Supplemental Schedules Supplemental Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,384,000	$ 38,754,000	$ 74,048,000	$ 204,412,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,124,623,000	572,616,000
Total assets	2,067,836,000	1,206,533,000	1,261,818,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Long-term debt, net	844,961,000	387,727,000
Noncurrent liabilities	18,122,000	18,427,000
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	369,713,000	555,541,000
Total liabilities and equity	2,067,836,000	1,206,533,000
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	14,318	29,277	61,082		186,936
Affiliate receivable	6,480	4,210
Other current assets	254,743	295,678
Property, plant and equipment, net	438,196	470,606
Other assets, including investment in CCLP	282,308	317,622
Total assets	996,045	1,117,393
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	90,074	89
Other current liabilities	154,479	160,242
Long-term debt, net	305,000	357,768
Noncurrent liabilities	76,779	43,753
Total liabilities	626,332	561,852
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	369,713	555,541
Total liabilities and equity	$ 996,045	$ 1,117,393