Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Details [Table]
Revenues	$ 225,435	$ 254,303	$ 221,101	$ 208,559	$ 231,140	$ 233,986	$ 234,909	$ 180,796	$ 909,398	$ 880,831	$ 845,275
Gross profit (loss)	18,541	47,442	31,050	38,359	32,226	50,447	52,710	31,997	135,392	167,380	89,042
Income (loss) before discontinued operations	(9,120)	12,854	(2,508)	2,100	(3,173)	8,601	12,178	1,148	3,326	18,754	5,482
Net income (loss)	(9,121)	12,854	(2,508)	2,100	(3,173)	8,602	12,181	1,147	3,325	18,757	5,418
Net income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (10,329)	$ 12,110	$ (2,931)	$ 1,303	$ (4,008)	$ 7,713	$ 11,574	$ 681	$ 153	$ 15,960	$ 4,147
Net income (loss) per share before discontinued operations attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (0.13)	$ 0.16	$ (0.04)	$ 0.02	$ (0.05)	$ 0.10	$ 0.15	$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ 0.21	$ 0.05
Net income (loss) per diluted share before discontinued operations attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (0.13)	$ 0.15	$ (0.04)	$ 0.02	$ (0.05)	$ 0.10	$ 0.15	$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ 0.20	$ 0.05