Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ (70,737)	$ 12,096	$ (68,938)	$ 20,558
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, as appropriate:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	597	(1,503)	(3,044)	265
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive income (loss)	(526)	369	(549)	716
Unrealized income (loss) on available-for-sale securities	245	(499)	177	463
Other changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	102	(34)	178	(27)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	418	(1,667)	(3,238)	1,417
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(70,319)	10,429	(72,176)	21,975
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(59)	281	17	394
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (70,378)	$ 10,710	$ (72,159)	$ 22,369