Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	$ 593,308	$ 569,088
Net income	2,100	1,147
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(5,936)	3,922
Comprehensive income	(3,836)	5,069
Exercise of common stock options	782	478
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,191)	(1,209)
Equity-based compensation	1,854	2,137
Treasury stock and other	(10)	28
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(236)	178
Ending balance	590,671	575,769
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	551,120	527,146
Net income	1,303	681
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(5,936)	3,922
Comprehensive income	(4,633)	4,603
Exercise of common stock options	782	478
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0
Equity-based compensation	1,532	2,083
Treasury stock and other	12	(10)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(236)	178
Ending balance	548,577	534,478
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	42,188	41,942
Net income	797	466
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0
Comprehensive income	797	466
Exercise of common stock options	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,191)	(1,209)
Equity-based compensation	322	54
Treasury stock and other	(22)	38
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0
Ending balance	$ 42,094	$ 41,291