Supplemental Schedules Supplemental Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net	$ 172,977	$ 114,284
Inventories	120,054	106,546
Total current assets	338,354	275,791
Property, plant, and equipment	1,691,383	1,658,425
Less accumulated depreciation	(796,078)	(712,974)
Property, plant and equipment, net	895,305	945,451
Total assets	1,308,614	1,315,540	$ 1,636,202
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Long-term debt, net	629,855	623,730
Noncurrent liabilities	15,517	17,571
Current liabilities	173,714	116,885
Other liabilities	15,517	17,571
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,767)	(51,285)
Noncontrolling interest	144,481	166,943
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	208,080	233,523
Total liabilities and equity	1,308,614	1,315,540
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net	44,796	35,058
Inventories	43,527	44,765
Prepaid expenses	3,145	7,771
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	97,522	87,594
Property, plant, and equipment	362,624	341,985
Less accumulated depreciation	206,131	188,268
Property, plant and equipment, net	156,493	153,717
Other assets, including investment in CCLP	897,488	833,395
Total assets	1,151,503	1,074,706
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Long-term debt, net	117,679	119,640
Noncurrent liabilities	771,554	688,542
Total liabilities	943,423	841,181
Current liabilities	54,190	32,999
Long-term debt	117,679	119,640
Other liabilities	771,554	688,542
Total liabilities	943,423	841,181
Common stock	1,185	1,179
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,767)	(51,285)
Noncontrolling interest	250,662	283,631
Total TETRA stockholders' equity	208,080	233,525
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,151,503	$ 1,074,706