Equity (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, taxes	$ 0	$ 1,198	$ 0	$ 1,644
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	755,044	591,082	765,601	597,498
Net income (loss)	10,736	(12,467)	22,479	(20,107)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(6,627)	(8,430)	(14,056)	(7,653)
Comprehensive income	4,109	(20,897)	8,423	(27,760)
Exercise of common stock options	63	771	164	1,147
Proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	359,205	0	359,205
Distributions to public unitholders	(9,565)	(1,298)	(28,289)	(3,806)
Equity-based compensation	3,617	1,535	7,816	4,808
Treasury stock and other	(30)	(109)	(273)	(671)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(42)	(82)	(246)	(214)
Ending balance	753,196	930,207	753,196	930,207
TETRA [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	375,409	549,654	369,713	555,541
Net income (loss)	9,755	(10,537)	20,232	(19,928)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	(6,627)	(8,430)	(14,056)	(7,653)
Comprehensive income	3,128	(18,967)	6,176	(27,581)
Exercise of common stock options	63	771	164	1,147
Proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	0	0	0
Distributions to public unitholders	0	0	0	0
Equity-based compensation	3,163	1,053	6,157	3,889
Treasury stock and other	(9)	(68)	(252)	(421)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	(42)	(82)	(246)	(214)
Ending balance	381,712	532,361	381,712	532,361
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Beginning balance for the period	379,635	41,428	395,888	41,957
Net income (loss)	981	(1,930)	2,247	(179)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	981	(1,930)	2,247	(179)
Exercise of common stock options	0	0	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of stock	0	359,205	0	359,205
Distributions to public unitholders	(9,565)	(1,298)	(28,289)	(3,806)
Equity-based compensation	454	482	1,659	919
Treasury stock and other	(21)	(41)	(21)	(250)
Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	0	0	0	0
Ending balance	$ 371,484	$ 397,846	$ 371,484	$ 397,846