Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	$ 589,647	$ 590,671	$ 597,498	$ 593,308
Net income (loss)	(1,550)	(2,508)	(7,640)	(408)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	3,244	(2,786)	777	(8,722)
Comprehensive income	1,694	(5,294)	(6,863)	(9,130)
Exercise of common stock options	105	207	391	989
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,265)	(1,202)	(2,508)	(2,393)
Equity-based compensation	1,419	1,769	3,273	3,623
Treasury stock and other	(386)	(255)	(577)	(265)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(132)	(153)	(132)	(389)
Ending balance	591,082	585,743	591,082	585,743
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	548,062	548,577	555,541	551,120
Net income (loss)	(2,457)	(2,931)	(9,391)	(1,628)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	3,244	(2,786)	777	(8,722)
Comprehensive income	787	(5,717)	(8,614)	(10,350)
Exercise of common stock options	105	207	391	989
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0	0	0
Equity-based compensation	1,184	1,398	2,836	2,930
Treasury stock and other	(352)	(242)	(368)	(230)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(132)	(153)	(132)	(389)
Ending balance	549,654	544,070	549,654	544,070
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	41,585	42,094	41,957	42,188
Net income (loss)	907	423	1,751	1,220
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	907	423	1,751	1,220
Exercise of common stock options	0	0	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,265)	(1,202)	(2,508)	(2,393)
Equity-based compensation	235	371	437	693
Treasury stock and other	(34)	(13)	(209)	(35)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 41,428	$ 41,673	$ 41,428	$ 41,673