Segment Information - Fixed Assets Less Accumulated Depreciation by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets less accumulated depreciation		$ 13,415	$ 15,396	$ 15,096
Operating Segments | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		4,392	4,885	4,858
Operating Segments | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		1,728	1,969	1,889
Operating Segments | Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		2,978	3,640	3,452
Operating Segments | Middle East & Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets		3,078	3,446	2,991
Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed Assets	[1]	$ 1,239	$ 1,456	$ 1,906

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