Equity (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, taxes	$ 0	$ 1,196
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	765,601	597,498
Net income (loss)	(3,622)	(6,090)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(9,787)	(2,467)
Comprehensive income	(13,409)	(8,557)
Exercise of common stock options	285	273
Distributions to public unitholders	(9,274)	(1,245)
Equity-based compensation	1,596	1,855
Treasury stock and other	0	(177)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(204)	0
Ending balance	744,595	589,647
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	369,713	555,541
Net income (loss)	(4,447)	(6,934)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(9,787)	(2,467)
Comprehensive income	(14,234)	(9,401)
Exercise of common stock options	285	273
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0
Equity-based compensation	1,119	1,653
Treasury stock and other	0	(1)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(204)	0
Ending balance	356,679	548,065
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	395,888	41,957
Net income (loss)	825	844
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0
Comprehensive income	825	844
Exercise of common stock options	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	(9,274)	(1,245)
Equity-based compensation	477	202
Treasury stock and other		(176)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0
Ending balance	$ 387,916	$ 41,582