Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period			$ 23,909	$ 6,059
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(6,171)	(5,362)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			3,521	11,631
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Exterran stockholders	2,793	(259)	(2,650)	6,269
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period	21,259	12,328	21,259	12,328
Interest expense	30,250	36,968	58,124	74,959
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	23,849	(35,502)	39,000	(35,845)
Long-lived asset impairment	16,574	128,543	20,137	132,665
Derivatives - Cash Flow Hedges
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period			(2,984)	(17,072)
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	600	(600)	(26)	(603)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,146	11,631
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Exterran stockholders			1,120	11,028
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period	(1,864)	(6,044)	(1,864)	(6,044)
Derivatives - Cash Flow Hedges | Reclassification adjustments | Interest rate contracts
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Interest expense	1,000	9,000	1,700	17,900
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(400)	(3,200)	(600)	(6,300)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period			26,893	23,131
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(900)	(5,500)	(6,145)	(4,759)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			2,375
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Exterran stockholders			(3,770)	(4,759)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period	23,123	18,372	23,123	18,372
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Reclassification adjustments
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component
Long-lived asset impairment	$ 2,400		$ 2,400