Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2012 Fluids Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Fluids Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Fluids Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Offshore Services Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Offshore Services Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Offshore Services Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Maritech Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maritech Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Maritech Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Production Testing Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Production Testing Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Production Testing Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Compressco Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Compressco Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Compressco Goodwill [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Compressco Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill table (details)
Beginning balance	$ 99,132	$ 99,005	$ 99,005	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,809	$ 3,936	$ 3,809	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 23,035	$ 23,035	$ 23,035	$ 72,161	$ 72,161	$ 72,161	$ 72,161
Goodwill acquired during the year	90,472	127					127						90,472
Ending balance	$ 189,604	$ 99,132	$ 99,005	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,936	$ 3,936	$ 3,809	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 113,507	$ 23,035	$ 23,035	$ 72,161	$ 72,161	$ 72,161	$ 72,161