Stockholders' Equity (Tables) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Notes (Tables) Line Items
Total equity	$ 601,608	$ 593,440	$ 601,608	$ 593,440	$ 517,353	$ 516,323	$ 581,650	$ 576,494
Net income (loss)	30,469	13,560	27,954	18,987
Changes in commodity derivatives, net of taxes	7,030	(2,035)	2,663	(3,703)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	2,229	(1,650)	5,713	(2,303)
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,728	9,875	36,330	12,981
Exercise of common stock options	491	365	2,805	784
Issuance of Compressco Partners common units, net of offering costs	42,885	0	42,885	0
Purchases of treasury stock and other	(684)	(81)	(1,269)	(123)
Stock compensation expense	1,303	1,505	3,140	3,055
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	532	126	1,394	249
TETRA
Notes (Tables) Line Items
Total equity	558,628	593,440	558,628	593,440	517,353	516,323	581,650	576,494
Net income (loss)	30,374	13,560	27,859	18,987
Changes in commodity derivatives, net of taxes	7,030	(2,035)	2,663	(3,703)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	2,229	(1,650)	5,713	(2,303)
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,633	9,875	36,235	12,981
Exercise of common stock options	491	365	2,805	784
Issuance of Compressco Partners common units, net of offering costs	0	0	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock and other	(684)	(81)	(1,269)	(123)
Stock compensation expense	1,303	1,505	3,140	3,055
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	532	126	1,394	249
Noncontrolling Interest
Notes (Tables) Line Items
Total equity	42,980	0	42,980	0	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	95	0	95	0
Changes in commodity derivatives, net of taxes	0	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	95	0	95	0
Exercise of common stock options	0	0	0	0
Issuance of Compressco Partners common units, net of offering costs	42,885	0	42,885	0
Purchases of treasury stock and other	0	0	0	0
Stock compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0