Business Segment, Geographic and Major Customer Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	$ 78,628	$ 75,058	$ 236,126	$ 183,881
Gross margin	33,843	30,717	100,319	74,106
Income (loss) from operations	14,593	16,105	46,930	33,295
Depreciation and amortization	2,968	2,568	8,468	7,532
Total assets	218,135	211,028	218,135	211,028	232,012
Capital expenditures	5,765	2,314	15,243	5,971
Chemicals [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	44,189	43,639	137,827	99,707
Gross margin	20,774	17,393	61,856	39,705
Income (loss) from operations	16,530	13,795	50,005	30,586
Depreciation and amortization	460	409	1,321	1,189
Total assets	53,076	56,880	53,076	56,880
Capital expenditures	733	928	2,896	1,090
Drilling [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	30,424	26,963	89,214	74,068
Gross margin	11,252	11,091	34,764	30,844
Income (loss) from operations	5,329	5,585	17,320	16,187
Depreciation and amortization	2,277	2,056	6,738	5,979
Total assets	122,533	111,804	122,533	111,804
Capital expenditures	2,384	945	7,724	3,900
Artificial Lift [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers	4,015	4,456	9,085	10,106
Gross margin	1,817	2,233	3,699	3,557
Income (loss) from operations	1,384	1,811	2,284	2,205
Depreciation and amortization	54	50	148	155
Total assets	10,563	10,162	10,563	10,162
Capital expenditures	5	38	73	48
Corporate [Member]
Summarized financial information regarding reportable segments
Net revenue from external customers
Gross margin
Income (loss) from operations	(8,650)	(5,086)	(22,679)	(15,683)
Depreciation and amortization	177	53	261	209
Total assets	31,963	32,182	31,963	32,182
Capital expenditures	$ 2,643	$ 403	$ 4,550	$ 933

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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