Segment Information - Fixed Assets Less Accumulated Depreciation by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets less accumulated depreciation	$ 15,096		$ 14,780		$ 12,993
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	4,858		4,868		4,230
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	1,889		1,788		1,472
Operating Segments | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	3,452		3,414		3,341
Operating Segments | Middle East & Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	2,991		2,908		2,233
Operating Segments | Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	$ 1,906	[1]	$ 1,802	[1]	$ 1,717	[1]

[1] Represents seismic vessels, including the related on-board equipment, which frequently transition between geographic areas.