Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock Value [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative Instruments [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Currency Translation [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 515,821	$ 768	$ 186,318	$ (8,843)	$ 47,407	$ (4,519)	$ 294,690	$ 0
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Net income (loss)	68,804						68,804
Translation adjustment, net of taxes	7,869					7,869
Net change in derivative fair value, net of taxes	(23,935)				(23,935)
Comprehensive income (loss)	52,738
Exercise of common stock options	1,222	2	632	588
Grants of restricted stock, net	(55)			(55)
Stock compensation expense	6,662		6,662
Minority interest	(141)		(141)
Tax benefit upon exercise of certain nonqualified and incentive options	247		247
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2009	576,494	770	193,718	(8,310)	23,472	3,350	363,494	0
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Net income (loss)	(43,718)						(43,718)
Translation adjustment, net of taxes	420					420
Net change in derivative fair value, net of taxes	(26,135)				(26,135)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(69,433)
Exercise of common stock options	1,597	8	1,598	(9)
Grants of restricted stock, net	(63)			(63)
Stock compensation expense	7,211		7,211
Tax benefit upon exercise of certain nonqualified and incentive options	517		517
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2010	516,323	778	203,044	(8,382)	(2,663)	3,770	319,776	0
Stockholders' equity rollforward
Net income (loss)	5,418						4,147	1,271
Translation adjustment, net of taxes	(6,647)					(6,647)
Net change in derivative fair value, net of taxes	2,663				2,663
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,434
Issuance of Compressco Partners common units, net of offering costs	42,177							42,177
Distributions to public unitholders	(1,182)							(1,182)
Exercise of common stock options	4,181	19	9,965	(5,803)
Grants of restricted stock, net	(656)			(656)
Stock compensation expense	6,288		5,801					487
Tax benefit upon exercise of certain nonqualified and incentive options	1,334		1,334
Other noncontrolling interests	(811)							(811)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 569,088	$ 797	$ 220,144	$ (14,841)	$ 0	$ (2,877)	$ 323,923	$ 41,942