Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 03, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-13455
Entity Registrant Name	TETRA Technologies, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-2148293
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77380
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 64,937,973
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		126,635,900
Entity Central Index Key	0000844965
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Address, Address Line One	24955 Interstate 45 North
Entity Address, City or Town	The Woodlands,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Trading Symbol	TTI
City Area Code	281
Local Phone Number	367-1983