Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (12,056)	$ (1,338)	$ (86,972)	$ (27,209)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, including taxes of $0 and $0 in 2015 and $1,198 and $1,644 in 2014	(581)	2,620	(8,547)	7,781
Comprehensive income	(12,637)	1,282	(95,519)	(19,428)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	5,025	4,670	22,467	17,271
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (7,612)	$ 5,952	$ (73,052)	$ (2,157)