Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	$ 597,498	$ 593,308
Net income (loss)	(6,090)	2,100
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(2,467)	(5,936)
Comprehensive income	(8,557)	(3,836)
Exercise of common stock options	273	782
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,245)	(1,191)
Equity-based compensation	1,855	1,854
Treasury stock and other	(177)	(10)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	(236)
Ending balance	589,647	590,671
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	555,541	551,120
Net income (loss)	(6,934)	1,303
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(2,467)	(5,936)
Comprehensive income	(9,401)	(4,633)
Exercise of common stock options	273	782
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0
Equity-based compensation	1,653	1,532
Treasury stock and other	(1)	12
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	(236)
Ending balance	548,065	548,577
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	41,957	42,188
Net income (loss)	844	797
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0
Comprehensive income	844	797
Exercise of common stock options	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,245)	(1,191)
Equity-based compensation	202	322
Treasury stock and other	(176)	(22)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0
Ending balance	$ 41,582	$ 42,094