v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Mar. 01, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name TGC INDUSTRIES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000799165    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Amendment Flag true    
Amendment Description Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.To add the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated March 13, 2012 regarding the audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. to modify Note B:Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition, Seismic Surveys, and to modify Note L "Contingencies".    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 87,671,126
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   19,356,551  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY