Advances to suppliers (Details 2)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Advances On Inventory Purchases, Non Current	$ 8,638,260		$ 0
Zhejiang Longquanzhixin Commercial & Trade Co., Ltd [Member]
Advances On Inventory Purchases, Non Current	$ 8,638,260	¥ 60,000,000	$ 0

Carrying value of capitalized payments made in advance for inventory that is expected to be received in more than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

No definition available.

Name:	tanh_AdvancesOnInventoryPurchasesNonCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	tanh_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant