Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (84,240)	$ (62,183)	$ (239,393)
Foreign currency translation loss, net of taxes of $0 in 2015, $3,368 in 2014, and $(1,076) in 2013	(10,084)	6,894	(9,286)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(94,324)	(55,289)	(248,679)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	24,811	23,759	79,067
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (69,513)	$ (31,530)	$ (169,612)