Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (1,338)	$ (24,028)	$ (27,209)	$ (200,983)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	2,620	(1,654)	7,781	(4,503)
Comprehensive income	1,282	(25,682)	(19,428)	(205,486)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,670	9,346	17,271	71,918
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ 5,952	$ (16,336)	$ (2,157)	$ (133,568)