Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (62,183)	$ (239,393)	$ (209,467)
Foreign currency translation loss, net of taxes of $0 in 2015, $3,368 in 2014, and $(1,076) in 2013	6,894	(9,286)	(19,792)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(55,289)	(248,679)	(229,259)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	23,759	79,067	90,027
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (31,530)	$ (169,612)	$ (139,232)