Earnings Per Share - Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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	$ 18,332	$ 20,407	$ (73,236)	$ 51,559
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		0		(273)
Net income (loss)	18,332	20,407	(73,236)	51,286
Less: Earnings attributable to participating securities	(439)	(302)	(1,083)	(876)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$ 17,893	$ 20,105	$ (74,319)	$ 50,410
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)	152,973	144,692	152,790	135,081
Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding (in shares)	(1,999)	(1,761)	(2,060)	(1,911)
Weighted average common shares outstanding - used in basic net income (loss) per common share (in shares)	150,974	142,931	150,730	133,170
Weighted average common shares outstanding - used in diluted net income (loss) per common share (in shares)	151,038	142,965	150,730	133,206
Performance-based restricted stock units
Potential shares of common stock included in computing diluted income attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share
Net dilutive potential common shares issuable (in shares)	57	33		33
On settlement of employee stock purchase plan shares
Potential shares of common stock included in computing diluted income attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share
Net dilutive potential common shares issuable (in shares)	7	1		3