Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (8,546)	$ (12,153)	$ (27,646)	$ (74,916)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0 in 2019 and 2018	848	(9,249)	442	(7,966)
Comprehensive income	(7,698)	(21,402)	(27,204)	(82,882)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,550	7,942	9,636	17,442
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (6,148)	$ (13,460)	$ (17,568)	$ (65,440)