Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (29,224)	$ 15,367	$ (176,955)	$ 11,743
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	(3,367)	2,358	(2,849)	(7,429)
Comprehensive income	(32,591)	17,725	(179,804)	4,314
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,585	602	61,539	(321)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (30,006)	$ 18,327	$ (118,265)	$ 3,993