Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Quarterly Financial Information Details [Table]
Total revenues									$ 880,831	$ 845,275	$ 872,678
Total revenues (quarterly)	231,140	233,986	234,909	180,796	186,182	201,434	235,114	222,545
Gross profit (loss)	32,483	50,883	53,108	32,395	(7,335)	35,668	35,813	26,364	168,869	90,510	43,707
Income (loss) before discontinued operations	(3,173)	8,601	12,178	1,148	(24,489)	1,960	30,523	(2,512)	18,754	5,482	(43,325)
Net income (loss)	(3,173)	8,602	12,181	1,147	(24,490)	1,954	30,469	(2,515)	18,757	5,418	(43,718)
Net income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (4,008)	$ 7,713	$ 11,574	$ 681	$ (25,099)	$ 1,387	$ 30,374	$ (2,515)	$ 15,960	$ 4,147	$ (43,718)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to TETRA stockholders before discontinued operations	$ (0.05)	$ 0.1	$ 0.15	$ 0.01	$ (0.33)	$ 0.02	$ 0.4	$ (0.03)	$ 0.21	$ 0.05	$ (0.57)
Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to TETRA stockholders before discontinued operations	$ (0.05)	$ 0.1	$ 0.15	$ 0.01	$ (0.33)	$ 0.02	$ 0.39	$ (0.03)	$ 0.2	$ 0.05	$ (0.57)