Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (147,731)	$ (3,622)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	518	(9,787)
Comprehensive income	(147,213)	(13,409)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	59,859	(924)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (87,354)	$ (14,333)