;

• the sales price is fixed and determinable;

• collection is reasonably assured;

• the customer has selected the specific data or the contract has expired without full selection;

• the data is currently available for delivery; and

• the license term has begun.

Copies of the licensed data are available to the customer immediately upon request.

For licenses that have been invoiced for which payment is due or has been received, but have not met the aforementioned criteria, the revenue is deferred along with the related direct costs (primarily consisting of sales commissions). This normally occurs under the library card, review and possession or review only license contracts because the data selection may occur over time. Additionally, if the contract allows licensing of data that is not currently available or enhancements, modifications or additions to the data are required per the contract, revenue is deferred until such time that the data is available.

Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges

In certain cases, the Company will take ownership of a customer’s seismic data or revenue interest (collectively referred to as “data”) in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected seismic data from the Company’s library and, in some cases, services provided by Seitel Solutions (“Solutions”). In connection with specific data acquisition contracts, the Company may choose to receive both cash and ownership of seismic data from the customer as consideration for the underwriting of new data acquisition. In addition, the Company may receive advanced data processing services on selected existing data in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected data from the Company’s library. These exchanges are referred to as non-monetary exchanges. A non-monetary exchange for data always complies with the following criteria:

• the data license delivered is always distinct from the data received;

• the customer forfeits ownership of its data; and

• the Company retains ownership in its data.

In non-monetary exchange transactions, the Company records a data library asset for the seismic data received or processed at the time the contract is entered into or the data is completed, as applicable, and recognizes revenue on the transaction in equal value in accordance with its policy on revenue from data licenses or data acquisition, or as services are provided by Solutions, as applicable. The data license to the customer is in the form of one of the four basic forms of contracts discussed above. These transactions are valued at the fair value of the data received or the fair value of the license granted or services provided, whichever is more readily determinable.

Fair value of the data exchanged is determined using a multi-step process as follows:

• First, the Company considers the value of the data or services received from the customer. In determining the value of the data received, the Company considers the age, quality, current demand and future marketability of the data and, in the case of 3D seismic data, the cost that would be required to create the data. In addition, the Company applies a limitation on the value it assigns per square mile on the data received. In determining the value of the services received, the Company considers the cost of such similar services that it could obtain from a third-party provider.

• Second, the Company determines the value of the license granted to the customer. Typically, the range of cash transactions by the Company for licenses of similar data during the prior six months are evaluated. In evaluating the range of cash transactions, the Company does not consider transactions that are disproportionately high or low.

Due to the Company’s revenue recognition policies, revenue recognized on non-monetary exchange transactions may not occur at the same time the seismic data acquired is recorded as an asset. The activity related to non-monetary exchanges was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Seismic data library additions	$	—	$	926	$	177	$	3,903
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	22		941		260		1,623
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	—		3		—		87

Revenue from Solutions

Revenue from Solutions is recognized as the services for reproduction and delivery of seismic data are provided to customers.

Seismic Data Library

The Company’s seismic data library consists of seismic surveys that are offered for license to customers on a non-exclusive basis. Costs associated with creating, acquiring or purchasing the seismic data library are capitalized and amortized principally on the income forecast method subject to a straight-line amortization period of four years, applied on a quarterly basis at the individual survey level.

Costs of Seismic Data Library

For purchased seismic data, the Company capitalizes the purchase price of the acquired data.

For data received through a non-monetary exchange, the Company capitalizes an amount equal to the fair value of the data received by the Company or the fair value of the license granted or services provided to the customer, whichever is more readily determinable. See Note B – “Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges” for discussion of the process used to determine fair value.

For newly created data, the capitalized costs include costs paid to third parties for the acquisition of data and related permitting, surveying and other activities associated with the data creation activity. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain internal costs related to processing the created data. Such costs include salaries and benefits of the Company’s processing personnel and certain other costs incurred for the benefit of the processing activity. The Company believes that the internal processing costs capitalized are not greater than, and generally are less than, those that would be incurred and capitalized if such activity were performed by a third party. Capitalized costs for internal data processing were $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2.8 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Data Library Amortization

The Company amortizes its seismic data library investment using the greater of the amortization that would result from the application of the income forecast method subject to a minimum amortization rate or a straight-line basis over the useful life of the data. With respect to each survey in the data library, the straight-line policy is applied from the time such survey is available for licensing to customers on a non-exclusive basis.

The Company applies the income forecast method by forecasting the ultimate revenue expected to be derived from a particular data library component over the estimated useful life of each survey comprising part of such component. This forecast is made by the Company annually and reviewed quarterly. If, during any such review, the Company determines that the ultimate revenue for a library component is expected to be significantly different than the original estimate of total revenue for such library component, the Company revises the amortization rate attributable to future revenue from each survey in such component. The lowest amortization rate the Company applies using the income forecast method is 70%. In addition, in connection with the forecast reviews and updates, the Company evaluates the recoverability of its seismic data library investment, and if required, records an impairment charge with respect to such investment. See discussion on “Seismic Data Library Impairment” below.

The actual aggregate rate of amortization depends on the specific seismic surveys licensed and selected by the Company’s customers during the period and the amount of straight-line amortization recorded. The income forecast amortization rates can vary by component and, as of October 1, 2014, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

The greater of the income forecast or straight-line amortization policy is applied quarterly on a cumulative basis at the individual survey level. Under this policy, the Company first records amortization using the income forecast method. The cumulative amortization recorded for each survey is then compared with the cumulative straight-line amortization. If the cumulative straight-line amortization is higher for any specific survey, additional amortization expense is recorded, resulting in accumulated amortization being equal to the cumulative straight-line amortization for such survey. This requirement is applied regardless of future-year revenue estimates for the library component of which the survey is a part and does not consider the existence of deferred revenue with respect to the library component or to any survey.

Seismic Data Library Impairment

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment by grouping individual surveys into components based on its operations and geological and geographical trends, resulting in the following data library segments for purposes of evaluating impairments: (I) North America 3D onshore comprised of the following components: (a) Texas Gulf Coast, (b) Eastern Texas, (c) West Texas, (d) Panhandle Plays in North Texas/Oklahoma, (e) Southern Louisiana/Mississippi, (f) Northern Louisiana, (g) Rocky Mountains, (h) Utica/Marcellus in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, (i) other United States, (j) Montney in British Columbia and Alberta, (k) Horn River in British Columbia, (l) Cardium in Alberta and (m) other Canada; (II) United States 2D; (III) Canada 2D; (IV) Gulf of Mexico offshore; and (V) international data outside North America. The Company believes that these library components constitute the lowest levels of independently identifiable cash flows.

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers the level of sales performance in each component compared to projected sales, as well as industry conditions, among others, to be key factors in determining when its seismic data investment should be evaluated for impairment. In evaluating sales performance of each component, the Company generally considers five consecutive quarters of actual performance below forecasted sales to be an indicator of potential impairment.

The impairment evaluation is based first on a comparison of the undiscounted future cash flows over each component’s remaining estimated useful life with the carrying value of each library component. If the undiscounted cash flows are equal to or greater than the carrying value of such component, no impairment is recorded. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of any component, the forecast of future cash flows related to such component is discounted to fair value and compared with such component’s carrying amount. The difference between the library component’s carrying amount and the discounted future value of the expected revenue stream is recorded as an impairment charge.

For purposes of evaluating potential impairment losses, the Company estimates the future cash flows attributable to a library component by evaluating, among other factors, historical and recent revenue trends, oil and gas prospectivity in particular regions, general economic conditions affecting its customer base and expected changes in technology and other factors that the Company deems relevant. The cash flow estimates exclude expected future revenues attributable to non-monetary data exchanges and future data creation projects.

The estimation of future cash flows and fair value is highly subjective and inherently imprecise. Estimates can change materially from period to period based on many factors, including those described in the preceding paragraph. Accordingly, if conditions change in the future, the Company may record impairment losses relative to its seismic data library investment, which could be material to any particular reporting period.

The Company did not have any impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The objective of the ASU is to establish a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also significantly expands disclosure requirements concerning revenues for most entities. The Company is required to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted, but once effective, entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and financial statement disclosures.

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUE	$ 41,299	$ 44,410	$ 145,686	$ 143,305
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	18,309	32,085	85,938	89,252
Cost of sales	29	188	282	290
Selling, general and administrative	7,181	5,912	21,499	19,553
Total operating expenses	25,519	38,185	107,719	109,095
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	15,780	6,225	37,967	34,210
Interest expense, net	(6,306)	(6,202)	(18,724)	(21,655)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	(901)	714	(1,344)	(1,104)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(1,504)
Other income	5	16	64	17
Income before income taxes	8,578	753	17,963	9,964
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,092	516	9,010	1,621
NET INCOME	$ 4,486	$ 237	$ 8,953	$ 8,343

XML

Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

DEBT

9½% Senior Unsecured Notes: On March 20, 2013, the Company issued, in a private placement, $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9½% senior notes (the “9½% Senior Notes”). As required by their terms, the 9½% Senior Notes were exchanged for senior notes of like amounts and terms in a publicly registered exchange offer in August 2013. The 9½% Senior Notes mature on April 15, 2019. Interest is payable in cash, semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 9½% Senior Notes are unsecured and are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's significant domestic subsidiaries on a senior basis. The 9½% Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants which limit the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and make other restricted payments, engage in transactions with affiliates, and complete mergers, acquisitions and sales of assets.

From time to time on or before April 15, 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 9½% Senior Notes with the net proceeds of equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 109.50% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture), each holder of the 9½% Senior Notes will have the right to require the Company to offer to purchase all of such holder's notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Credit Facility: On May 25, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (the “U.S. Lender”) and Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation Canada (the “Canadian Lender,” and collectively with the U.S. Lender, the “Lenders”). The Credit Facility provides a $30.0 million revolving credit facility with a Canadian sublimit of $5.0 million, subject to borrowing base limitations based on the Company's seismic data assets and eligible accounts receivable, each as defined in the Credit Facility, calculated on a monthly basis. The Credit Facility expires on May 25, 2016. Each existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of the Company (collectively, the “U.S. Guarantors”) is a guarantor of payment of the U.S. obligations under the Credit Facility, and Seitel Canada Ltd. (“Seitel Canada”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and each future direct and indirect wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary of the Company (such subsidiaries together with Seitel Canada, the “Canadian Guarantors”) are guarantors of payment of the Canadian obligations under the Credit Facility.

The borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a perfected first priority lien and security interest (subject to certain exceptions) in favor of the U.S. Lender in all present and future assets and equity of the Company and each U.S. Guarantor and 65% of the equity in Seitel Canada, and borrowings by Seitel Canada are secured by a perfected first priority lien and security interest (subject to certain exceptions) in favor of the Canadian Lender in all present and future assets of each Canadian Guarantor. U.S. borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, either (a) the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") rate plus 3.50% or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, (ii) the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1% and (iii) the prime rate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, plus 2.50%. Canadian borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest based on a Canadian base rate, as defined in the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility requires that the Company maintain minimum excess availability (as defined in the Credit Facility) of $10.0 million or, if such excess availability is not maintained, then the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) may not be less than 1.00 to 1.00. In addition, the Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties, borrowing conditions, events of default and remedies for the Lenders. The aggregate loan or any individual loan made under the Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time subject to certain restrictions. The Credit Facility is also subject to the payment of upfront, letter of credit, administrative and certain other fees. As of September 30, 2014, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility and there was $30.0 million of availability.

XML

Seismic Data Library

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Seismic Data Library [Abstract]

Seismic Data Library

SEISMIC DATA LIBRARY

The Company’s seismic data library consists of seismic surveys that are offered for license to customers on a non-exclusive basis. Costs associated with creating, acquiring or purchasing the seismic data library are capitalized and amortized principally on the income forecast method subject to a straight-line amortization period of four years, applied on a quarterly basis at the individual survey level.

Costs of Seismic Data Library

For purchased seismic data, the Company capitalizes the purchase price of the acquired data.

For data received through a non-monetary exchange, the Company capitalizes an amount equal to the fair value of the data received by the Company or the fair value of the license granted or services provided to the customer, whichever is more readily determinable. See Note B – “Revenue Recognition – Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges” for discussion of the process used to determine fair value.

For newly created data, the capitalized costs include costs paid to third parties for the acquisition of data and related permitting, surveying and other activities associated with the data creation activity. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain internal costs related to processing the created data. Such costs include salaries and benefits of the Company’s processing personnel and certain other costs incurred for the benefit of the processing activity. The Company believes that the internal processing costs capitalized are not greater than, and generally are less than, those that would be incurred and capitalized if such activity were performed by a third party. Capitalized costs for internal data processing were $0.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $2.8 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Data Library Amortization

The Company amortizes its seismic data library investment using the greater of the amortization that would result from the application of the income forecast method subject to a minimum amortization rate or a straight-line basis over the useful life of the data. With respect to each survey in the data library, the straight-line policy is applied from the time such survey is available for licensing to customers on a non-exclusive basis.

The Company applies the income forecast method by forecasting the ultimate revenue expected to be derived from a particular data library component over the estimated useful life of each survey comprising part of such component. This forecast is made by the Company annually and reviewed quarterly. If, during any such review, the Company determines that the ultimate revenue for a library component is expected to be significantly different than the original estimate of total revenue for such library component, the Company revises the amortization rate attributable to future revenue from each survey in such component. The lowest amortization rate the Company applies using the income forecast method is 70%. In addition, in connection with the forecast reviews and updates, the Company evaluates the recoverability of its seismic data library investment, and if required, records an impairment charge with respect to such investment. See discussion on “Seismic Data Library Impairment” below.

The actual aggregate rate of amortization depends on the specific seismic surveys licensed and selected by the Company’s customers during the period and the amount of straight-line amortization recorded. The income forecast amortization rates can vary by component and, as of October 1, 2014, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

The greater of the income forecast or straight-line amortization policy is applied quarterly on a cumulative basis at the individual survey level. Under this policy, the Company first records amortization using the income forecast method. The cumulative amortization recorded for each survey is then compared with the cumulative straight-line amortization. If the cumulative straight-line amortization is higher for any specific survey, additional amortization expense is recorded, resulting in accumulated amortization being equal to the cumulative straight-line amortization for such survey. This requirement is applied regardless of future-year revenue estimates for the library component of which the survey is a part and does not consider the existence of deferred revenue with respect to the library component or to any survey.

Seismic Data Library Impairment

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment by grouping individual surveys into components based on its operations and geological and geographical trends, resulting in the following data library segments for purposes of evaluating impairments: (I) North America 3D onshore comprised of the following components: (a) Texas Gulf Coast, (b) Eastern Texas, (c) West Texas, (d) Panhandle Plays in North Texas/Oklahoma, (e) Southern Louisiana/Mississippi, (f) Northern Louisiana, (g) Rocky Mountains, (h) Utica/Marcellus in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, (i) other United States, (j) Montney in British Columbia and Alberta, (k) Horn River in British Columbia, (l) Cardium in Alberta and (m) other Canada; (II) United States 2D; (III) Canada 2D; (IV) Gulf of Mexico offshore; and (V) international data outside North America. The Company believes that these library components constitute the lowest levels of independently identifiable cash flows.

The Company evaluates its seismic data library investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company considers the level of sales performance in each component compared to projected sales, as well as industry conditions, among others, to be key factors in determining when its seismic data investment should be evaluated for impairment. In evaluating sales performance of each component, the Company generally considers five consecutive quarters of actual performance below forecasted sales to be an indicator of potential impairment.

The impairment evaluation is based first on a comparison of the undiscounted future cash flows over each component’s remaining estimated useful life with the carrying value of each library component. If the undiscounted cash flows are equal to or greater than the carrying value of such component, no impairment is recorded. If undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of any component, the forecast of future cash flows related to such component is discounted to fair value and compared with such component’s carrying amount. The difference between the library component’s carrying amount and the discounted future value of the expected revenue stream is recorded as an impairment charge.

For purposes of evaluating potential impairment losses, the Company estimates the future cash flows attributable to a library component by evaluating, among other factors, historical and recent revenue trends, oil and gas prospectivity in particular regions, general economic conditions affecting its customer base and expected changes in technology and other factors that the Company deems relevant. The cash flow estimates exclude expected future revenues attributable to non-monetary data exchanges and future data creation projects.

The estimation of future cash flows and fair value is highly subjective and inherently imprecise. Estimates can change materially from period to period based on many factors, including those described in the preceding paragraph. Accordingly, if conditions change in the future, the Company may record impairment losses relative to its seismic data library investment, which could be material to any particular reporting period.

The Company did not have any impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

XML

Revenue Recognition (Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Payment terms of non-exclusive license contracts	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Payment terms of non-exclusive license contracts	12 months

XML

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognized From Non-Monetary Exchanges

Due to the Company’s revenue recognition policies, revenue recognized on non-monetary exchange transactions may not occur at the same time the seismic data acquired is recorded as an asset. The activity related to non-monetary exchanges was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Seismic data library additions	$	—	$	926	$	177	$	3,903
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	22		941		260		1,623
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	—		3		—		87

XML

Commitments And Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved from time to time in ordinary, routine claims and lawsuits incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, uninsured losses, if any, resulting from the ultimate resolution of these matters should not be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, it is not possible to predict or determine the outcomes of the legal actions brought against it or by it, or to provide an estimate of all additional losses, if any, that may arise. At September 30, 2014, the Company has recorded the estimated amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to litigation and claims. Such amounts are not material to the financial statements.

XML

Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Authoritative guidance on fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In measuring the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, market data or assumptions are used that the Company believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk when appropriate. The Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
At September 30, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	55,764	$	55,764	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2013:
Cash equivalents	$	30,729	$	30,729	$	—	$	—

The Company had no transfers of assets between any of the above levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

Cash equivalents include money market funds that invest in United States government obligations and a Canadian dollar investment account, all with original maturities of three months or less. The original costs of these assets approximate fair value due to their short-term maturity.

Other Financial Instruments:

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the Company's debt was $250.0 million. The estimated fair value of the debt was approximately $262.5 million at September 30, 2014 and $256.8 million at December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Company's senior notes is based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Statement Of Cash Flow Information

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included $750,000 and $651,000, respectively, of restricted cash related to collateral on seismic operations bonds and $125,000 (Canadian) of restricted cash posted as security against Company issued credit cards for Seitel Canada.

Income taxes paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 were $2.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively. During the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, the Company received income tax refunds of $5.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

The Company had non-cash additions to its seismic data library comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	177	$	1,511
Completion of data in progress from prior non-monetary exchanges	—		2,392
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	177	$	3,903

Non-cash revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	—	$	87
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	260		1,623
Total non-cash revenue	$	260	$	1,710

XML

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” This ASU provides guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. The new standard will be effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-15, but does not expect that it will have a material effect on its financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The objective of the ASU is to establish a single comprehensive model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also significantly expands disclosure requirements concerning revenues for most entities. The Company is required to adopt the ASU on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted, but once effective, entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and financial statement disclosures.

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 4,486	$ 237	$ 8,953	$ 8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,882)	3,145	(7,458)	(5,007)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(2,396)	3,382	1,495	3,336
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			8,953	8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments			0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			8,953	8,343
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			19,659	28,900
Foreign currency translation adjustments			0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			19,659	28,900
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			(4,292)	144
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(7,468)	(5,007)
Comprehensive income (loss)			(11,760)	(4,863)
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)			(15,367)	(29,044)
Foreign currency translation adjustments			10	0
Comprehensive income (loss)			$ (15,357)	$ (29,044)

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Schedule of Noncash Additions to Seismic Data Library

The Company had non-cash additions to its seismic data library comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	177	$	1,511
Completion of data in progress from prior non-monetary exchanges	—		2,392
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	177	$	3,903

Schedule of Non-Cash Revenue

Non-cash revenue consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	—	$	87
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	260		1,623
Total non-cash revenue	$	260	$	1,710

XML

Debt (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	May 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2014 Seitel Canada [Member]	May 25, 2011 Canadian Lender [Member]	Mar. 20, 2013 Senior Notes [Member] 9½% Senior Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Senior Notes [Member] 9½% Senior Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Senior Notes [Member] 9½% Senior Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Federal Funds Rate [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Three-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of senior notes					$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of senior notes					9.50%
Percentage of principal amount						35.00%
Call premium						109.50%	101.00%
Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity		30,000,000		5,000,000
Percent of present and future assets and equity used as guarantee			65.00%
Basis spread on variable rate								3.50%	0.50%	1.00%	2.50%
Minimum excess availability	10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum	1.0
Amount outstanding	0
Current borrowing capacity	$ 30,000,000

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,486	$ 237	$ 8,953	$ 8,343
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6,882)	3,145	(7,458)	(5,007)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,396)	$ 3,382	$ 1,495	$ 3,336

XML

Revenue Recognition

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue from Data Acquisition

The Company generates revenue when it creates a new seismic survey that is initially licensed by one or more of its customers to use the resulting data. The payments for the initial licenses are sometimes referred to as underwriting or prefunding. Customers make periodic payments throughout the creation period, which generally correspond to costs incurred and work performed. These payments are non-refundable. Contracts which are signed up to the time the Company makes a firm commitment to create the new seismic survey are considered underwriting. Any subsequent licensing of the data while the survey is in progress or once it is completed is considered a resale license (see “Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses”).

Acquisition underwriting revenue is recognized throughout the creation period using the proportional performance method based upon costs incurred and work performed to date as a percentage of total estimated costs and work required. Management believes that this method is the most reliable and representative measure of progress for its data creation projects. On average, the duration of the data creation process is approximately one year. Under these contracts, the Company creates new seismic data designed in conjunction with its customers and specifically suited to the geology of the area using the most appropriate technology available.

The Company outsources the substantial majority of the work required to complete data acquisition projects to third party contractors. The Company’s payments to these third party contractors comprise the substantial majority of the total estimated costs of the project and are paid throughout the creation period. A typical survey includes specific activities required to complete the survey, each of which has value to the customers. Typical activities, that often occur concurrently, include:

• permitting for land access, mineral rights, and regulatory approval;

• surveying;

• drilling for the placement of energy sources;

• recording the data in the field; and

• processing the data.

The customers paying for the initial licenses receive legally enforceable rights to any resulting product of each activity described above. The customers also receive access to and use of the newly acquired, processed data.

The customers’ access to and use of the results of the work performed and of the newly acquired, processed data is governed by a master license agreement, which is a separate agreement from the acquisition contract. The Company’s acquisition contracts require the customer either to have a master license agreement in place or to execute one at the time the acquisition contract is signed. The Company maintains sole ownership of the newly acquired data, which is added to its library, and is free to license the data to other customers.

Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses

The Company recognizes a substantial portion of its revenue from licensing of data once it is available for delivery. These are sometimes referred to as resale licensing revenue, late sales or shelf sales.

These sales fall under the following four basic forms of non-exclusive license contracts.

• Specific license contract—The customer licenses and selects specific data from the data library, including data currently in progress, at the time the contract is entered into and holds this license for a long-term period.

• Library card license contract—The customer initially receives only access to certain data. The customer may then select specific data, from the collection of data to which it has access, to hold long-term under its license agreement. The length of the selection periods under the library card contracts is limited in time and varies from customer to customer.

• Review and possession license contract—The customer obtains the right to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time. During the review period, the customer may select specific data from that available for review to hold long-term under its license agreement. Any data not selected for long-term licensing must be returned to the Company at the end of the review period.

• Review only license contract—The customer obtains rights to review a certain quantity of data for a limited period of time, but does not obtain the right to select specific data to hold long-term.

The Company’s non-exclusive license contracts specify the following:

• that all customers must also have in place or execute a master license agreement that governs the use of all data received under the Company’s non-exclusive license contracts;

• the specific payment terms, generally ranging from 30 days to 12 months, and that such payments are non-cancelable and non-refundable;

• the actual data that is accessible to the customer; and

• that the data is licensed in its present form, as is, where is, and that the Company is under no obligation to make any enhancements, modifications or additions to the data unless specific terms to the contrary are included.

Revenue from the non-exclusive licensing of seismic data is recognized when the following criteria are met:

• the Company has an agreement with the customer that is validated by a signed contract;

• the sales price is fixed and determinable;

• collection is reasonably assured;

• the customer has selected the specific data or the contract has expired without full selection;

• the data is currently available for delivery; and

• the license term has begun.

Copies of the licensed data are available to the customer immediately upon request.

For licenses that have been invoiced for which payment is due or has been received, but have not met the aforementioned criteria, the revenue is deferred along with the related direct costs (primarily consisting of sales commissions). This normally occurs under the library card, review and possession or review only license contracts because the data selection may occur over time. Additionally, if the contract allows licensing of data that is not currently available or enhancements, modifications or additions to the data are required per the contract, revenue is deferred until such time that the data is available.

Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges

In certain cases, the Company will take ownership of a customer’s seismic data or revenue interest (collectively referred to as “data”) in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected seismic data from the Company’s library and, in some cases, services provided by Seitel Solutions (“Solutions”). In connection with specific data acquisition contracts, the Company may choose to receive both cash and ownership of seismic data from the customer as consideration for the underwriting of new data acquisition. In addition, the Company may receive advanced data processing services on selected existing data in exchange for a non-exclusive license to selected data from the Company’s library. These exchanges are referred to as non-monetary exchanges. A non-monetary exchange for data always complies with the following criteria:

• the data license delivered is always distinct from the data received;

• the customer forfeits ownership of its data; and

• the Company retains ownership in its data.

In non-monetary exchange transactions, the Company records a data library asset for the seismic data received or processed at the time the contract is entered into or the data is completed, as applicable, and recognizes revenue on the transaction in equal value in accordance with its policy on revenue from data licenses or data acquisition, or as services are provided by Solutions, as applicable. The data license to the customer is in the form of one of the four basic forms of contracts discussed above. These transactions are valued at the fair value of the data received or the fair value of the license granted or services provided, whichever is more readily determinable.

Fair value of the data exchanged is determined using a multi-step process as follows:

• First, the Company considers the value of the data or services received from the customer. In determining the value of the data received, the Company considers the age, quality, current demand and future marketability of the data and, in the case of 3D seismic data, the cost that would be required to create the data. In addition, the Company applies a limitation on the value it assigns per square mile on the data received. In determining the value of the services received, the Company considers the cost of such similar services that it could obtain from a third-party provider.

• Second, the Company determines the value of the license granted to the customer. Typically, the range of cash transactions by the Company for licenses of similar data during the prior six months are evaluated. In evaluating the range of cash transactions, the Company does not consider transactions that are disproportionately high or low.

Due to the Company’s revenue recognition policies, revenue recognized on non-monetary exchange transactions may not occur at the same time the seismic data acquired is recorded as an asset. The activity related to non-monetary exchanges was as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Seismic data library additions	$	—	$	926	$	177	$	3,903
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	22		941		260		1,623
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	—		3		—		87

Revenue from Solutions

Revenue from Solutions is recognized as the services for reproduction and delivery of seismic data are provided to customers.

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 55,764	$ 30,729
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	55,764	30,729
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant  Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
At September 30, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	55,764	$	55,764	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2013:
Cash equivalents	$	30,729	$	30,729	$	—	$	—