Supplemental Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest	$ 497us-gaap_InterestPaid	$ 912us-gaap_InterestPaid
Income taxes	5,041us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet	5,020us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet
Purchases of computer equipment financed through capital leases	1,178us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred	1,952us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred
Investment in multi-client data library financed through accounts payable	7,018	0
Transfer of inventory to property, plant, equipment and seismic rental equipment	8,485io_TransferOfInventoryToRentalEquipment	2,308io_TransferOfInventoryToRentalEquipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	11,994	1,997
Ocean Bottom Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and seismic rental assets	$ 10,100

Transfer of inventory to rental equipment.

No definition available.

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Future cash outflow to pay for purchases of fixed assets that have occurred.

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The increase during the period in capital lease obligations due to entering into new capital leases.

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The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.

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