Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (12,153)	$ (14,619)	$ (74,916)	$ (25,871)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	(9,249)	2,968	(7,966)	5,161
Comprehensive income	(21,402)	(11,651)	(82,882)	(20,710)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	7,942	3,303	17,442	12,233
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (13,460)	$ (8,348)	$ (65,440)	$ (8,477)