Segment and Geographic Information - Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including multi-client data library)	$ 55,310	$ 62,311	$ 92,030
Operating segments [Member] | E & P Technology & Services [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including multi-client data library)	44,100	51,014	80,138
Operating segments [Member] | E & P Operations Optimization [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including multi-client data library)	1,780	2,869	2,849
Operating segments [Member] | Ocean Bottom Services [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including multi-client data library)	7,511	6,158	6,517
Support and other [Member]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including multi-client data library)	$ 1,919	$ 2,270	$ 2,526