Supplemental Schedules Supplemental Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net	$ 114,284,000	$ 184,172,000
Inventories	106,546,000	117,009,000
Total current assets	275,791,000	354,029,000
Property, plant, and equipment	1,658,425,000	1,656,486,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(712,974,000)	(608,482,000)
Property, plant and equipment, net	945,451,000	1,048,004,000
Total assets	1,315,540,000	1,636,202,000	$ 2,063,522,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Long-term debt, net	623,730,000	853,228,000
Noncurrent liabilities	17,571,000	31,202,000
Current liabilities	116,885,000	185,246,000
Other liabilities	17,571,000	31,202,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(51,285,000)	(43,135,000)
Noncontrolling interest	166,943,000	272,963,000
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	233,523,000	241,217,000
Total liabilities and equity	1,315,540,000	1,636,202,000
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net	35,058,000	54,187,000
Inventories	44,765,000	39,766,000
Prepaid expenses	2,091,000	4,903,000
Other current assets	5,680,000	6,055,000
Total current assets	87,594,000	104,911,000
Property, plant, and equipment	341,985,000	346,622,000
Less accumulated depreciation	188,268,000	171,931,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	153,717,000	174,691,000
Other assets, including investment in CCLP	833,395,000	935,742,000
Total assets	1,074,706,000	1,215,344,000
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Long-term debt, net	119,640,000	286,570,000
Noncurrent liabilities	688,542,000	630,345,000
Total liabilities	841,181,000	974,127,000
Current liabilities	32,999,000	57,162,000
Long-term debt	119,640,000	286,620,000
Other liabilities	688,542,000	630,345,000
Total liabilities	841,181,000	974,127,000
Common stock	1,179,000	830,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(51,285,000)	(43,135,000)
Noncontrolling interest	283,631,000	283,522,000
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	233,525,000	241,217,000
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,074,706,000	$ 1,215,344,000