Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (18,209)	$ (12,056)	$ (45,855)	$ (86,972)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0 in 2019 and 2018	(3,742)	(581)	(3,300)	(8,547)
Comprehensive income	(21,951)	(12,637)	(49,155)	(95,519)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,358	5,025	11,994	22,467
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TETRA stockholders	$ (19,593)	$ (7,612)	$ (37,161)	$ (73,052)