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, 2015

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 9, 2015, 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 Operations (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	28
	Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	35
	Item 4. Controls and Procedures	35
PART  II.	OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1. Legal Proceedings	36
	Item 1A. Risk Factors	36
	Item 6. Exhibits	36
	SIGNATURES	36

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, 2015			December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	63,974		$	59,175
Receivables
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $264 and $268, respectively	18,324			53,250
Notes and other	1,482			1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,153			1,143
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,096,003 and $1,074,260, respectively	163,161			165,079
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $15,088 and $14,971, respectively	2,948			3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	7,925			10,075
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $42,686 and $41,785, respectively	6,598			10,013
Goodwill	182,196			193,722
Deferred income taxes	86,607			81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	$	534,368		$	579,756
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	35,897		$	34,400
Income taxes payable	125			197
Senior Notes	250,000			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	1,765			2,219
Deferred revenue	21,250			34,517
Deferred income taxes	3,672			5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	312,709			326,667
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	400,441			400,177
Retained deficit	(162,753		)	(148,776		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,029		)	1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	221,659			253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	534,368		$	579,756

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

3

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
REVENUE	$	31,242		$	41,299		$	86,290		$	145,686
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	24,627			18,309			68,114			85,938
Cost of sales	37			29			164			282
Selling, general and administrative	5,293			7,181			17,150			21,499
	29,957			25,519			85,428			107,719
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	1,285			15,780			862			37,967
Interest expense, net	(6,381		)	(6,306		)	(19,020		)	(18,724		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	(138		)	(901		)	(1,559		)	(1,344		)
Other income	—			5			5			64
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,234		)	8,578			(19,712		)	17,963
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,179		)	4,092			(5,735		)	9,010
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	(4,055	)	$	4,486		$	(13,977	)	$	8,953

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,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net income (loss)	$	(4,055	)	$	4,486		$	(13,977	)	$	8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,255		)	(6,882		)	(17,717		)	(7,458		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(12,310	)	$	(2,396	)	$	(31,694	)	$	1,495

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 (Loss)
	Common Stock
	Shares	Amount
Balance, December 31, 2014	100	$	—	$	400,177	$	(148,776	)	$	1,688
Amortization of stock-based compensation costs	—	—		264		—			—
Net loss	—	—		—		(13,977		)	—
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—	—		—		—			(17,717		)
Balance, September 30, 2015	100	$	—	$	400,441	$	(162,753	)	$	(16,029	)

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,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(13,977	)	$	8,953
Depreciation and amortization	68,114			85,938
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	(5,704		)	7,430
Foreign currency exchange losses	1,559			1,344
Amortization of deferred financing costs	889			808
Amortization of stock-based compensation	264			417
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts	—			(337		)
Non-cash other loss	—			14
Non-cash revenue	(6,805		)	(260		)
Decrease in receivables	33,923			3,342
Decrease (increase) in other assets	265			(703		)
Decrease in deferred revenue	(14,035		)	(14,140		)
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities	3,236			6,544
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,729			99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(61,218		)	(72,272		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(406		)	(1,404		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10		)	(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,634		)	(73,686		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(168		)	(187		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(168		)	(187		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,128		)	(249		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,799			25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	59,175			31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	63,974		$	56,581
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	12,230		$	12,137
Income taxes, net of refunds received	$	(122	)	$	(3,728	)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to seismic data library	$	7,959		$	177

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, 2015

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, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2014 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, 2014.

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 typically 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.

8

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

9

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,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Seismic data library additions	$	37	$	—	$	7,959	$	177
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	913		22		6,626		260
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	2		—		166		—
Revenue recognized related to Solutions	13		—		13		—

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 $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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

10

the data. With respect to each survey in the data library, the straight-line policy is applied from the time such survey is completed and 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 Company applies a minimum amortization rate of 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 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.

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, 2015, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

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.

11

The Company did not have any impairment charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014.

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 (Canadian), 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 matures 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, 2015, the calculated borrowing base was $27.3 million; however, the availability was limited to $17.3 million to allow for the minimum excess availability required as the fixed charge coverage ratio was below 1.00 to 1.00. No amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2015.

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

12

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, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	63,617	$	63,617	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	58,981	$	58,981	$	—	$	—

The Company had no transfers of assets between any of the above levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014.

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company's debt was $250.0 million. The estimated fair value of the debt was approximately $214.7 million at September 30, 2015 and $243.8 million at December 31, 2014. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $0.8 million 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, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. During the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, the Company received income tax refunds of $0.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	7,961		$	177
Adjustment to prior year non-monetary exchange from underwriting of new data acquisition	(2		)	—
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	7,959		$	177

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	166	$	—
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	6,626		260
Solutions revenue recognized from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	13	$	—
Total non-cash revenue	$	6,805	$	260

13

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, 2015, the Company has recorded the estimated amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to claims. Such amounts are not material to the financial statements.

NOTE H-RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, rather than as a deferred asset. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Adopting ASU 2015-03 will only result in a change in presentation and will reduce the Company's prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets and Senior Notes liability amounts in the consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2015, unamortized debt issue costs that would be subject to the guidance under this ASU were $4.6 million.

In August 2014, the FASB issued 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 (Topic 606).” 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. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year, which changes the date by which the Company is required to adopt the ASU to January 1, 2018. Early application of ASU 2014-09 is permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. 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.

14

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the consolidating condensed statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 and consolidating condensed statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 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.

15

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	62,085	$	1,889		$	—		$	63,974
Receivables
Trade, net	—			16,893		1,431			—			18,324
Notes and other	—			1		1,481			—			1,482
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,153		—			—			1,153
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(2,003		)	4,306		(2,303		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	494,773			423,130		662			(918,565		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			121,641		41,606			(86		)	163,161
Net property and equipment	—			1,481		1,467			—			2,948
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	4,965			2,512		448			—			7,925
Intangible assets, net	900			4,416		1,282			—			6,598
Goodwill	—			107,688		74,508			—			182,196
Deferred income taxes	—			86,607		—			—			86,607
TOTAL ASSETS	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,947		$	20,006	$	4,944		$	—		$	35,897
Income taxes payable	—			—		125			—			125
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			—		1,765			—			1,765
Deferred revenue	—			18,808		2,442			—			21,250
Deferred income taxes	—			—		3,672			—			3,672
TOTAL LIABILITIES	260,947			38,814		12,948			—			312,709
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,441			—		—			—			400,441
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,259			(920,364		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,753		)	28,994		(30,554		)	1,560			(162,753		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—		(16,182		)	153			(16,029		)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	237,688			793,099		109,523			(918,651		)	221,659
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368

16

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	48,525	$	10,650		$	—		$	59,175
Receivables
Trade, net	—			41,386		11,864			—			53,250
Notes and other	—			29		1,669			—			1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,143		—			—			1,143
Intercompany receivables (payables)	2,803			13,666		(16,469		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	497,151			427,481		692			(925,324		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			113,930		51,290			(141		)	165,079
Net property and equipment	—			1,848		2,009			—			3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	5,751			3,994		330			—			10,075
Intangible assets, net	900			6,826		2,287			—			10,013
Goodwill	—			107,688		86,034			—			193,722
Deferred income taxes	—			81,744		—			—			81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,007		$	22,841	$	6,552		$	—		$	34,400
Income taxes payable	197			—		—			—			197
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			18		2,201			—			2,219
Deferred revenue	—			29,822		4,695			—			34,517
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,334			—			5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,204			52,681		18,782			—			326,667
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,177			—		—			—			400,177
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,152			(920,257		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(148,776		)	31,474		(26,248		)	(5,226		)	(148,776		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		1,670			18			1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	251,401			795,579		131,574			(925,465		)	253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756

17

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	28,145		$	3,427		$	(330	)	$	31,242
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			18,754			5,885			(12		)	24,627
Cost of sales	—			22			15			—			37
Selling, general and administrative	232			3,833			1,558			(330		)	5,293
	232			22,609			7,458			(342		)	29,957
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(232		)	5,536			(4,031		)	12			1,285
Interest expense, net	(5,563		)	(714		)	(104		)	—			(6,381		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(138		)	—			(138		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(5,795		)	4,822			(4,273		)	12			(5,234		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,937		)	1,820			(1,062		)	—			(1,179		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(197		)	(3,211		)	—			3,408			—
NET LOSS	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420		$	(4,055	)

18

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420	$	(4,055	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(8,262		)	7		(8,255		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(11,473	)	$	3,427	$	(12,310	)

19

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	35,200		$	6,445		$	(346	)	$	41,299
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			12,076			6,248			(15		)	18,309
Cost of sales	—			26			3			—			29
Selling, general and administrative	284			4,942			2,301			(346		)	7,181
	284			17,044			8,552			(361		)	25,519
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(284		)	18,156			(2,107		)	15			15,780
Interest expense, net	(6,214		)	149			(241		)	—			(6,306		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(901		)	—			(901		)
Other income	—			—			5			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(6,498		)	18,305			(3,244		)	15			8,578
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(2,497		)	7,332			(743		)	—			4,092
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	8,487			(2,501		)	—			(5,986		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	4,486		$	8,472		$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486

20

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(6,891		)	9			(6,882		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(9,392	)	$	(5,962	)	$	(2,396	)

21

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	61,413		$	25,868		$	(991	)	$	86,290
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			44,180			23,972			(38		)	68,114
Cost of sales	—			109			55			—			164
Selling, general and administrative	807			11,933			5,401			(991		)	17,150
	807			56,222			29,428			(1,029		)	85,428
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(807		)	5,191			(3,560		)	38			862
Interest expense, net	(16,597		)	(2,125		)	(298		)	—			(19,020		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			(3		)	(1,556		)	—			(1,559		)
Other income	—			5			—			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(17,404		)	3,068			(5,414		)	38			(19,712		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(5,869		)	1,242			(1,108		)	—			(5,735		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(2,442		)	(4,306		)	—			6,748			—
NET LOSS	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786		$	(13,977	)

22

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786	$	(13,977	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(17,852		)	135		(17,717		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(22,158	)	$	6,921	$	(31,694	)

23

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

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

24

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

25

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(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	$	(12,797	)	$	64,937		$	15,589		$	—	$	67,729
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(49,153		)	(12,065		)	—		(61,218		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(396		)	(10		)	—		(406		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(49,559		)	(12,075		)	—		(61,634		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(18		)	(150		)	—		(168		)
Intercompany transfers	12,797			(1,797		)	(11,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,797			(1,815		)	(11,150		)	—		(168		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			(3		)	(1,125		)	—		(1,128		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			13,560			(8,761		)	—		4,799
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			48,525			10,650			—		59,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	62,085		$	1,889		$	—	$	63,974

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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

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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 cash flow and available borrowings under our revolving 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 capital expenditure 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, 2014 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, 2014 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. Our primary areas of focus are onshore United States and Canada and, to a lesser extent, offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico. 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, liquids-rich and natural gas unconventional plays as well as conventional areas.

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.

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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.

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: The decline in crude oil prices and the reduction in capital spending by E&P companies in 2015 has had a direct impact on drilling activity in North America. As of October 23, 2015, the North American land rig count had fallen by approximately 60% since its peak in the fourth quarter of 2014.

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, has had, and could continue to 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 financial and performance measures in evaluating and managing our financial condition and operating performance. Some of these 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 United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are intended to supplement the presentation of our financial results that are prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered substitutes for GAAP financial measures.

The following are the key financial and 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.

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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,
	2015		2014			2015		2014
Cash resales	$	4,045	$	29,405		$	31,352	$	87,771
Other revenue components:
Acquisition underwriting revenue	16,498		11,175			38,683		42,512
Non-monetary exchanges	24		—			7,948		177
Revenue recognition adjustments	10,096		(248		)	6,613		12,086
Solutions and other	579		967			1,694		3,140
Total revenue	$	31,242	$	41,299		$	86,290	$	145,686

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).

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

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cash EBITDA	$	(602	)	$	23,279		$	16,120		$	69,597
Add (subtract) other revenue components not included in cash EBITDA:
Acquisition underwriting revenue	16,498			11,175			38,683			42,512
Non-monetary exchanges	24			—			7,948			177
Revenue recognition adjustments	10,096			(248		)	6,613			12,086
Solutions non-cash revenue	13			—			13			—
Add (subtract) other items included in net income (loss):
Depreciation and amortization	(24,627		)	(18,309		)	(68,114		)	(85,938		)
Non-cash operating expenses	(67		)	(113		)	(264		)	(417		)
Non-routine and other corporate expenses	(50		)	(4		)	(137		)	(50		)
Interest expense, net	(6,381		)	(6,306		)	(19,020		)	(18,724		)
Foreign currency losses	(138		)	(901		)	(1,559		)	(1,344		)
Other income	—			5			5			64
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,179			(4,092		)	5,735			(9,010		)
Net income (loss)	$	(4,055	)	$	4,486		$	(13,977	)	$	8,953

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, 2015 to November 9, 2015, we completed the addition of approximately 1,100 square miles of seismic data to our library. As of November 9, 2015, we had approximately 900 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, 2014.

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Results of Operations

Revenue

The following table summarizes the components of our revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014			2015		2014
Acquisition underwriting revenue:
Cash underwriting	$	16,496	$	11,175		$	38,517	$	42,512
Underwriting from non-monetary exchanges	2		—			166		—
Total acquisition underwriting revenue	16,498		11,175			38,683		42,512
Resale licensing revenue:
Cash resales	4,045		29,405			31,352		87,771
Non-monetary exchanges	24		—			7,948		177
Revenue recognition adjustments	10,096		(248		)	6,613		12,086
Total resale licensing revenue	14,165		29,157			45,913		100,034
Total seismic revenue	30,663		40,332			84,596		142,546
Solutions and other	579		967			1,694		3,140
Total revenue	$	31,242	$	41,299		$	86,290	$	145,686

Total revenue was $31.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $41.3 million in the third quarter of 2014. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $16.5 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $11.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. The majority of new data acquisition activity in the third quarter of 2015 occurred in the U.S. with a focus in the Eagle Ford/Woodbine and Permian unconventional plays. Increased acquisition underwriting revenue during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily due to the progress and timing of phases of work performed on ongoing surveys, including improved progress on certain of our new data acquisition projects located in the Eagle Ford/Woodbine area that experienced weather delays earlier in the year. Total resale licensing revenue was $14.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $29.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. Cash resales were $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to cash resales of $29.4 million in the third quarter of 2014. Cash resales in the third quarter of 2015 were significantly impacted by the reductions in customer spending resulting from the ongoing low crude oil price environment. 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 $10.3 million increase in revenue recognition adjustments between the third quarters of 2014 and 2015 primarily resulted from lower deferrals associated with new licensing contracts, an increase in selections from library card contracts and an increase in revenue recognized on previously deferred direct licensing contracts. Solutions and other revenue was $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2014. Solutions revenue is primarily driven by the level of seismic revenue; therefore, the $0.4 million reduction was primarily due to the lower level of seismic revenue activity.

Total revenue for the first nine months of 2015 was $86.3 million compared to $145.7 million in the first nine months of 2014. Acquisition underwriting revenue was $38.7 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $42.5 million in the first nine months of 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to weather delays on certain of our U.S. surveys caused by heavy rainfall in the first half of 2015. Weather conditions improved in the third quarter of 2015, which allowed significant progress on the affected surveys. Total resale licensing revenue was $45.9 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $100.0 million in the first nine months of 2014. Cash resales for the first nine months of 2015 were $31.4 million compared to $87.8 million in the first nine months of 2014 reflecting lower activity levels by our clients as a result of less drilling and reduced capital expenditures stemming from the drop in crude oil prices beginning in late 2014 and continuing throughout 2015. We had one large non-monetary exchange in the first nine months of 2015 causing the significant increase from the first nine months of 2014. The decrease of $5.5 million in revenue recognition adjustments from the first nine months of 2014 to the first nine months of 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in selections of data from library card contracts and a decrease in revenue recognized on previously deferred direct licensing contracts, partially offset by lower deferrals associated with new licensing contracts. Solutions and other revenue decreased $1.4 million between the nine-month periods due to the lower level of total seismic revenue.

At September 30, 2015, we had a deferred revenue balance of $21.3 million, compared to the December 31, 2014 balance of $34.5 million. The deferred revenue balance related to (i) data licensing contracts on which selection of specific data had not

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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.

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, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015				2014				2015				2014
Amortization of seismic data:
Income forecast	$	15,543	50.7	%	$	12,176	30.2	%	$	40,265	47.6	%	$	65,587	46.0	%
Straight-line	7,847		25.6	%	4,753		11.8	%	24,036		28.4	%	16,200		11.4	%
Total amortization of seismic data	23,390		76.3	%	16,929		42.0	%	64,301		76.0	%	81,787		57.4	%
Depreciation of property and equipment	198				292				668				738
Amortization of acquired intangibles	1,039				1,088				3,145				3,413
Total	$	24,627			$	18,309			$	68,114			$	85,938

Total seismic data library amortization amounted to $23.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $16.9 million in the third quarter of 2014 and $64.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $81.8 million for the first nine months of 2014. The amount of seismic data library amortization fluctuates based on the level and location of specific seismic surveys licensed (including licensing resulting from new data acquisition) and selected by our customers during the period as well as the amount of straight-line amortization required under our accounting policy. Income forecast amortization as a percentage of total seismic revenue increased between the periods presented primarily due to the mix of data being licensed. In the 2015 periods, acquisition underwriting revenue (for which all of the revenue attracts amortization) represented a higher proportion of total seismic revenue than in the 2014 periods which was the primary reason for the increase in the percentage of income forecast amortization to total seismic revenue. Partially offsetting this increase between the nine month periods was a decrease in the percentage resulting from less resale revenue attracting amortization in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. In all periods, we had resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the percentage of resale revenue recognized from data whose costs were fully amortized was 59% and 58%, respectively, as compared to 78% and 49% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. 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 varies between periods due to the distribution of revenue among the various seismic surveys. The reduced level of resale revenue contributed to the increase in straight-line amortization in the 2015 periods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $5.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 and $17.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $21.5 million in the first nine months of 2014. 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,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Cash SG&A expenses	$	5,226	$	7,068	$	16,886	$	21,082
Non-cash compensation expense	67		113		264		417
Total	$	5,293	$	7,181	$	17,150	$	21,499

The decrease in cash SG&A expenses of $1.8 million from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015 and $4.2 million from the first nine months of 2014 to the first nine months of 2015 was primarily attributable to a reduction in variable expenses, consisting of commissions and annual incentive compensation, resulting from the decrease in revenue and Cash EBITDA. In addition, non-variable expenses were lower due to a targeted reduction in overall expenses in response to our lower level of revenue in 2015.

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As a result of reduced activity levels, we had a headcount reduction in early October 2015. Termination benefits of approximately $0.5 million will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. The overall savings from this reduction, in addition to attrition during the year, is currently expected to be a reduction in 2016 SG&A expenses of approximately $0.9 million from 2015 levels.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) was $(1.2) million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2014. The income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2015 was comprised of (i) a U.S. federal tax benefit of $0.3 million, (ii) $0.2 million in U.S. state tax expense and (iii) a $1.1 million benefit related to our Canadian 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.

Income tax expense (benefit) was $(5.7) million and $9.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The benefit for the first nine months of 2015 was comprised of (i) a U.S. federal tax benefit of $4.8 million, (ii) U.S. state tax expense of $0.2 million, (iii) a $0.9 million benefit related to our Canadian operations, which was net of approximately $0.5 million of expense resulting from a rate adjustment recorded due to an increase in Alberta’s provincial tax rate enacted in the first nine months of 2015, (iv) a benefit of $0.3 million related to certain research and development tax credits in Canada and (v) an expense of $0.1 million related to interest on uncertain tax positions. 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.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income (loss) was $(4.1) million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. The decrease between quarters was primarily due to a reduction in revenues and an increase in amortization expense associated with our data library, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses and lower income tax expense. Net income (loss) was $(14.0) million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $9.0 million in the first nine months of 2014. The decrease between the nine month periods was primarily due to a reduction in revenues partially offset by lower amortization of seismic data, a decrease in SG&A expenses and lower income tax expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2015, we had $64.0 million in consolidated cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, including $0.8 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, 2015, was $1.9 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 (Canadian), 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 matures on May 25, 2016. As of September 30, 2015, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2015, our calculated borrowing base was $27.3 million; however, the availability on the Credit Facility was limited to $17.3 million to allow for excess availability of $10.0 million as our fixed charge coverage ratio was below 1.00 to 1.00. To the best of our knowledge, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Facility at September 30, 2015.

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, 2015.

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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.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash flows provided by operating activities were $67.7 million and $99.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Operating cash flows for 2015 decreased from 2014 primarily due to the reduced level of cash resales.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash flows used in investing activities were $61.6 million and $73.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash expenditures for seismic data were $61.2 million and $72.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in cash invested in seismic data for 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to working capital changes and a reduction in capital expenditures related to new data acquisition.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash flows used in financing activities were $0.2 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

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, 2015, we had a net deferred tax liability of $3.7 million attributable to our Canadian operations. In the United States, we had a federal deferred tax asset of $85.4 million and a state deferred tax asset of $1.2 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, 2015, capital expenditures for seismic data and other property and equipment amounted to $69.7 million. Our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2015 are presently estimated to be $15.8 million. The first nine months of 2015 actual and 2015 estimated remaining capital expenditures are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015			Estimate for Remainder of 2015			Total Estimate for 2015
New data acquisition	$	58,038		$	13,700		$	71,738
Cash purchases and data processing	3,323			500			3,823
Non-monetary exchanges	7,959			1,500			9,459
Property and equipment and other	406			100			506
Total capital expenditures	69,726			15,800			85,526
Less: Non-monetary exchanges	(7,959		)	(1,500		)	(9,459		)
Changes in working capital	(143		)	—			(143		)
Cash investment per statement of cash flows	$	61,624		$	14,300		$	75,924

34

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, 2015			Estimate for Remainder of 2015			Total Estimate for 2015
Total capital expenditures	$	69,726		$	15,800		$	85,526
Less: Non-monetary exchanges	(7,959		)	(1,500		)	(9,459		)
Cash underwriting	(38,517		)	(8,100		)	(46,617		)
Net cash capital expenditures	$	23,250		$	6,200		$	29,450

As of November 9, 2015, we had capital expenditure commitments related to data acquisition projects of approximately $18.3 million, of which we have obtained approximately $11.8 million of cash underwriting. We expect approximately $5.5 million of our $6.5 million committed net cash capital expenditures to be incurred in 2015 with the remainder being incurred in 2016. See discussion of our sources of liquidity under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” beginning on page 33 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, 2015, 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 2014 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 Operations. 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, 2015, if the U.S. dollar strengthened or weakened 4% (determined using an average of the last three years' historical exchange rates) against the Canadian dollar, the effect upon our Consolidated Statements of Operations would be less than $0.1 million.

We have not had any significant changes in our market risk exposures during the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

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 Chief Executive Officer and President and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the

35

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 Chief Executive Officer and President along with our Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2015 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, 2015 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, 2014, as amended, initially filed with the SEC on February 20, 2015, 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, 2014. 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.

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, 2015		/s/     Robert D. Monson
		Robert D. Monson
		Chief Executive Officer and President
		(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 12, 2015	/s/     Marcia H. Kendrick
	Marcia H. Kendrick
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

36

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).
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.

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished, not filed.

37

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, 2015
/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, 2015
/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, 2015, 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, 2015
/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, 2015, 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, 2015
/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

Debt (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 20, 2013 USD ($)	May. 25, 2011 USD ($)	May. 25, 2011 CAD
Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 30,000,000
Minimum excess availability	$ 10,000,000
Fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum	1.0
Calculated borrowing base	$ 27,300,000
Current borrowing capacity	17,300,000
Amount outstanding	$ 0
Seitel Canada [Member]
Credit Facility
Percent of present and future assets and equity used as guarantee	65.00%
Canadian Lender [Member]
Credit Facility
Maximum borrowing capacity | CAD				CAD 5,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 9½% Senior Notes [Member]
9½% Senior Unsecured Notes
Face amount of senior notes		$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of senior notes		9.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 9½% Senior Notes [Member]
9½% Senior Unsecured Notes
Percentage of principal amount	35.00%
Call premium	109.50%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 9½% Senior Notes [Member]
9½% Senior Unsecured Notes
Call premium	101.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Credit Facility
Basis spread on variable rate	3.50%
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Credit Facility
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Three-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Credit Facility
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Prime Rate [Member]
Credit Facility
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%

XML

Revenue Recognition

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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 typically 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,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Seismic data library additions	$	37	$	—	$	7,959	$	177
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	913		22		6,626		260
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	2		—		166		—
Revenue recognized related to Solutions	13		—		13		—

Revenue from Solutions

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

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Non-Cash Additions and Non-Cash Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue			$ 7,961	$ 177
Adjustment to prior year non-monetary exchange from underwriting of new data acquisition			(2)	0
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library			7,959	177
Non-cash revenue			6,805	260
Acquisition revenue on underwriting [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	$ 2	$ 0	166	0
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	913	22	6,626	260
Solutions revenue [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	$ 13	$ 0	$ 13	$ 0

XML

Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Restricted Cash) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 CAD	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 CAD
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items
Income Taxes Paid	$ 0.3	$ 2.2
Income Tax Refunds	0.4	$ 5.9
Cash Posted As Security Against Company Issued Credit Cards for Seitel Canada [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items
Restricted cash | CAD			CAD 125,000		CAD 125,000
Seismic Operations Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items
Restricted cash	$ 0.8			$ 0.8

XML

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Debt Issue Costs (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Unamortized Debt Issue Costs	$ 4.6

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - 9½% Senior Notes [Member] $ in Millions	Mar. 20, 2013 USD ($)
Face amount of senior notes	$ 250.0
Interest rate of senior notes	9.50%

XML

Basis Of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2014 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, 2014.

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,974	$ 59,175	$ 56,581	$ 31,353
Receivables
Trade, net	18,324	53,250
Notes and other	1,482	1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,153	1,143
Intercompany receivables (payables)	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Net seismic data library	163,161	165,079
Net property and equipment	2,948	3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	7,925	10,075
Intangible assets, net	6,598	10,013
Goodwill	182,196	193,722
Deferred income taxes	86,607	81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	534,368	579,756
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,897	34,400
Income taxes payable	125	197
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	1,765	2,219
Deferred revenue	21,250	34,517
Deferred income taxes	3,672	5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	312,709	326,667
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	400,441	400,177
Parent investment	0	0
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,753)	(148,776)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,029)	1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	221,659	253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	534,368	579,756
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables
Trade, net	0	0
Notes and other	0	0
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(2,003)	2,803
Investment in subsidiaries	494,773	497,151
Net seismic data library	0	0
Net property and equipment	0	0
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	4,965	5,751
Intangible assets, net	900	900
Goodwill	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	498,635	506,605
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	10,947	5,007
Income taxes payable	0	197
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Deferred revenue	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	260,947	255,204
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	400,441	400,177
Parent investment	0	0
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,753)	(148,776)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	237,688	251,401
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	498,635	506,605
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	62,085	48,525	47,383	24,859
Receivables
Trade, net	16,893	41,386
Notes and other	1	29
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,153	1,143
Intercompany receivables (payables)	4,306	13,666
Investment in subsidiaries	423,130	427,481
Net seismic data library	121,641	113,930
Net property and equipment	1,481	1,848
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	2,512	3,994
Intangible assets, net	4,416	6,826
Goodwill	107,688	107,688
Deferred income taxes	86,607	81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	831,913	848,260
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	20,006	22,841
Income taxes payable	0	0
Senior Notes	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	18
Deferred revenue	18,808	29,822
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	38,814	52,681
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Parent investment	764,105	764,105
Retained earnings (deficit)	28,994	31,474
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	793,099	795,579
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	831,913	848,260
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,889	10,650	9,198	6,494
Receivables
Trade, net	1,431	11,864
Notes and other	1,481	1,669
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(2,303)	(16,469)
Investment in subsidiaries	662	692
Net seismic data library	41,606	51,290
Net property and equipment	1,467	2,009
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	448	330
Intangible assets, net	1,282	2,287
Goodwill	74,508	86,034
Deferred income taxes	0	0
TOTAL ASSETS	122,471	150,356
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,944	6,552
Income taxes payable	125	0
Senior Notes	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	1,765	2,201
Deferred revenue	2,442	4,695
Deferred income taxes	3,672	5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	12,948	18,782
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Parent investment	156,259	156,152
Retained earnings (deficit)	(30,554)	(26,248)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,182)	1,670
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	109,523	131,574
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	122,471	150,356
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Receivables
Trade, net	0	0
Notes and other	0	0
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Intercompany receivables (payables)	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(918,565)	(925,324)
Net seismic data library	(86)	(141)
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	(918,651)	(925,465)
LIABILITIES
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	(920,364)	(920,257)
Retained earnings (deficit)	1,560	(5,226)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	153	18
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	(918,651)	(925,465)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	$ (918,651)	$ (925,465)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,974	$ 59,175
Receivables
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $264 and $268, respectively	18,324	53,250
Notes and other	1,482	1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	1,153	1,143
Seismic data library, net of accumulated amortization of $1,096,003 and $1,074,260, respectively	163,161	165,079
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $15,088 and $14,971, respectively	2,948	3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	7,925	10,075
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $42,686 and $41,785, respectively	6,598	10,013
Goodwill	182,196	193,722
Deferred income taxes	86,607	81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	534,368	579,756
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,897	34,400
Income taxes payable	125	197
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Obligations under capital leases	1,765	2,219
Deferred revenue	21,250	34,517
Deferred income taxes	3,672	5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$ 312,709	$ 326,667
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note G)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Additional paid-in capital	400,441	400,177
Retained deficit	(162,753)	(148,776)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,029)	1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	221,659	253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	$ 534,368	$ 579,756

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Stockholder's Equity - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 253,089	$ 0	$ 400,177	$ (148,776)	$ 1,688
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	100	100
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity [Roll Forward]
Amortization of stock-based compensation costs			264
Net loss	$ (13,977)			(13,977)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(17,717)				(17,717)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 221,659	$ 0	$ 400,441	$ (162,753)	$ (16,029)
Balance, shares (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015	100	100.0

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 67,729	$ 99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(61,218)	(72,272)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(406)	(1,404)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10)	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,634)	(73,686)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(168)	(187)
Intercompany transfers	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(168)	(187)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,128)	(249)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,799	25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	59,175	31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,974	56,581
Parent [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(12,797)	(12,485)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	0	0
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	0	0
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Intercompany transfers	12,797	12,485
Net cash used in financing activities	12,797	12,485
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	64,937	73,248
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(49,153)	(52,935)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(396)	(1,273)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10)	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(49,559)	(54,218)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(18)	(24)
Intercompany transfers	(1,797)	3,515
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,815)	3,491
Effect of exchange rate changes	(3)	3
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	13,560	22,524
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	48,525	24,859
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	62,085	47,383
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,589	38,587
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(12,065)	(19,337)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(10)	(131)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(12,075)	(19,468)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(150)	(163)
Intercompany transfers	(11,000)	(16,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,150)	(16,163)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,125)	(252)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(8,761)	2,704
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	10,650	6,494
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,889	9,198
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	0	0
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	0	0
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	0	0
Intercompany transfers	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 0	$ 0

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Revenue Recognition (Revenue from Non-Exclusive Data Licenses) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Revenue from External Customer
Payment terms of non-exclusive license contracts	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Revenue from External Customer
Payment terms of non-exclusive license contracts	12 months

XML

Seismic Data Library (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 01, 2015
Seismic Data Library
Straight-line amortization period			4 years
Internal data processing costs capitalized	$ 1,000	$ 900	$ 2,700	$ 2,800
Lowest amortization rate using the income forecast method			70.00%
Actual aggregate rate of amortization					70.00%
Asset impairment charges			$ 0	$ 0

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (13,977)	$ 8,953
Depreciation and amortization	68,114	85,938
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	(5,704)	7,430
Foreign currency exchange losses	1,559	1,344
Amortization of deferred financing costs	889	808
Amortization of stock-based compensation	264	417
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts	0	(337)
Non-cash other loss	0	14
Non-cash revenue	(6,805)	(260)
Decrease in receivables	33,923	3,342
Decrease (increase) in other assets	265	(703)
Decrease in deferred revenue	(14,035)	(14,140)
Increase in accounts payable and other liabilities	3,236	6,544
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,729	99,350
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	(61,218)	(72,272)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	(406)	(1,404)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	(10)	(10)
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,634)	(73,686)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	(168)	(187)
Net cash used in financing activities	(168)	(187)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,128)	(249)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,799	25,228
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	59,175	31,353
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63,974	56,581
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest	12,230	12,137
Income taxes, net of refunds received	(122)	(3,728)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to seismic data library	$ 7,959	$ 177

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 264	$ 268
Notes and other, allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Seismic data library, accumulated amortization	1,096,003	1,074,260
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	15,088	14,971
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 42,686	$ 41,785
Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100	100
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	100	100
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	100	100

XML

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

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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 typically 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,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Seismic data library additions	$	37	$	—	$	7,959	$	177
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	913		22		6,626		260
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	2		—		166		—
Revenue recognized related to Solutions	13		—		13		—

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 $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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 completed and 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 Company applies a minimum amortization rate of 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 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.

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, 2015, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

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, 2015 or 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, rather than as a deferred asset. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Adopting ASU 2015-03 will only result in a change in presentation and will reduce the Company's prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets and Senior Notes liability amounts in the consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2015, unamortized debt issue costs that would be subject to the guidance under this ASU were $4.6 million.

In August 2014, the FASB issued 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 (Topic 606).” 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. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year, which changes the date by which the Company is required to adopt the ASU to January 1, 2018. Early application of ASU 2014-09 is permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. 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.

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Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 09, 2015
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, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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,
	2015		2014		2015		2014
Seismic data library additions	$	37	$	—	$	7,959	$	177
Revenue recognized on specific data licenses or selections of data	913		22		6,626		260
Revenue recognized related to acquisition contracts	2		—		166		—
Revenue recognized related to Solutions	13		—		13		—

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUE	$ 31,242	$ 41,299	$ 86,290	$ 145,686
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	24,627	18,309	68,114	85,938
Cost of sales	37	29	164	282
Selling, general and administrative	5,293	7,181	17,150	21,499
Total operating expenses	29,957	25,519	85,428	107,719
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	1,285	15,780	862	37,967
Interest expense, net	(6,381)	(6,306)	(19,020)	(18,724)
Foreign currency exchange losses	(138)	(901)	(1,559)	(1,344)
Other income	0	5	5	64
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,234)	8,578	(19,712)	17,963
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,179)	4,092	(5,735)	9,010
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (4,055)	$ 4,486	$ (13,977)	$ 8,953

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	63,617	$	63,617	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	58,981	$	58,981	$	—	$	—

The Company had no transfers of assets between any of the above levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014.

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying value of the Company's debt was $250.0 million. The estimated fair value of the debt was approximately $214.7 million at September 30, 2015 and $243.8 million at December 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company's senior notes is based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).

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Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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 (Canadian), 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 matures 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, 2015, the calculated borrowing base was $27.3 million; however, the availability was limited to $17.3 million to allow for the minimum excess availability required as the fixed charge coverage ratio was below 1.00 to 1.00. No amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2015.

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Revenue Recognition (Revenue from Non-Monetary Exchanges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Nonmonetary Transaction
Seismic data library additions			$ 7,959	$ 177
Non-cash revenue			6,805	260
Specific Data Licenses or Selections of Data [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	$ 913	$ 22	6,626	260
Acquisition Contracts [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	2	0	166	0
Solutions [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Non-cash revenue	13	0	13	0
Seismic Data Library [Member]
Nonmonetary Transaction
Seismic data library additions	$ 37	$ 0	$ 7,959	$ 177

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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, 2015:
Cash equivalents	$	63,617	$	63,617	$	—	$	—
At December 31, 2014:
Cash equivalents	$	58,981	$	58,981	$	—	$	—

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, rather than as a deferred asset. This guidance requires retrospective application and is effective on January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted. Adopting ASU 2015-03 will only result in a change in presentation and will reduce the Company's prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other assets and Senior Notes liability amounts in the consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2015, unamortized debt issue costs that would be subject to the guidance under this ASU were $4.6 million.

In August 2014, the FASB issued 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 (Topic 606).” 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. In July 2015, the FASB agreed to defer the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year, which changes the date by which the Company is required to adopt the ASU to January 1, 2018. Early application of ASU 2014-09 is permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. 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.

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Statement Of Cash Flow Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Statement Of Cash Flow Information

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $0.8 million 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, 2015 and September 30, 2014 were $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. During the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, the Company received income tax refunds of $0.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015			2014
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	7,961		$	177
Adjustment to prior year non-monetary exchange from underwriting of new data acquisition	(2		)	—
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	7,959		$	177

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	166	$	—
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	6,626		260
Solutions revenue recognized from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	13	$	—
Total non-cash revenue	$	6,805	$	260

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Commitments And Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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, 2015, the Company has recorded the estimated amount of potential exposure it may have with respect to claims. Such amounts are not material to the financial statements.

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Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the consolidating condensed statements of operations and statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 and consolidating condensed statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 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, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	62,085	$	1,889		$	—		$	63,974
Receivables
Trade, net	—			16,893		1,431			—			18,324
Notes and other	—			1		1,481			—			1,482
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,153		—			—			1,153
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(2,003		)	4,306		(2,303		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	494,773			423,130		662			(918,565		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			121,641		41,606			(86		)	163,161
Net property and equipment	—			1,481		1,467			—			2,948
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	4,965			2,512		448			—			7,925
Intangible assets, net	900			4,416		1,282			—			6,598
Goodwill	—			107,688		74,508			—			182,196
Deferred income taxes	—			86,607		—			—			86,607
TOTAL ASSETS	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,947		$	20,006	$	4,944		$	—		$	35,897
Income taxes payable	—			—		125			—			125
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			—		1,765			—			1,765
Deferred revenue	—			18,808		2,442			—			21,250
Deferred income taxes	—			—		3,672			—			3,672
TOTAL LIABILITIES	260,947			38,814		12,948			—			312,709
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,441			—		—			—			400,441
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,259			(920,364		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,753		)	28,994		(30,554		)	1,560			(162,753		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—		(16,182		)	153			(16,029		)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	237,688			793,099		109,523			(918,651		)	221,659
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	48,525	$	10,650		$	—		$	59,175
Receivables
Trade, net	—			41,386		11,864			—			53,250
Notes and other	—			29		1,669			—			1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,143		—			—			1,143
Intercompany receivables (payables)	2,803			13,666		(16,469		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	497,151			427,481		692			(925,324		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			113,930		51,290			(141		)	165,079
Net property and equipment	—			1,848		2,009			—			3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	5,751			3,994		330			—			10,075
Intangible assets, net	900			6,826		2,287			—			10,013
Goodwill	—			107,688		86,034			—			193,722
Deferred income taxes	—			81,744		—			—			81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,007		$	22,841	$	6,552		$	—		$	34,400
Income taxes payable	197			—		—			—			197
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			18		2,201			—			2,219
Deferred revenue	—			29,822		4,695			—			34,517
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,334			—			5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,204			52,681		18,782			—			326,667
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,177			—		—			—			400,177
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,152			(920,257		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(148,776		)	31,474		(26,248		)	(5,226		)	(148,776		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		1,670			18			1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	251,401			795,579		131,574			(925,465		)	253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	28,145		$	3,427		$	(330	)	$	31,242
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			18,754			5,885			(12		)	24,627
Cost of sales	—			22			15			—			37
Selling, general and administrative	232			3,833			1,558			(330		)	5,293
	232			22,609			7,458			(342		)	29,957
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(232		)	5,536			(4,031		)	12			1,285
Interest expense, net	(5,563		)	(714		)	(104		)	—			(6,381		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(138		)	—			(138		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(5,795		)	4,822			(4,273		)	12			(5,234		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,937		)	1,820			(1,062		)	—			(1,179		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(197		)	(3,211		)	—			3,408			—
NET LOSS	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420		$	(4,055	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420	$	(4,055	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(8,262		)	7		(8,255		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(11,473	)	$	3,427	$	(12,310	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	35,200		$	6,445		$	(346	)	$	41,299
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			12,076			6,248			(15		)	18,309
Cost of sales	—			26			3			—			29
Selling, general and administrative	284			4,942			2,301			(346		)	7,181
	284			17,044			8,552			(361		)	25,519
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(284		)	18,156			(2,107		)	15			15,780
Interest expense, net	(6,214		)	149			(241		)	—			(6,306		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(901		)	—			(901		)
Other income	—			—			5			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(6,498		)	18,305			(3,244		)	15			8,578
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(2,497		)	7,332			(743		)	—			4,092
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	8,487			(2,501		)	—			(5,986		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	4,486		$	8,472		$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(6,891		)	9			(6,882		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(9,392	)	$	(5,962	)	$	(2,396	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	61,413		$	25,868		$	(991	)	$	86,290
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			44,180			23,972			(38		)	68,114
Cost of sales	—			109			55			—			164
Selling, general and administrative	807			11,933			5,401			(991		)	17,150
	807			56,222			29,428			(1,029		)	85,428
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(807		)	5,191			(3,560		)	38			862
Interest expense, net	(16,597		)	(2,125		)	(298		)	—			(19,020		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			(3		)	(1,556		)	—			(1,559		)
Other income	—			5			—			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(17,404		)	3,068			(5,414		)	38			(19,712		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(5,869		)	1,242			(1,108		)	—			(5,735		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(2,442		)	(4,306		)	—			6,748			—
NET LOSS	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786		$	(13,977	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786	$	(13,977	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(17,852		)	135		(17,717		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(22,158	)	$	6,921	$	(31,694	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

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 CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(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	$	(12,797	)	$	64,937		$	15,589		$	—	$	67,729
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(49,153		)	(12,065		)	—		(61,218		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(396		)	(10		)	—		(406		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(49,559		)	(12,075		)	—		(61,634		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(18		)	(150		)	—		(168		)
Intercompany transfers	12,797			(1,797		)	(11,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,797			(1,815		)	(11,150		)	—		(168		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			(3		)	(1,125		)	—		(1,128		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			13,560			(8,761		)	—		4,799
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			48,525			10,650			—		59,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	62,085		$	1,889		$	—	$	63,974

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

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	$ (4,055)	$ 4,486	$ (13,977)	$ 8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,255)	(6,882)	(17,717)	(7,458)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(12,310)	(2,396)	(31,694)	1,495
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	(4,055)	4,486	(13,977)	8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(4,055)	4,486	(13,977)	8,953
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	(209)	8,472	(2,480)	19,659
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(209)	8,472	(2,480)	19,659
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	(3,211)	(2,501)	(4,306)	(4,292)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,262)	(6,891)	(17,852)	(7,468)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11,473)	(9,392)	(22,158)	(11,760)
Consolidating Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions
Net income (loss)	3,420	(5,971)	6,786	(15,367)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7	9	135	10
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,427	$ (5,962)	$ 6,921	$ (15,357)

XML

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Supplemental Guarantors Consolidating Condensed Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	62,085	$	1,889		$	—		$	63,974
Receivables
Trade, net	—			16,893		1,431			—			18,324
Notes and other	—			1		1,481			—			1,482
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,153		—			—			1,153
Intercompany receivables (payables)	(2,003		)	4,306		(2,303		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	494,773			423,130		662			(918,565		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			121,641		41,606			(86		)	163,161
Net property and equipment	—			1,481		1,467			—			2,948
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	4,965			2,512		448			—			7,925
Intangible assets, net	900			4,416		1,282			—			6,598
Goodwill	—			107,688		74,508			—			182,196
Deferred income taxes	—			86,607		—			—			86,607
TOTAL ASSETS	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	10,947		$	20,006	$	4,944		$	—		$	35,897
Income taxes payable	—			—		125			—			125
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			—		1,765			—			1,765
Deferred revenue	—			18,808		2,442			—			21,250
Deferred income taxes	—			—		3,672			—			3,672
TOTAL LIABILITIES	260,947			38,814		12,948			—			312,709
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,441			—		—			—			400,441
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,259			(920,364		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(162,753		)	28,994		(30,554		)	1,560			(162,753		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—		(16,182		)	153			(16,029		)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	237,688			793,099		109,523			(918,651		)	221,659
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	498,635		$	831,913	$	122,471		$	(918,651	)	$	534,368

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	48,525	$	10,650		$	—		$	59,175
Receivables
Trade, net	—			41,386		11,864			—			53,250
Notes and other	—			29		1,669			—			1,698
Due from Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			1,143		—			—			1,143
Intercompany receivables (payables)	2,803			13,666		(16,469		)	—			—
Investment in subsidiaries	497,151			427,481		692			(925,324		)	—
Net seismic data library	—			113,930		51,290			(141		)	165,079
Net property and equipment	—			1,848		2,009			—			3,857
Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and other	5,751			3,994		330			—			10,075
Intangible assets, net	900			6,826		2,287			—			10,013
Goodwill	—			107,688		86,034			—			193,722
Deferred income taxes	—			81,744		—			—			81,744
TOTAL ASSETS	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	5,007		$	22,841	$	6,552		$	—		$	34,400
Income taxes payable	197			—		—			—			197
Senior Notes	250,000			—		—			—			250,000
Obligations under capital leases	—			18		2,201			—			2,219
Deferred revenue	—			29,822		4,695			—			34,517
Deferred income taxes	—			—		5,334			—			5,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	255,204			52,681		18,782			—			326,667
STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Common stock	—			—		—			—			—
Additional paid-in capital	400,177			—		—			—			400,177
Parent investment	—			764,105		156,152			(920,257		)	—
Retained earnings (deficit)	(148,776		)	31,474		(26,248		)	(5,226		)	(148,776		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—		1,670			18			1,688
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	251,401			795,579		131,574			(925,465		)	253,089
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY	$	506,605		$	848,260	$	150,356		$	(925,465	)	$	579,756

Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	28,145		$	3,427		$	(330	)	$	31,242
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			18,754			5,885			(12		)	24,627
Cost of sales	—			22			15			—			37
Selling, general and administrative	232			3,833			1,558			(330		)	5,293
	232			22,609			7,458			(342		)	29,957
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(232		)	5,536			(4,031		)	12			1,285
Interest expense, net	(5,563		)	(714		)	(104		)	—			(6,381		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(138		)	—			(138		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(5,795		)	4,822			(4,273		)	12			(5,234		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,937		)	1,820			(1,062		)	—			(1,179		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(197		)	(3,211		)	—			3,408			—
NET LOSS	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420		$	(4,055	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(3,211	)	$	3,420	$	(4,055	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(8,262		)	7		(8,255		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(4,055	)	$	(209	)	$	(11,473	)	$	3,427	$	(12,310	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	35,200		$	6,445		$	(346	)	$	41,299
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			12,076			6,248			(15		)	18,309
Cost of sales	—			26			3			—			29
Selling, general and administrative	284			4,942			2,301			(346		)	7,181
	284			17,044			8,552			(361		)	25,519
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(284		)	18,156			(2,107		)	15			15,780
Interest expense, net	(6,214		)	149			(241		)	—			(6,306		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			—			(901		)	—			(901		)
Other income	—			—			5			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	(6,498		)	18,305			(3,244		)	15			8,578
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(2,497		)	7,332			(743		)	—			4,092
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries	8,487			(2,501		)	—			(5,986		)	—
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	4,486		$	8,472		$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014

(In thousands)

	Parent		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
Net income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(2,501	)	$	(5,971	)	$	4,486
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—		(6,891		)	9			(6,882		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,486	$	8,472	$	(9,392	)	$	(5,962	)	$	(2,396	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations			Consolidated Total
REVENUE	$	—		$	61,413		$	25,868		$	(991	)	$	86,290
EXPENSES:
Depreciation and amortization	—			44,180			23,972			(38		)	68,114
Cost of sales	—			109			55			—			164
Selling, general and administrative	807			11,933			5,401			(991		)	17,150
	807			56,222			29,428			(1,029		)	85,428
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	(807		)	5,191			(3,560		)	38			862
Interest expense, net	(16,597		)	(2,125		)	(298		)	—			(19,020		)
Foreign currency exchange losses	—			(3		)	(1,556		)	—			(1,559		)
Other income	—			5			—			—			5
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of subsidiaries	(17,404		)	3,068			(5,414		)	38			(19,712		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(5,869		)	1,242			(1,108		)	—			(5,735		)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries	(2,442		)	(4,306		)	—			6,748			—
NET LOSS	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786		$	(13,977	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(In thousands)

	Parent			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Eliminations		Consolidated Total
Net loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(4,306	)	$	6,786	$	(13,977	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			—			(17,852		)	135		(17,717		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(13,977	)	$	(2,480	)	$	(22,158	)	$	6,921	$	(31,694	)

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

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

Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(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	$	(12,797	)	$	64,937		$	15,589		$	—	$	67,729
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in seismic data	—			(49,153		)	(12,065		)	—		(61,218		)
Cash paid to acquire property, equipment and other	—			(396		)	(10		)	—		(406		)
Advances to Seitel Holdings, Inc.	—			(10		)	—			—		(10		)
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(49,559		)	(12,075		)	—		(61,634		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	—			(18		)	(150		)	—		(168		)
Intercompany transfers	12,797			(1,797		)	(11,000		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,797			(1,815		)	(11,150		)	—		(168		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			(3		)	(1,125		)	—		(1,128		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			13,560			(8,761		)	—		4,799
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	—			48,525			10,650			—		59,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	—		$	62,085		$	1,889		$	—	$	63,974

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

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash equivalents	$ 63,617	$ 58,981
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash equivalents	63,617	58,981
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash equivalents	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (4,055)	$ 4,486	$ (13,977)	$ 8,953
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,255)	(6,882)	(17,717)	(7,458)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (12,310)	$ (2,396)	$ (31,694)	$ 1,495

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Seismic Data Library

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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 $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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 completed and 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 Company applies a minimum amortization rate of 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 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.

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, 2015, is 70% for all components. For those seismic surveys which have been fully amortized, no amortization expense is required on revenue recorded.

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, 2015 or 2014.

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Fair Value Measurements (Other Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Book Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Senior Notes	$ 250.0	$ 250.0
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions
Senior Notes	$ 214.7	$ 243.8

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Statement Of Cash Flow Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

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,
	2015			2014
Non-monetary exchanges related to resale licensing revenue	$	7,961		$	177
Adjustment to prior year non-monetary exchange from underwriting of new data acquisition	(2		)	—
Total non-cash additions to seismic data library	$	7,959		$	177

Schedule of Non-Cash Revenue

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2015		2014
Acquisition revenue on underwriting from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	166	$	—
Licensing revenue from specific data licenses and selections on non-monetary exchange contracts	6,626		260
Solutions revenue recognized from non-monetary exchange contracts	$	13	$	—
Total non-cash revenue	$	6,805	$	260