Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (14,619)	$ (29,224)	$ (25,871)	$ (176,955)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	2,968	(3,367)	5,161	(2,849)
Comprehensive income	(11,651)	(32,591)	(20,710)	(179,804)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,303	2,585	12,233	61,539
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (8,348)	$ (30,006)	$ (8,477)	$ (118,265)