Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - 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)	$ (20,156)	$ (24,922)	$ (19,900)	$ 54,010
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, as appropriate:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,365)	(2,632)	(757)	489
Equity interest in investees' other comprehensive income (loss)	0	738	0	(1,125)
Other changes in other comprehensive income	0	28	0	54
Total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	(1,365)	(1,866)	(757)	(582)
Comprehensive net income (loss)	(21,521)	(26,788)	(20,657)	53,428
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(227)	381	322	(1,384)
Comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to ION	$ (21,748)	$ (26,407)	$ (20,335)	$ 52,044