Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (12,467)	$ 12,854	$ (20,107)	$ 12,446
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014 and $165 and $711 in 2013	(8,430)	6,873	(7,653)	(1,849)
Comprehensive income	(20,897)	19,727	(27,760)	10,597
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,930	(744)	179	(1,964)
Comprehensive income attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (18,967)	$ 18,983	$ (27,581)	$ 8,633