Results of Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Area (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	$ 78,303	$ 55,918	$ 157,498	$ 108,823
Gross margin	33,025	22,244	66,476	43,389
Income (loss) from operations	15,589	7,906	32,337	17,190
Depreciation and amortization	2,853	2,496	5,501	4,964
Total assets	201,678	193,683	201,678	193,683	232,012
Capital expenditures	5,359	2,416	9,478	3,657
Chemicals segment [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	45,992	29,142	93,639	56,068
Gross margin	20,217	11,011	41,132	22,312
Income (loss) from operations	16,350	8,266	33,472	16,791
Depreciation and amortization	458	390	862	780
Total assets	54,769	58,261	54,769	58,261
Capital expenditures	913	111	2,163	161
Drilling segment [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	29,801	24,464	58,790	47,105
Gross margin	12,005	10,808	23,515	19,753
Income (loss) from operations	6,444	5,905	11,994	10,602
Depreciation and amortization	2,302	1,981	4,461	3,923
Total assets	119,050	108,468	119,050	108,468
Capital expenditures	2,946	2,136	5,340	2,955
Artificial Lift [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	2,510	2,312	5,069	5,650
Gross margin	837	425	1,884	1,324
Income (loss) from operations	385	(32)	901	394
Depreciation and amortization	51	52	95	105
Total assets	9,298	8,889	9,298	8,889
Capital expenditures	55		68	11
Corporate [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers
Gross margin	(34)		(54)
Income (loss) from operations	(7,590)	(6,233)	(14,030)	(10,597)
Depreciation and amortization	42	73	83	156
Total assets	18,561	18,065	18,561	18,065
Capital expenditures	$ 1,445	$ 169	$ 1,907	$ 530

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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