v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Mar. 01, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
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, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
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     $ 140,940,825
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   20,676,047  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY