Commitments and Contingencies - Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Nov. 03, 2015
Business acquisition, contingent consideration        
Cash transfer to Archrock, Inc. at Spin-off $ 49,176,000 $ 532,578,000 $ 0  
Accrual for outcomes of non-income-based tax audits 3,100,000 3,100,000    
EESLP        
Business acquisition, contingent consideration        
Maximum payments to be received by Archrock's subsidiary       $ 125,800,000.0
Aggregate amount of all reimbursable expenses incurred       150,000,000.0
Remaining principal amount due from PDVSA Gas 37,000,000      
Cash payment following occurrence of qualified capital raise       25,000,000.0
EESLP or Exterran Corporation        
Business acquisition, contingent consideration        
Aggregate gross cash proceeds on terms described in the Credit Agreement (at least)       $ 250,000,000.0
Indemnification receivables        
Business acquisition, contingent consideration        
Indemnification receivables from Archrock $ 1,700,000 $ 1,500,000