Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	$ 99,005	$ 99,005	$ 82,525
Goodwill adjustments	127	0	16,480
Ending balance	99,132	99,005	99,005
Fluids Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	0	0	0
Goodwill adjustments	0	0	0
Ending balance	0	0	0
Offshore Services Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	3,809	3,809	0
Goodwill adjustments	127	0	3,809
Ending balance	3,936	3,809	3,809
Maritech Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	0	0	0
Goodwill adjustments	0	0	0
Ending balance	0	0	0
Production Testing Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	23,035	23,035	10,364
Goodwill adjustments	0	0	12,671
Ending balance	23,035	23,035	23,035
Compressco Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	72,161	72,161	72,161
Goodwill adjustments	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 72,161	$ 72,161	$ 72,161