Statement of Cash Flow Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 CAD	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Income taxes paid	$ 1.5	$ 0.3	$ 2.3
Income tax refunds	5.1	$ 1.0	$ 7.2
Seismic Operations Bonds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 0.5				$ 0.5
Cash Posted As Security Against Company Issued Credit Cards for Seitel Canada [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents | CAD				CAD 125,000