Seismic Data Library - Summary of the net book value of the Company’s seismic data library (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	$ 115,922	$ 161,363
U.S. Offshore [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	168	226
Unconventional 3D [Member] | U.S. Onshore [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	96,457	128,479
Unconventional 3D [Member] | Canada [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	16,361	29,606
Conventional 3D [Member] | U.S. Onshore [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	2,103	2,286
Conventional 3D [Member] | Canada [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	154	107
2D [Member] | Canada [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	415	543
2D [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Net seismic data library	$ 264	$ 116