Earnings per Share - Net Income Attributable to Archrock Common Stockholders (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Summary of net income attributable to Archrock common stockholders used in the calculation of basic and diluted income per common share
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Archrock stockholders	$ 9,974	$ (10,181)	$ 8,095	$ (28,553)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(54)	0	(54)
Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock stockholders	9,974	(10,235)	8,095	(28,607)
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(241)	(179)	(554)	(513)
Net income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders	$ 9,733	$ (10,414)	$ 7,541	$ (29,120)
Potential shares of common stock included in computing diluted income attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share
Weighted average common shares outstanding including participating securities (in shares)	129,486	70,952	104,489	70,847
Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding (in shares)	(1,644)	(1,308)	(1,576)	(1,327)
Weighted average common shares outstanding — used in basic income (loss) per common share (in shares)	127,842	69,644	102,913	69,520
Net dilutive potential common shares issuable:
Weighted average common shares outstanding - used in diluted income (loss) per common share (in shares)	127,955	69,644	103,013	69,520
On the settlement of employee stock purchase plan shares
Net dilutive potential common shares issuable:
On exercise of options (in shares)	2		4
On exercise of options
Net dilutive potential common shares issuable:
On exercise of options (in shares)	111		96