Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (160,500)	$ (84,240)	$ (62,183)
Foreign currency translation loss, net of taxes of $0 in 2015, $3,368 in 2014, and $(1,076) in 2013	(188)	(10,084)	6,894
Comprehensive income (loss)	(160,688)	(94,324)	(55,289)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	12,755	24,811	23,759
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (147,933)	$ (69,513)	$ (31,530)