Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Exterran Common Stockholders Per Common Share	Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Exterran Common Stockholders Per Common Share Basic income (loss) attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic income (loss) attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share is determined by dividing income (loss) attributable to Exterran common stockholders after deducting amounts allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Participating securities include our unvested restricted stock and certain stock settled restricted stock units that have nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to participating securities because they do not have a contractual obligation to participate in our losses. Diluted income (loss) attributable to Exterran common stockholders per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental common stock equivalents attributed to outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock, restricted stock units, stock to be issued pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan and convertible senior notes, unless their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components of comprehensive income (loss) are net income (loss) and all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from transactions with owners. Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax, that are designated as cash flow hedges to the extent the hedge is effective, amortization of terminated interest rate swaps and adjustments related to changes in our ownership of the Partnership.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist of cash, restricted cash, receivables, payables, interest rate swaps and debt. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximated their carrying amounts as reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of our fixed rate debt was estimated based on quoted market yields in inactive markets, which are Level 2 inputs. The fair value of our floating rate debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates offered on loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality, which are Level 3 inputs. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the fair value hierarchy.
Recent Accounting Developments	In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update which will require an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. For public business entities, this update is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued an update that addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs. The update requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB issued a subsequent update which clarifies that the guidance in the previous update does not apply to line-of-credit arrangements. Per the subsequent update, line-of-credit arrangements will continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs from an asset to a deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability and related disclosures, the adoption of this update is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued an update which revises the consolidation model. The update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued an update related to revenue recognition. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update also requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this update. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the update on our financial statements.