Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Financial Information Details [Table]
Total revenues									$ 845,275	$ 872,678	$ 878,877
Total revenues (quarterly)	186,182	201,434	235,114	222,545	213,249	211,918	241,618	205,893
Gross profit (loss)	(7,335)	35,668	35,813	26,364	(67,998)	28,779	47,832	35,094	90,510	43,707	213,097
Income (loss) before discontinued operations	(24,489)	1,960	30,523	(2,512)	(62,603)	187	13,635	5,456	5,482	(43,325)	68,807
Net income (loss)	(24,490)	1,954	30,469	(2,515)	(62,875)	170	13,560	5,427	5,418	(43,718)	68,804
Net income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (25,099)	$ 1,387	$ 30,374	$ (2,515)					$ 4,147	$ (43,718)	$ 68,804
Net income (loss) per share attributable to TETRA stockholders before discontinued operations	$ (0.33)	$ 0.02	$ 0.40	$ (0.03)	$ (0.83)	$ 0.00	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.05	$ (0.57)	$ 0.92
Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to TETRA stockholders before discontinued operations	$ (0.33)	$ 0.02	$ 0.39	$ (0.03)	$ (0.83)	$ 0.00	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.05	$ (0.57)	$ 0.91