Statement of Cash Flow Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 Seismic Operations Bonds [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 Seismic Operations Bonds [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 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
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents				$ 800,000	$ 700,000	125,000	125,000
Income taxes paid	2,300,000	8,000,000	3,200,000
Income tax refunds	$ 7,200,000	$ 400,000	$ 1,000,000