Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	$ 591,082	$ 585,743	$ 597,498	$ 593,308
Net income (loss)	(12,467)	12,854	(20,107)	12,446
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(8,430)	6,873	(7,653)	(1,849)
Comprehensive income	(20,897)	19,727	(27,760)	10,597
Exercise of common stock options	771	597	1,147	1,586
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,298)	(1,210)	(3,806)	(3,603)
Equity-based compensation	1,535	1,490	4,808	5,113
Treasury stock and other	(109)	51	(671)	(214)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(82)	(249)	(214)	(638)
Ending balance	930,207	606,149	930,207	606,149
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	549,654	544,070	555,541	551,120
Net income (loss)	(10,537)	12,110	(19,928)	10,482
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(8,430)	6,873	(7,653)	(1,849)
Comprehensive income	(18,967)	18,983	(27,581)	8,633
Exercise of common stock options	771	597	1,147	1,586
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0	0	0
Equity-based compensation	1,053	1,152	3,889	4,082
Treasury stock and other	(68)	(13)	(421)	(243)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(82)	(249)	(214)	(638)
Ending balance	532,361	564,540	532,361	564,540
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	41,428	41,673	41,957	42,188
Net income (loss)	(1,930)	744	(179)	1,964
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	(1,930)	744	(179)	1,964
Exercise of common stock options	0	0	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,298)	(1,210)	(3,806)	(3,603)
Equity-based compensation	482	338	919	1,031
Treasury stock and other	(41)	64	(250)	29
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 397,846	$ 41,609	$ 397,846	$ 41,609