Unit-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Exterran Holdings
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	$ 800,000	$ 800,000	$ 600,000
Phantom units
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	1,200,000	800,000	500,000
Phantom units | SG&A expense
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	$ 300,000	$ (100,000)	$ (700,000)