<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>175</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>296</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>64</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>4</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeLossUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLossUnauditedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - New Accounting Standards</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandards</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Standards</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Asset Impairments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairments</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Revenue</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/Revenue</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Other Related Charges</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedCharges</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Other Related Charges</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Equity and Cash Incentive Program</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EquityAndCashIncentiveProgram</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity and Cash Incentive Program</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2123100 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2124100 - Disclosure - Cash Flow Information Cash Flow Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CashFlowInformationCashFlowInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Flow Information Cash Flow Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandards</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301302 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - New Accounting Standards (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Standards (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandards</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/Inventories</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Asset Impairments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairments</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/Debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLoss</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Revenue (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RevenueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/Revenue</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedChargesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedCharges</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2320301 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - Equity and Cash Incentive Program (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EquityAndCashIncentiveProgramTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity and Cash Incentive Program (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/EquityAndCashIncentiveProgram</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2323301 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/SegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2324301 - Disclosure - Cash Flow Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CashFlowInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Flow Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/CashFlowInformationCashFlowInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401403 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revisions to Previously Issued Financial Statements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentationScheduleOfRevisionsToPreviouslyIssuedFinancialStatementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revisions to Previously Issued Financial Statements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - New Accounting Standards - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Standards - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - New Accounting Standards - Allowance for Credit Losses Rollforward (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/NewAccountingStandardsAllowanceForCreditLossesRollforwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>New Accounting Standards - Allowance for Credit Losses Rollforward (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/InventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/InventoriesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Asset Impairments - Schedule of Goodwill (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsScheduleOfGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairments - Schedule of Goodwill (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Asset Impairments - Schedule of Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangibles (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsScheduleOfDefiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangiblesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairments - Schedule of Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangibles (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407404 - Disclosure - Asset Impairments - Additional Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AssetImpairmentsAdditionalInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairments - Additional Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Debt - Long-term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Long-term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Debt - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411401 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossReclassificationsFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RevenueDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - Revenue - Contract Balances (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RevenueContractBalancesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue - Contract Balances (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedChargesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedChargesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - Restructuring and Other Related Charges - Restructuring Reserve Rollforward (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/RestructuringAndOtherRelatedChargesRestructuringReserveRollforwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring and Other Related Charges - Restructuring Reserve Rollforward (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419401 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420403 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Benefit Plans - Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - Equity and Cash Incentive Program (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/EquityAndCashIncentiveProgramDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity and Cash Incentive Program (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/EquityAndCashIncentiveProgramTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422401 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2423402 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424402 - Disclosure - Cash Flow Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.apergy.com/role/CashFlowInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Flow Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.apergy.com/role/CashFlowInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="a2020331apy10-q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9999.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>Uncategorized Items - a2020331apy10-q.htm</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/role/uncategorizedFacts</Role>
      <ShortName>Uncategorized Items - a2020331apy10-q.htm</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="a2020331apy10-q.htm">a2020331apy10-q.htm</File>
    <File>a2020331exhibit22.htm</File>
    <File>a2020331exhibit311.htm</File>
    <File>a2020331exhibit312.htm</File>
    <File>a2020331exhibit321.htm</File>
    <File>a2020331exhibit322.htm</File>
    <File>apy-20200331.xsd</File>
    <File>apy-20200331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>apy-20200331_def.xml</File>
    <File>apy-20200331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>apy-20200331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
