Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (24,028)	$ 10,736	$ (200,983)	$ 22,479
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	(1,654)	(6,628)	(4,503)	(14,056)
Comprehensive income	(25,682)	4,108	(205,486)	8,423
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,346	(1,164)	71,918	(3,375)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (16,336)	$ 2,944	$ (133,568)	$ 5,048