Archrock Partners (APLP) 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	EXTERRAN PARTNERS, L.P.
Entity Central Index Key	1367064
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$763,172,309
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,666,044
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$295	$182
Accounts receivable, trade, net of allowance of $1,253 and $363, respectively	79,452	52,641
Due from affiliates, net	2,322	10,548
Total current assets	82,069	63,371
Property, plant and equipment	2,399,934	1,794,545
Accumulated depreciation	-721,788	-647,527
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,678,146	1,147,018
Goodwill	127,757	124,019
Intangible and other assets, net	121,472	33,655
Total assets	2,009,444	1,368,063
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities	4,979	7,255
Accrued interest	11,876	5,940
Current portion of interest rate swaps	4,958	3,374
Total current liabilities	21,813	16,569
Long-term debt	1,300,295	757,955
Deferred income taxes	1,527	1,132
Other long-term liabilities	2,468	652
Total liabilities	1,326,103	776,308
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Partners' capital:
Common units, 55,724,022 and 49,465,528 units issued, respectively	668,714	578,493
General partner units, 2% interest with 1,129,221 and 1,003,227 equivalent units issued and outstanding, respectively	19,542	16,780
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,438	-2,353
Treasury units, 61,665 and 50,917 common units, respectively	-1,477	-1,165
Total partners' capital	683,341	591,755
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$2,009,444	$1,368,063

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance (in dollars)	$1,253	$363
Common units, units issued	55,724,022	49,465,528
General partner units, interest (as a percent)	2.00%	2.00%
General partner units, equivalent units issued	1,129,221	1,003,227
General partner units, equivalent units outstanding	1,129,221	1,003,227
Treasury units, common units	61,665	50,917

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Revenue - third parties	$580,739	$465,744	$386,731
Revenue - affiliates	297	449	762
Total revenue	581,036	466,193	387,493
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense) - affiliates	238,038	202,045	183,160
Depreciation and amortization	128,196	103,711	88,298
Long-lived asset impairment	12,810	5,350	29,560
Restructuring charges	702
Selling, general and administrative - affiliates	80,521	61,971	49,889
Interest expense	57,811	37,068	25,167
Other (income) expense, net	-74	-9,481	-35
Total costs and expenses	518,004	400,664	376,039
Income before income taxes	63,032	65,529	11,454
Provision for income taxes	1,313	1,506	945
Net income	61,719	64,023	10,509
General partner interest in net income	13,240	7,969	4,623
Common units interest in net income	$48,479	$56,054	$5,886
Weighted average common units outstanding used in income per common unit:
Basic (in units)	54,107	47,651	41,371
Diluted (in units)	54,109	47,667	41,382
Income per common unit:
Basic (in dollars per unit)	$0.89	$1.18	$0.14
Diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.89	$1.18	$0.14
Distributions declared and paid per limited partner unit in respective periods (in dollars per unit)	$2.17	$2.08	$2

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$61,719	$64,023	$10,509
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassifications to earnings	-4,752	5,004	-1,679
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps	3,667	2,737	898
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,085	7,741	-781
Comprehensive income	$60,634	$71,764	$9,728

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_PAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (USD $)	Partners' Capital Common Units	Partners' Capital General Partner Units	Treasury Units	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$420,960	$12,877	($758)	($9,313)	$423,766
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2011	37,308,402	757,722
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2011			-33,811
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital
Issuance of common units for vesting of phantom units (in units)	40,329
Treasury units purchased			-225		-225
Treasury units purchased (in units)			-9,819
Net proceeds from issuance of common units	114,530				114,530
Net proceeds from issuance of common units (in units)	4,965,000
Proceeds from sale of general partner units to Exterran Holdings		2,426			2,426
Proceeds from sale of general partner units to Exterran Holdings (in units)		100,861
Acquisition of a portion of Exterran Holdings' U.S. contract operations business	-28,221				-28,221
Contribution of capital, net	15,053	39			15,092
Excess of purchase price of equipment over Exterran Holdings' cost of equipment	-10,330	-682			-11,012
Cash distributions	-82,073	-5,793			-87,866
Unit-based compensation expense	782				782
Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassification to earnings				-1,679	-1,679
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps				898	898
Net income	5,886	4,623			10,509
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	436,587	13,490	-983	-10,094	439,000
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2012	42,313,731	858,583
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2012			-43,630
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital
Issuance of common units for vesting of phantom units (in units)	28,270
Treasury units purchased			-182		-182
Treasury units purchased (in units)			-7,287
Acquisition of a portion of Exterran Holdings' U.S. contract operations business	158,417	3,233			161,650
Acquisition of a portion of Exterran Holdings' U.S. contract operations business (in units)	7,123,527	144,644
Transaction costs for registration of units	-68				-68
Contribution of capital, net	36,625	827			37,452
Excess of purchase price of equipment over Exterran Holdings' cost of equipment	-11,161	-658			-11,819
Cash distributions	-99,115	-8,081			-107,196
Unit-based compensation expense	1,154				1,154
Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassification to earnings				5,004	5,004
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps				2,737	2,737
Net income	56,054	7,969			64,023
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	578,493	16,780	-1,165	-2,353	591,755
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013	49,465,528	1,003,227
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013			-50,917		-50,917
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital
Issuance of common units for vesting of phantom units (in units)	48,494
Treasury units purchased			-312		-312
Treasury units purchased (in units)			-10,748
Net proceeds from issuance of common units	169,471				169,471
Net proceeds from issuance of common units (in units)	6,210,000
Proceeds from sale of general partner units to Exterran Holdings		3,573			3,573
Proceeds from sale of general partner units to Exterran Holdings (in units)		125,994
Contribution of capital, net	7,960	73			8,033
Excess of purchase price of equipment over Exterran Holdings' cost of equipment	-19,725	-1,110			-20,835
Cash distributions	-117,331	-13,014			-130,345
Unit-based compensation expense	1,367				1,367
Interest rate swap gain (loss), net of reclassification to earnings				-4,752	-4,752
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps				3,667	3,667
Net income	48,479	13,240			61,719
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$668,714	$19,542	($1,477)	($3,438)	$683,341
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2014	55,724,022	1,129,221
Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2014			-61,665		-61,665

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$61,719	$64,023	$10,509
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	128,196	103,711	88,298
Long-lived asset impairment	12,810	5,350	29,560
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,973	2,975	1,508
Amortization of debt discount	1,042	419
Amortization of terminated interest rate swaps	3,667	2,737	898
Interest rate swaps	397	334
Unit-based compensation expense	1,376	1,174	797
Provision for (benefit from) doubtful accounts	1,060	-25	494
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-2,466	-10,140	-689
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, trade	-27,871	-14,532	-5,303
Other assets and liabilities	2,861	2,260	-855
Net cash provided by operating activities	185,764	158,286	125,217
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-303,952	-168,036	-157,828
Payments for business acquisitions	-483,012
Payment to Exterran Holdings for a portion of the contract operations acquisitions			-77,415
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	6,331	61,452	2,465
(Increase) decrease in amounts due from affiliates, net	8,226	-10,548	3,838
Net cash used in investing activities	-772,407	-117,132	-228,940
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	927,798	1,005,536	714,000
Repayments of long-term debt	-386,500	-928,500	-684,350
Distributions to unitholders	-130,345	-107,196	-87,866
Net proceeds from issuance of common units	169,471		114,530
Net proceeds from sale of general partner units	3,573		2,426
Payments for debt issuance costs	-6,986	-12,147	-1,011
Payments for settlement of interest rate swaps that include financing elements	-3,793	-2,207
Purchases of treasury units	-312	-182	-225
Capital contribution from limited partners and general partner	13,850	25,180	24,758
Increase (decrease) in amounts due to affiliates, net		-21,598	21,598
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	586,756	-41,114	103,860
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	113	40	137
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	182	142	5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	295	182	142
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	47,446	28,359	22,566
Cash paid for taxes, net	779	604	785
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Non-cash capital contribution from limited and general partner	6,153	21,684	14,549
Contract operations equipment acquired/exchanged, net	-11,970	146,758	47,908
Intangible assets allocated in contract operations acquisitions		3,131	5,005
Debt assumed in contract operations acquisitions			105,350
Non-cash capital distribution due to the contract operations acquisitions		12,350	28,221
Common units issued in contract operations acquisitions		170,537
General partner units issued in contract operations acquisitions		$3,463

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	1.  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization
	Exterran Partners, L.P., together with its subsidiaries (“we”, “our”, “us” or the “Partnership”), is a publicly held Delaware limited partnership formed in June 2006 to provide natural gas contract operations services to customers throughout the United States of America (“U.S.”). As of December 31, 2014, public unitholders held a 63% ownership interest in us and Exterran Holdings, Inc. (individually, and together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, “Exterran Holdings”) owned our remaining equity interests, including the general partner interests and all of the incentive distribution rights.
	Exterran General Partner, L.P. is our general partner and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Exterran Holdings. As Exterran General Partner, L.P. is a limited partnership, its general partner, Exterran GP LLC, conducts our business and operations, and the board of directors and officers of Exterran GP LLC, which we refer to herein as our board of directors and our officers, make decisions on our behalf.
	Nature of Operations
	Natural gas compression is a mechanical process whereby the pressure of a volume of natural gas is increased to a desired higher pressure for transportation from one point to another, and is essential to the production and transportation of natural gas. Compression is typically required several times during the natural gas production and transportation cycle, including: (i) at the wellhead; (ii) throughout gathering and distribution systems; (iii) into and out of processing and storage facilities; and (iv) along intrastate and interstate pipelines.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include us and our subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this process, actual future results could differ from those expected at the reporting date. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Revenue Recognition
	Contract operations revenue is recognized when earned, which generally occurs monthly when service is provided under our customer contracts.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. We believe that the credit risk in cash investments that we have with financial institutions is minimal. Trade accounts receivable are due from companies of varying size engaged principally in oil and natural gas activities. We review the financial condition of customers prior to extending credit and generally do not obtain collateral for trade receivables. Payment terms are on a short-term basis and in accordance with industry practice. We consider this credit risk to be limited due to these companies’ financial resources, the nature of services we provide and the terms of our contract operations customer service agreements.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, Access Midstream Partners LP (“Access”) accounted for approximately 12% of our consolidated revenue. Access merged with Williams Partners, L.P. (“Williams”) in February 2015 and, when combined, Access and Williams would have accounted for approximately 15% of our consolidated revenue during the year ended December 31, 2014. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2014. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, trade receivables outstanding from Access were approximately 19%, or 23% when combined with Williams, of our total trade accounts receivable balance.
	We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. The determination of the collectibility of amounts due from our customers requires us to use estimates and make judgments regarding future events and trends, including monitoring our customers’ payment history and current creditworthiness to determine that collectibility is reasonably assured, as well as consideration of the overall business climate in which our customers operate. Inherently, these uncertainties require us to make judgments and estimates regarding our customers’ ability to pay amounts due to us in order to determine the appropriate amount of valuation allowances required for doubtful accounts. We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We determine the allowance needed based on historical write-off experience and by evaluating significant balances aged greater than 90 days individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we recorded bad debt expense of $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a bad debt benefit of approximately $25,000.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. For compression equipment, depreciation begins with the first compression service. The estimated useful lives for compression equipment are 15 to 30 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Major improvements that extend the useful life of compressor units are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of up to seven years. Depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $119.0 million, $100.7 million and $85.5 million, respectively. When property, plant and equipment is sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the gain or loss is recorded in other (income) expense, net.
	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressor units from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. When necessary, an impairment loss is recognized and represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value as compared to its estimated fair value and is charged to the period in which the impairment occurred. Identifiable intangibles are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
	Due To/From Affiliates, Net
	We have receivables and payables with Exterran Holdings. A valid right of offset exists related to the receivables and payables with our affiliates and as a result, we present such amounts on a net basis in our consolidated balance sheets.
	The transactions reflected in due to/from affiliates, net, primarily consist of centralized cash management activities between us and Exterran Holdings. Because these balances are treated as short-term borrowings between us and Exterran Holdings, serve as a financing and cash management tool to meet our short-term operating needs, are large, turn over quickly and are payable on demand, we present borrowings and repayments with our affiliates on a net basis within the consolidated statements of cash flows. Net receivables from our affiliates are considered advances and changes are presented as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Net payables due to our affiliates are considered borrowings and changes are presented as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Income Taxes
	As a partnership, all income, gains, losses, expenses, deductions and tax credits generated by us generally flow through to our unitholders. However, some states impose an entity-level income tax on partnerships, including us. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting standard on income taxes under a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
	Segment Reporting
	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for entities to report information about the operating segments and geographic areas in which they operate. We only operate in one segment and all of our operations are located in the U.S.
	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 our limited partners or general partner. Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists only of derivative financial instruments. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) represent changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges and to the extent the hedge is effective and amortization of terminated interest rate swaps. See Note 9 for additional disclosures related to comprehensive income (loss).
	Financial Instruments
	Our financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, interest rate swaps and debt. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximated their carrying amounts as reflected in our 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.
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
	Fixed rate debt	$	690,295		$	611,000		$	344,955		$	346,000
	Floating rate debt	610,000			611,000			413,000			413,000
	Total debt	$	1,300,295		$	1,222,000		$	757,955		$	759,000
	GAAP requires that all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and that changes in such fair values be recognized in earnings (loss) unless specific hedging criteria are met. Changes in the values of derivatives that meet these hedging criteria will ultimately offset related earnings effects of the hedged item pending recognition in earnings.
	Hedging and Use of Derivative Instruments
	We use derivative financial instruments to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with financial activities by managing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our debt obligations. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We record interest rate swaps on the balance sheet as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities measured at their fair value. The fair value of our derivatives is estimated using a combination of the market and income approach based on forward LIBOR curves. Changes in the fair value of the swaps designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent the contracts are effective as hedges until settlement of the underlying hedged transaction. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of the transactions. If the necessary correlation ceases to exist or if the anticipated transaction becomes improbable, we would discontinue hedge accounting and apply mark-to-market accounting. Amounts paid or received from interest rate swap agreements are charged or credited to interest expense and matched with the cash flows and interest expense of the debt being hedged, resulting in an adjustment to the effective interest rate.
	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Unit
	Earnings (loss) per common unit is computed using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic earnings (loss) per common unit is determined by dividing net income (loss) allocated to the common units after deducting the amounts allocated to our general partner (including distributions to our general partner on its incentive distribution rights) and participating securities, by the weighted average number of outstanding common units (also referred to as limited partner units) during the period. Participating securities include unvested phantom units with nonforfeitable tandem distribution equivalent rights to receive cash distributions in the quarter in which distributions are paid on common units. 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.
	When computing earnings per common unit in periods when distributions are greater than earnings (loss), the amount of the actual incentive distribution rights, if any, is deducted from net income (loss) and allocated to our general partner for the corresponding period. The remaining amount of net income (loss), after deducting distributions to participating securities, is allocated between the general partner and common units based on how our partnership agreement allocates net losses.
	When computing earnings (loss) per common unit in periods when earnings (loss) are greater than distributions, earnings are allocated to the general partner, participating securities and common units based on how our partnership agreement would allocate earnings if the full amount of earnings for the period had been distributed. This allocation of net income (loss) does not impact our total net income (loss), consolidated results of operations or total cash distributions (including actual incentive distribution rights); however, it may result in our general partner being allocated additional incentive distributions for purposes of our earnings (loss) per unit calculation, which could reduce net income per common unit. However, as required by our partnership agreement, we determine cash distributions based on available cash and determine the actual incentive distributions allocable to our general partner based on actual distributions.
	The following table reconciles net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income	$	61,719		$	64,023		$	10,509
	Less: General partner incentive distribution rights	(12,258		)	(6,831		)	(4,503		)
	Less: General partner 2% ownership interest	(982		)	(1,138		)	(120		)
	Common units interest in net income	48,479			56,054			5,886
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(198		)	—			—
	Net income used in basic and diluted earnings per common unit	$	48,281		$	56,054		$	5,886
	There were no adjustments to net income attributable to common unitholders for the diluted earnings per common unit calculation for the years ended December 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table shows the potential common units that were included in computing diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average common units outstanding including participating securities	54,187		47,651		41,371
	Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding	(80	)	—		—
Weighted average common units outstanding — used in basic earnings per common unit	54,107		47,651		41,371
Net dilutive potential common units issuable:
Phantom units	2		16		11
Weighted average common units and dilutive potential common units — used in diluted earnings per common unit	54,109		47,667		41,382

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisitions
	2.  Business Acquisitions
	August 2014 MidCon Acquisition
	On August 8, 2014, we completed an acquisition of natural gas compression assets, including a fleet of 162 compressor units, comprising approximately 110,000 horsepower from MidCon Compression, L.L.C. (“MidCon”) for $130.1 million (the “August 2014 MidCon Acquisition”). The purchase price was funded with borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The majority of the horsepower we acquired is utilized under a five-year contract operations services agreement with BHP Billiton Petroleum (“BHP Billiton”) to provide compression services. In connection with the acquisition, the contract operations services agreement with BHP Billiton was assigned to us effective as of the closing. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we incurred transaction costs of approximately $1.0 million related to the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition, which is reflected in other (income) expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations.
	In accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement relating to this acquisition, we directed MidCon to sell a tract of real property and the facility located thereon, a fleet of vehicles, personal property and parts inventory to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exterran Holdings that is our indirect parent company for $4.1 million.
	We accounted for the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition using the acquisition method, which requires, among other things, assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
			Fair Value
	Property, plant and equipment		$	78,356
	Goodwill		3,738
	Intangible assets		48,373
	Current liabilities		(372		)
	Purchase price		$	130,095
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Acquired
	Property, plant and equipment is comprised of compression equipment that will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated average remaining useful life of 24 years.
	Goodwill of $3.7 million resulting from the acquisition is attributable to the expansion of our services in the region. The goodwill recorded is considered to have an indefinite life and will be reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.
	The amount of finite life intangible assets, and their associated average useful lives, was determined based on the period which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows, consisting of the following:
			Amount			Average
			(In thousands)			Useful Life
	Customer related		$	21,590		25 years
	Contract based		26,783			5 years
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		$	48,373
	The results of operations attributable to the assets acquired in the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Revenue attributable to the assets acquired in the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition was $9.2 million from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2014. We are unable to provide earnings attributable to the assets acquired in the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition since the date of acquisition as we do not prepare full stand-alone earnings reports for those assets.
	April 2014 MidCon Acquisition
	On April 10, 2014, we completed an acquisition of natural gas compression assets, including a fleet of 337 compressor units, comprising approximately 444,000 horsepower from MidCon for $352.9 million (the “April 2014 MidCon Acquisition”). The purchase price was funded with the net proceeds from the sale, pursuant to a public underwritten offering, of 6.2 million common units and a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% senior notes due October 2022 (the “2014 Notes”). The compressor units were previously used by MidCon to provide compression services to a subsidiary of Access. Effective as of the closing of the acquisition, we and Access entered into a seven-year contract operations services agreement under which we provide compression services to Williams (formerly Access). During the year ended December 31, 2014, we incurred transaction costs of approximately $1.5 million related to the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition, which is reflected in other (income) expense, net, in our consolidated statements of operations.
	In accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement relating to this acquisition, we directed MidCon to sell a tract of real property and the facility located thereon, a fleet of vehicles, personal property and parts inventory to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exterran Holdings that is our indirect parent company for $7.7 million.
	We accounted for the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition using the acquisition method, which requires, among other things, assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their fair value on the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
			Fair Value
	Property, plant and equipment		$	311,270
	Intangible assets		42,474
	Current liabilities		(827		)
	Purchase price		$	352,917
	Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets Acquired
	Property, plant and equipment is comprised of compression equipment that will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated average remaining useful life of 25 years.
	The amount of finite life intangible assets, and their associated average useful lives, was determined based on the period which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows, consisting of the following:
			Amount			Average
			(In thousands)			Useful Life
	Customer related		$	4,701		25 years
	Contract based		37,773			7 years
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		$	42,474
	The results of operations attributable to the assets acquired in the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Revenue attributable to the assets acquired in the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition was $64.5 million from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2014. We are unable to provide earnings attributable to the assets acquired in the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition since the date of acquisition as we do not prepare full stand-alone earnings reports for those assets.
	March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition
	In March 2013, we acquired from Exterran Holdings contract operations customer service agreements with 50 customers and a fleet of 363 compressor units used to provide compression services under those agreements, comprising approximately 256,000 horsepower, or 8% (by then available horsepower) of the combined U.S. contract operations business of Exterran Holdings and us (the “March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition”). The acquired assets also included 204 compressor units, comprising approximately 99,000 horsepower, previously leased from Exterran Holdings to us and contracts relating to approximately 6,000 horsepower of compressor units we already owned and previously leased to Exterran Holdings. At the acquisition date, the acquired fleet assets had a net book value of $158.5 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $94.9 million. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $174.0 million, excluding transaction costs. In connection with this acquisition, we issued approximately 7.1 million common units to Exterran Holdings and approximately 145,000 general partner units to our general partner.
	In connection with this acquisition, we were allocated $3.1 million finite life intangible assets associated with customer relationships of Exterran Holdings’ North America contract operations segment. The amounts allocated were based on the ratio of fair value of the net assets transferred to us to the total fair value of Exterran Holdings’ North America contract operations segment. These intangible assets are being amortized through 2024, based on the present value of income expected to be realized from these intangible assets.
	March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition
	In March 2012, we acquired from Exterran Holdings contract operations customer service agreements with 39 customers and a fleet of 406 compressor units used to provide compression services under those agreements, comprising approximately 188,000 horsepower, or 5% (by then available horsepower) of the combined U.S. contract operations business of Exterran Holdings and us (the “March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition”). The acquired assets also included 139 compressor units, comprising approximately 75,000 horsepower, previously leased from Exterran Holdings to us, and a natural gas processing plant with a capacity of 10 million cubic feet per day that we used to provide processing services. At the acquisition date, the acquired fleet assets had a net book value of $149.5 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $67.0 million. Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $182.8 million, excluding transaction costs. In connection with this acquisition, we assumed $105.4 million of Exterran Holdings’ long-term debt and paid $77.4 million in cash to Exterran Holdings.
	In connection with this acquisition, we were allocated $5.0 million finite life intangible assets associated with customer relationships of Exterran Holdings’ North America contract operations segment. The amounts allocated were based on the ratio of fair value of the net assets transferred to us to the total fair value of Exterran Holdings’ North America contract operations segment. These intangible assets are being amortized through 2024, based on the present value of income expected to be realized from these intangible assets.
	Because Exterran Holdings and we are considered entities under common control, GAAP requires that we record the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Exterran Holdings in connection with the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition and the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition using Exterran Holdings’ historical cost basis in the assets and liabilities. The difference between the historical cost basis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the purchase price is treated as either a capital contribution or distribution. As a result, we recorded capital distributions of $12.4 million and $28.2 million for the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition and the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	An acquisition of a business from an entity under common control is generally accounted for under GAAP by the acquirer with retroactive application as if the acquisition date was the beginning of the earliest period included in the financial statements. Retroactive effect to the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition and the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition was impracticable because such retroactive application would have required significant assumptions in a prior period that cannot be substantiated. Accordingly, our financial statements include the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, revenue and direct operating expenses associated with the acquisition beginning on the date of such acquisition. However, the preparation of pro forma financial information allows for certain assumptions that do not meet the standards of financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
	Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
	The unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been included to give effect to the additional assets acquired in the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition, the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition, the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition and the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition. The August 2014 MidCon Acquisition and the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition are presented in the unaudited pro forma financial information as though these transactions occurred as of January 1, 2013. The March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition and the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition are presented in the pro forma financial information as though these transactions occurred as of January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the following transactions:
	As related to the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition:
		·		our acquisition in August 2014 of natural gas compression assets and identifiable intangible assets from MidCon; and
		·		our borrowings under our revolving credit facility to pay $130.1 million to MidCon for the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition.
	As related to the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition:
		·		our acquisition in April 2014 of natural gas compression assets and identifiable intangible assets from MidCon;
		·		our issuance of 6.2 million common units to the public and approximately 126,000 general partner units to our general partner;
		·		our issuance of $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes; and
		·		our use of proceeds from the issuance of common units, general partner units and the 2014 Notes to pay $352.9 million to MidCon for the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition and to pay down $157.5 million on our revolving credit facility.
	As related to the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition:
		·		our acquisition in March 2013 of certain contract operations customer service agreements, compression equipment and identifiable intangible assets from Exterran Holdings; and
		·		our issuance of approximately 7.1 million common units to Exterran Holdings and approximately 145,000 general partner units to our general partner.
	As related to the March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition:
		·		our acquisition in March 2012 of certain contract operations customer service agreements, compression equipment, a natural gas processing plant and identifiable intangible assets from Exterran Holdings;
		·		our assumption of $105.4 million of Exterran Holdings’ long-term debt; and
	·		our payment of $77.4 million in cash to Exterran Holdings.
The unaudited pro forma financial information below is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of our results of operations that would have occurred had each transaction been consummated at the beginning of the period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. The unaudited pro forma financial information below was derived by adjusting our historical financial statements.
The following table shows unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per unit amounts):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
Revenue		$	618,843		$	589,286	$	442,774
Net income		$	64,290		$	79,693	$	25,792
Basic earnings per common unit		$	0.91		$	1.27	$	0.42
Diluted earnings per common unit		$	0.91		$	1.27	$	0.42
Pro forma net income (loss) per common unit is determined by dividing the pro forma net income (loss) that would have been allocated to our common unitholders by the weighted average number of common units outstanding after the completion of the transactions included in the pro forma financial information. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, to the extent that the quarterly distributions exceed certain targets, our general partner is entitled to receive certain incentive distributions that will result in more net income (loss) proportionately being allocated to our general partner than to our common unitholders. The pro forma net income per limited partner unit calculations include pro forma incentive distributions to our general partner and a reduction of net income allocable to our limited partners of $0.9 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which reflects the amount of additional incentive distributions that would have occurred during the period. There was no additional pro forma reduction of net income allocable to our limited partners, including the amount of additional incentive distributions to our general partner that would have occurred, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions	3.  Related Party Transactions
	We are a party to an omnibus agreement with Exterran Holdings, our general partner and others (as amended and/or restated, the “Omnibus Agreement”), which includes, among other things:
		·	certain agreements not to compete between Exterran Holdings and its affiliates, on the one hand, and us and our affiliates, on the other hand;
		·	Exterran Holdings’ obligation to provide all operational staff, corporate staff and support services reasonably necessary to operate our business and our obligation to reimburse Exterran Holdings for such services;
		·	the terms under which we, Exterran Holdings, and our respective affiliates may transfer, exchange or lease compression equipment among one another;
		·	the terms under which we may purchase newly-fabricated contract operations equipment from Exterran Holdings;
		·	Exterran Holdings’ grant to us of a license to use certain intellectual property, including our logo; and
		·	Exterran Holdings’ and our obligations to indemnify each other for certain liabilities.
	The Omnibus Agreement will terminate upon a change of control of Exterran GP LLC, our general partner or us, and certain provisions of the Omnibus Agreement will terminate upon a change of control of Exterran Holdings. Provisions in the Omnibus Agreement that provided caps on our obligation to reimburse Exterran Holdings for operating and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were in effect through December 31, 2014; however, effective January 1, 2015, these provisions of the Omnibus Agreement terminated.
	Non-competition
	Under the Omnibus Agreement, subject to the provisions described below, Exterran Holdings has agreed not to offer or provide compression services in the U.S. to our contract operations services customers that are not also contract operations services customers of Exterran Holdings. Compression services include natural gas contract compression services, but exclude fabrication of compression equipment, sales of compression equipment or material, parts or equipment that are components of compression equipment, leasing of compression equipment without also providing related compression equipment service, gas processing operations services and operation, maintenance, service, repairs or overhauls of compression equipment owned by third parties. Similarly, we have agreed not to offer or provide compression services to Exterran Holdings’ U.S. contract operations services customers that are not also our contract operations services customers.
	Some of our customers are also Exterran Holdings’ contract operations services customers, which we refer to as overlapping customers. We and Exterran Holdings have agreed, subject to the exceptions described below, not to provide contract operations services to an overlapping customer at any site at which the other was providing such services to an overlapping customer on the date of the most recent amendment to the Omnibus Agreement, each being referred to as a “Partnership site” or an “Exterran site.” Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, if an overlapping customer requests contract operations services at a Partnership site or an Exterran site, whether in addition to or in replacement of the equipment existing at such site on the date of the most recent amendment to the Omnibus Agreement, we may provide contract operations services if such overlapping customer is a Partnership overlapping customer, and Exterran Holdings will be entitled to provide such contract operations services if such overlapping customer is an Exterran overlapping customer. Additionally, any additional contract operations services provided to a Partnership overlapping customer will be provided by us and any additional services provided to an Exterran overlapping customer will be provided by Exterran Holdings.
	Exterran Holdings also has agreed that new customers for contract compression services are for our account unless the new customer is unwilling to contract with us or unwilling to do so under our form of compression services agreement. In that case, Exterran Holdings may provide compression services to the new customer. In the event that either we or Exterran Holdings enter into a contract to provide compression services to a new customer, either we or Exterran Holdings, as applicable, will receive the protection of the applicable non-competition arrangements described above in the same manner as if such new customer had been a compression services customer of either us or Exterran Holdings on the date of the Omnibus Agreement.
	Unless the Omnibus Agreement is terminated earlier due to a change of control of Exterran GP LLC, our general partner or us, the non-competition provisions of the Omnibus Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2015 or on the date on which a change of control of Exterran Holdings occurs, whichever event occurs first. If a change of control of Exterran Holdings occurs, and neither the Omnibus Agreement nor the non-competition arrangements have already terminated, Exterran Holdings will agree for the remaining term of the non-competition arrangements not to provide contract operations services to our customers at any site where we are providing contract operations services at the time of the change of control.
	Indemnification for Environmental and Other Liabilities
	Under the Omnibus Agreement, Exterran Holdings has agreed to indemnify us, for a three-year period following each applicable asset acquisition from Exterran Holdings, against certain potential environmental claims, losses and expenses associated with the ownership and operation of the acquired assets that occur before the acquisition date. Exterran Holdings’ maximum liability for environmental indemnification obligations under the Omnibus Agreement cannot exceed $5 million, and Exterran Holdings will not have any obligation under the environmental or any other indemnification until our aggregate losses exceed $250,000. Exterran Holdings will have no indemnification obligations with respect to environmental claims made as a result of additions to or modifications of environmental laws promulgated after such acquisition date. We have agreed to indemnify Exterran Holdings against environmental liabilities occurring on or after the applicable acquisition date related to our assets to the extent Exterran Holdings is not required to indemnify us.
	Additionally, Exterran Holdings will indemnify us for losses attributable to title defects, retained assets and income taxes attributable to pre-closing operations. We will indemnify Exterran Holdings for all losses attributable to the post-closing operations of the assets contributed to us, to the extent not subject to Exterran Holdings’ indemnification obligations. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no requests for indemnification by either party.
	Purchase of New Compression Equipment from Exterran Holdings
	Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, we may purchase newly-fabricated compression equipment from Exterran Holdings or its affiliates at Exterran Holdings’ cost to fabricate such equipment plus a fixed margin, which may be modified with the approval of Exterran Holdings and the conflicts committee of our board of directors. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we purchased $233.0 million, $118.4 million and $109.9 million, respectively, of newly-fabricated compression equipment from Exterran Holdings. Transactions between us and Exterran Holdings and its affiliates are transactions between entities under common control. Under GAAP, transfers of assets and liabilities between entities under common control are to be initially recorded on the books of the receiving entity at the carrying value of the transferor. Any difference between consideration given and the carrying value of the assets or liabilities is treated as a capital distribution or contribution. As a result, the newly-fabricated compression equipment purchased during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as property, plant and equipment of $212.2 million, $106.6 million and $98.9 million, respectively, which represents the carrying value of the Exterran Holdings’ affiliates that sold it to us, and as a distribution of equity of $20.8 million, $11.8 million and $11.0 million, respectively, which represents the fixed margin we paid above the carrying value in accordance with the Omnibus Agreement. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Exterran Holdings contributed to us $6.2 million, $21.7 million and $14.5 million, respectively, primarily related to the completion of overhauls on compression equipment that was exchanged with us or contributed to us and where overhauls were in progress on the date of exchange or contribution.
	Transfer, Exchange or Lease of Compression Equipment with Exterran Holdings
	If Exterran Holdings determines in good faith that we or Exterran Holdings’ contract operations services business need to transfer, exchange or lease compression equipment between Exterran Holdings and us, the Omnibus Agreement permits such equipment to be transferred, exchanged or leased if it will not cause us to breach any existing contracts, suffer a loss of revenue under an existing compression services contract or incur any unreimbursed costs. In consideration for such transfer, exchange or lease of compression equipment, the transferee will either (1) transfer to the transferor compression equipment equal in value to the appraised value of the compression equipment transferred to it, (2) agree to lease such compression equipment from the transferor or (3) pay the transferor an amount in cash equal to the appraised value of the compression equipment transferred to it.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, we transferred ownership of 443 compressor units, totaling approximately 224,600 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $93.2 million, to Exterran Holdings. In exchange, Exterran Holdings transferred ownership of 463 compressor units, totaling approximately 165,800 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $81.2 million, to us. During the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, we transferred ownership of 316 compressor units, totaling approximately 134,600 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $59.9 million, to Exterran Holdings. In exchange, Exterran Holdings transferred ownership of 335 compressor units, totaling approximately 101,500 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $48.1 million, to us. During the year ended December 31, 2012, pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, we transferred ownership of 538 compressor units, totaling approximately 229,800 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $96.2 million, to Exterran Holdings. In exchange, Exterran Holdings transferred ownership of 488 compressor units, totaling approximately 148,800 horsepower with a net book value of approximately $72.0 million, to us. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recorded capital distributions of approximately $12.0 million, $11.8 million and $24.2 million, respectively, related to the differences in net book value on the exchanged compression equipment. No customer contracts were included in the transfers. Under the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, such transfers must be of equal appraised value, as defined in the Omnibus Agreement, with any difference being settled in cash.
	At December 31, 2014, we had equipment on lease to Exterran Holdings with an aggregate cost and accumulated depreciation of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had revenue of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from Exterran Holdings related to the lease of our compression equipment. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we had cost of sales of $4.9 million, $5.8 million and $9.0 million, respectively, with Exterran Holdings related to the lease of Exterran Holdings’ compression equipment.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we sold used compression equipment with a net book value of $5.0 million to Exterran Holdings for $7.3 million. Under GAAP, assets sales between entities under common control are to be initially recorded on the books of the receiving entity at the carrying value of the transferor. Any difference between consideration received and the carrying value of the assets sold is treated as a capital distribution or contribution. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a capital contribution of $2.3 million related to the difference between the sales price and the carrying value of the used compression equipment sold. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we did not sell any used compression equipment to Exterran Holdings.
	Reimbursement of Operating and SG&A Expense
	Exterran Holdings provides all operational staff, corporate staff and support services reasonably necessary to run our business. These services may include, without limitation, operations, marketing, maintenance and repair, periodic overhauls of compression equipment, inventory management, legal, accounting, treasury, insurance administration and claims processing, risk management, health, safety and environmental, information technology, human resources, credit, payroll, internal audit, taxes, facilities management, investor relations, enterprise resource planning system, training, executive, sales, business development and engineering.
	Exterran Holdings charges us for costs that are directly attributable to us. Costs that are indirectly attributable to us and Exterran Holdings’ other operations are allocated among Exterran Holdings’ other operations and us. The allocation methodologies vary based on the nature of the charge and have included, among other things, revenue and horsepower. We believe that the allocation methodologies used to allocate indirect costs to us are reasonable. Included in our SG&A expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $72.0 million, $55.0 million and $43.2 million, respectively, of indirect costs incurred by Exterran Holdings.
	Under the Omnibus Agreement, our obligation to reimburse Exterran Holdings for any cost of sales that it incurred in the operation of our business and any cash SG&A expense allocated to us was capped (after taking into account any such costs we incurred and paid directly) through December 31, 2014. Cost of sales was capped at $21.75 per operating horsepower per quarter through December 31, 2013 and $22.50 per operating horsepower per quarter from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. SG&A costs were capped at $9.0 million per quarter from June 10, 2011 through March 7, 2012, $10.5 million per quarter from March 8, 2012 through March 31, 2013, $12.5 million per quarter from April 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013, $15.0 million per quarter from January 1, 2014 through April 9, 2014 and $17.7 million per quarter from April 10, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The cost caps provided in the Omnibus Agreement were in effect through December 31, 2014; however, effective January 1, 2015, these provisions of the Omnibus Agreement terminated.
	Our cost of sales exceeded the cap provided in the Omnibus Agreement by $2.5 million, $12.4 million and $16.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our SG&A expenses exceeded the cap provided in the Omnibus Agreement by $11.4 million, $12.8 million and $8.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The excess amounts over the caps are included in the consolidated statements of operations as cost of sales or SG&A expense. The cash received for the amounts over the caps has been accounted for as a capital contribution in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill	4.  Goodwill
	We review the carrying value of our goodwill in the fourth quarter of every year, or whenever events indicate impairment may have occurred, to determine if the estimated recoverable value of our reporting unit exceeds its net carrying value (including the applicable goodwill).
	A qualitative assessment is performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is impaired. If it is more likely than not, we perform a goodwill impairment test. We determine the fair value of our reporting unit using both the expected present value of future cash flows and a market approach. Each approach is weighted 50% in determining our calculated fair value. The present value of future cash flows is estimated using our most recent forecast and the weighted average cost of capital. The market approach uses a market multiple on the reporting unit’s earnings before interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense. Significant estimates for our reporting unit included in our impairment analysis are our cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples. Changes in forecasts, cost of capital and market multiples could affect the estimated fair value of our reporting unit and result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period.
	Management must apply judgment in determining the estimated fair value of our reporting unit for purposes of performing a goodwill impairment test. Management uses all available information to make this fair value determination, including the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved in the assets.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we determined that there was no impairment of goodwill.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no additions or acquisitions that resulted in the recognition of goodwill. The following table presents the change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Goodwill as of January 1, 2014(1)	$	124,019
	Goodwill acquired during year	3,738
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2014(1)	$	127,757
	(1)We do not have any accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible_and_Other_Assets

Intangible and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible and Other Assets
Intangible and Other Assets Disclosure	5.  Intangible and Other Assets
	Intangible and other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Deferred financing costs	$	26,970	$	(8,982	)	$	19,984	$	(6,009	)
	Customer related (12-25 year life)	54,505		(12,121		)	28,214		(8,872		)
	Contract based (5-9 year life)	65,766		(7,178		)	1,210		(1,194		)
	Interest rate swaps	712		—			322		—
	Long-term tax receivable	1,800		—			—		—
	Intangible and other assets	$	149,753	$	(28,281	)	$	49,730	$	(16,075	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs totaled $3.0 million, $3.0 million and $1.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is recorded to interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of intangible assets totaled $9.2 million, $3.0 million and $2.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Estimated future intangible amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	14,448
	2016	14,203
	2017	13,980
	2018	13,782
	2019	11,352
	Thereafter	33,207
	Total	$	100,972

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt	6.  Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Revolving credit facility due May 2018		$	460,000		$	263,000
	Term loan facility due May 2018		150,000			150,000
	6% senior notes due April 2021 (presented net of the unamortized discount of $4.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively)		345,528			344,955
	6% senior notes due October 2022 (presented net of the unamortized discount of $5.2 million as of December 31, 2014)		344,767			—
	Long-term debt		$	1,300,295		$	757,955
	Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan
	In November 2010, we entered into an amendment and restatement of our senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) to provide for a five-year $550.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $400.0 million revolving credit facility and a $150.0 million term loan facility. The revolving borrowing capacity under this facility was increased to $550.0 million in March 2011 and to $750.0 million in March 2012. In March 2013, we amended our Credit Agreement to reduce the borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility to $650.0 million and extend the maturity date of the term loan and revolving credit facilities to May 2018. As a result of the March 2013 amendment, we expensed $0.7 million of unamortized deferred financing costs, which is reflected in interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we incurred transaction costs of approximately $4.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to the amendments to our Credit Agreement. These costs were included in intangible and other assets, net, and are being amortized over the terms of the facilities. As of December 31, 2014, we had undrawn and available capacity of $190.0 million under our revolving credit facility.
	The revolving credit and term loan facilities bear interest at a base rate or LIBOR, at our option, plus an applicable margin. Depending on our leverage ratio, the applicable margin for the revolving and term loans varies (i) in the case of LIBOR loans, from 2.0% to 3.0% and (ii) in the case of base rate loans, from 1.0% to 2.0%. The base rate is the highest of the prime rate announced by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5% and one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. At December 31, 2014, all amounts outstanding under these facilities were LIBOR loans and the applicable margin was 2.5%. The weighted average annual interest rate on the outstanding balance of these facilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, excluding the effect of interest rate swaps, was 2.7% and 2.2%, respectively.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the U.S. personal property assets of us and our Significant Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement), including all of the membership interests of our Domestic Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of December 31, 2014, subject to certain conditions, at our request, and with the approval of the lenders, the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement could be increased by up to an additional $300 million. In February 2015, we executed an amendment to our Credit Agreement, which among other things, increases the borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility by $250.0 million to $900.0 million.
	The Credit Agreement contains various covenants with which we must comply, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the use of proceeds from borrowings and limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make certain investments and acquisitions, make loans, grant liens, repurchase equity and pay dividends and distributions. The Credit Agreement also contains various covenants requiring mandatory prepayments from the net cash proceeds of certain asset transfers. We must maintain various consolidated financial ratios, including a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to Total Interest Expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.75 to 1.0, a ratio of Total Debt (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to EBITDA of not greater than 5.25 to 1.0 (subject to a temporary increase to 5.5 to 1.0 for any quarter during which an acquisition meeting certain thresholds is completed and for the following two quarters after the acquisition closes) and a ratio of Senior Secured Debt (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to EBITDA of not greater than 4.0 to 1.0. Because the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition closed during the third quarter of 2014, our Total Debt to EBITDA ratio threshold was temporarily increased to 5.5 to 1.0 during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 and will continue at that level through March 31, 2015, reverting to 5.25 to 1.0 for the quarter ending June 30, 2015 and subsequent quarters. A material adverse effect on our assets, liabilities, financial condition, business or operations that, taken as a whole, impacts our ability to perform our obligations under the Credit Agreement, could lead to a default under that agreement. A default under one of our debt agreements would trigger cross-default provisions under our other debt agreements, which would accelerate our obligation to repay our indebtedness under those agreements. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
	6% Senior Notes Due April 2021
	In March 2013, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% senior notes due April 2021 (the “2013 Notes”). We used the net proceeds of $336.9 million, after original issuance discount and issuance costs, to repay borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We incurred $7.8 million in transaction costs related to this issuance. These costs were included in intangible and other assets, net, and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2013 Notes. The 2013 Notes were issued at an original issuance discount of $5.5 million, which is being amortized using the effective interest method at an interest rate of 6.25% over their term. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of interest expense related to the amortization of the debt discount. In January 2014, holders of the 2013 Notes exchanged their 2013 Notes for registered notes with the same terms.
	Prior to April 1, 2017, we may redeem all or a part of the 2013 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2013 Notes prior to April 1, 2016 with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.000% of the principal amount of the 2013 Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2013 Notes issued under the indenture remains outstanding after such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering. On or after April 1, 2017, we may redeem all or a part of the 2013 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 103.000% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2017, 101.500% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2018 and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2019 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 2013 Notes.
	6% Senior Notes Due October 2022
	In April 2014, we issued $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes. We received net proceeds of $337.4 million, after original issuance discount and issuance costs, from this offering, which we used to fund a portion of the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition and repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We incurred $7.0 million in transaction costs related to this issuance. These costs were included in intangible and other assets, net, and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2014 Notes. The 2014 Notes were issued at an original issuance discount of $5.7 million, which is being amortized using the effective interest method at an interest rate of 6.25% over their term. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized $0.5 million of interest expense related to the amortization of the debt discount. In February 2015, holders of the 2014 Notes exchanged their 2014 Notes for registered notes with the same terms.
	Prior to April 1, 2018, we may redeem all or a part of the 2014 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, we may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes prior to April 1, 2017 with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.000% of the principal amount of the 2014 Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2014 Notes issued under the indenture remains outstanding after such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering. On or after April 1, 2018, we may redeem all or a part of the 2014 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 103.000% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2018, 101.500% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2019 and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 1, 2020 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date of the 2014 Notes.
	The 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing subsidiaries (other than EXLP Finance Corp., which is a co-issuer of the 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes) and certain of our future subsidiaries. The 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes and the guarantees, respectively, are our and the guarantors’ general unsecured senior obligations, rank equally in right of payment with all of our and the guarantors’ other senior obligations, and are effectively subordinated to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. In addition, the 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes and guarantees are effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of any future non-guarantor subsidiaries. All of our subsidiaries are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by us and guarantees by our subsidiaries are full and unconditional (subject to customary release provisions) and constitute joint and several obligations. We have no assets or operations independent of our subsidiaries, and there are no significant restrictions upon our subsidiaries’ ability to distribute funds to us. EXLP Finance Corp. has no operations and does not have revenue other than as may be incidental as co-issuer of the 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes. Because we have no independent operations, the guarantees are full and unconditional (subject to customary release provisions) and constitute joint and several obligations of our subsidiaries other than EXLP Finance Corp., and as a result we have not included consolidated financial information of our subsidiaries.
	The 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing subsidiaries (other than EXLP Finance Corp., which is a co-issuer of the 2013 Notes and the 2014 Notes) and certain of our future subsidiaries. These guarantees are full and unconditional subject to customary release provisions including:
		-1		in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of a subsidiary guarantor’s assets (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a third party or unrestricted subsidiary, if the transaction does not violate the asset sale provisions of the indentures;
		-2		in connection with any sale or other disposition of the equity interests of a subsidiary guarantor to a third party or unrestricted subsidiary, if the transaction does not violate the asset sale provisions of the indentures and the subsidiary guarantor is no longer a restricted subsidiary of the Partnership;
		-3		if the Partnership designates any subsidiary guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the indentures;
		-4		upon legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indentures;
		-5		upon the liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary guarantor, provided no default has occurred that is continuing;
		-6		at such time as a subsidiary guarantor no longer guarantees any other indebtedness of the issuers or any guarantor; or
		-7		upon a subsidiary guarantor consolidating with, merging into or transferring all of its assets to the Partnership or another guarantor, and as a result of, or in connection with, such transaction a guarantor subsidiary dissolving or otherwise ceasing to exist.
	Long-Term Debt Maturity Schedule
	Contractual maturities of long-term debt (excluding interest to be accrued thereon) at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014
	2015		$	—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		610,000
	2019		—
	Thereafter		700,000		-1
	Total debt		$	1,310,000	-1
		-1		This amount represents the full face value of our 2013 Notes and 2014 Notes and has not been reduced by the aggregated unamortized discount of $9.7 million as of December 31, 2014.

Partners_Equity_Allocations_an

Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions	7.  Partners’ Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
	Units Outstanding
	In April 2014, we sold, pursuant to a public underwritten offering, 6,210,000 common units, including 810,000 common units pursuant to an over-allotment option. We received net proceeds of $169.5 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, which we used to fund a portion of the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition. In connection with this sale and as permitted under our partnership agreement, we issued and sold approximately 126,000 general partner units to our general partner so it could maintain its approximate 2.0% general partner interest in us. We received net proceeds of $3.6 million from the general partner contribution which we used to repay borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
	In March 2013, we completed the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition from Exterran Holdings. In connection with this acquisition, we issued approximately 7.1 million common units to Exterran Holdings and approximately 145,000 general partner units to our general partner.
	In March 2012, we sold, pursuant to a public underwritten offering, 4,965,000 common units, including 465,000 common units pursuant to an over-allotment option. The net proceeds from this offering of $114.5 million were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. In connection with this sale and as permitted under our partnership agreement, we issued and sold, in exchange for $2.4 million, approximately 101,000 general partner units to our general partner so it could maintain its approximate 2.0% general partner interest in us.
	Partners’ capital at December 31, 2014 consisted of 55,662,357 common units outstanding representing a 98% ownership interest in us and 1,129,221 general partner units representing a 2% general partner interest in us.
	As of December 31, 2014, Exterran Holdings owned 19,618,918 common units and 1,129,221 general partner units, collectively representing a 37% interest in us.
	Common Units
	The common units have the right to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.35 per quarter, plus any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters.
	The common units have limited voting rights as set forth in our partnership agreement.
	General Partner Units
	The general partner units have the same rights to receive distributions of available cash from operating surplus as the common units for each quarter. The general partner units also have the right to receive incentive distributions of cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distributions.
	The general partner units have the management rights set forth in our partnership agreement.
	Cash Distributions
	We make distributions of available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) from operating surplus in the following manner:
		·		first, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter;
		·		second, 98% to common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to our general partner, until each unit has received a distribution of $0.4025;
		·		third, 85% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to our general partner, until each unit has received a distribution of $0.4375;
		·		fourth, 75% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to our general partner, until each unit has received a total of $0.5250; and
		·		thereafter, 50% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to our general partner.
	The following table summarizes our distributions per unit for 2012, 2013 and 2014:
	Period Covering		Payment Date		Distribution per		Total Distribution (1)
					Limited Partner
					Unit
	1/1/2012 — 3/31/2012		May 15, 2012		$	0.4975	$	22.5 million
	4/1/2012 — 6/30/2012		August 14, 2012		0.5025		22.8 million
	7/1/2012 — 9/30/2012		November 14, 2012		0.5075		23.0 million
	10/1/2012 — 12/31/2012		February 14, 2013		0.5125		23.3 million
	1/1/2013 — 3/31/2013		May 15, 2013		0.5175		27.6 million
	4/1/2013 — 6/30/2013		August 14, 2013		0.5225		27.9 million
	7/1/2013 — 9/30/2013		November 14, 2013		0.5275		28.3 million
	10/1/2013 — 12/31/2013		February 14, 2014		0.5325		28.8 million
	1/1/2014 — 3/31/2014		May 15, 2014		0.5375		33.1 million
	4/1/2014 — 6/30/2014		August 14, 2014		0.5425		33.6 million
	7/1/2014 — 9/30/2014		November 14, 2014		0.5525		34.8 million
	10/1/2014 — 12/31/2014		February 13, 2015		0.5575		35.3 million
	(1)Includes distributions to our general partner on its incentive distribution rights.

UnitBased_Compensation

Unit-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unit-Based Compensation
Unit-Based Compensation	8.  Unit-Based Compensation
	Long-Term Incentive Plan
	Our board of directors adopted the Exterran Partners, L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in October 2006 for employees, directors and consultants of us, Exterran Holdings and our respective affiliates. A maximum of 1,035,378 common units, common unit options, restricted units and phantom units are available under the Plan. The Plan is administered by our board of directors or a committee thereof (the “Plan Administrator”).
	Phantom units are notional units that entitle the grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of a phantom unit or, at the discretion of the Plan Administrator, cash equal to the fair market value of a common unit. Phantom units granted under the Plan may include nonforfeitable tandem distribution equivalent rights to receive cash distributions on unvested phantom units in the quarter in which distributions are paid on common units.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million of unit-based compensation expense, respectively, which excludes unit-based compensation expense that was charged back to Exterran Holdings of $1.2 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
	We have granted phantom units to officers and directors of Exterran GP LLC and to employees of Exterran Holdings and its subsidiaries. Because we grant phantom units to non-employees, we are required to remeasure the fair value of these phantom units each period and record a cumulative adjustment of the expense previously recognized. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we recorded a reduction to SG&A expense of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the fair value remeasurement of phantom units. We recorded $0.3 million in SG&A expense related to fair value remeasurement of the phantom units during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Phantom Units
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we granted 54,896 phantom units to officers and directors of Exterran GP LLC and certain employees of Exterran Holdings and its subsidiaries, which generally vest one-third per year on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
	The following table presents phantom unit activity during the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Phantom		Weighted
		Units		Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
				per Unit
	Phantom units outstanding, January 1, 2014	85,361		$	23.72
	Granted	54,896		30.5
	Vested	(48,494	)	24.47
	Phantom units outstanding, December 31, 2014	91,763		27.38
	As of December 31, 2014, we expect $1.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom units to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Accounting_for_Derivatives

Accounting for Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting for Derivatives
Accounting for Derivatives	9.  Accounting for Derivatives
	We are exposed to market risks associated with changes in interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with financial activities by managing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our debt obligations. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Risk
	At December 31, 2014, we were a party to interest rate swaps with a total notional value of $400.0 million, pursuant to which we make fixed payments and receive floating payments. We entered into these swaps to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the associated variable interest rates. Our interest rate swaps expire over varying dates, with interest rate swaps having a notional amount of $300.0 million expiring in May 2018 and the remaining interest rate swaps having a notional amount of $100.0 million expiring in May 2019. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average effective fixed interest rate on our interest rate swaps was 1.6%. We have designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedging instruments so that any change in their fair values is recognized as a component of comprehensive income (loss) and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent the hedge is effective. As the swap terms substantially coincide with the hedged item and are expected to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the variable rate, we currently do not expect a significant amount of ineffectiveness on these hedges. We perform quarterly calculations to determine whether the swap agreements are still effective and to calculate any ineffectiveness. There was no ineffectiveness related to interest rate swaps during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. We estimate that $4.8 million of deferred losses attributable to interest rate swaps and included in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2014, will be reclassified into earnings as interest expense at then-current values during the next twelve months as the underlying hedged transactions occur. Cash flows from derivatives designated as hedges are classified in our consolidated statements of cash flows under the same category as the cash flows from the underlying assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions, unless the derivative contract contains a significant financing element; in this case, the cash settlements for these derivatives are classified as cash flows from financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
	In May 2013, we amended our interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $250.0 million to adjust the fixed interest rates and extend the maturity dates to May 2018 consistent with the maturity date of our Credit Agreement. These amendments effectively created new derivative contracts and terminated the old derivative contracts. As a result, we designated the new hedge relationships under the amended terms and de-designated the original hedge relationships as of the termination date. The original hedge relationships qualified for hedge accounting and were included at their fair value in our balance sheet as a liability and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements immediately prior to the execution of the amendments was a liability of $8.8 million. The associated amount in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is being amortized into interest expense over the original terms of the swaps.
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our consolidated financial position and results of operations (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
				Asset
				(Liability)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate hedges	Intangible and other assets, net		$	712
	Interest rate hedges	Current portion of interest rate swaps		(4,958		)
	Interest rate hedges	Other long-term liabilities		(150		)
	Total derivatives			$	(4,396	)
		December 31, 2013
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
				Asset
				(Liability)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate hedges	Intangible and other assets, net		$	322
	Interest rate hedges	Current portion of interest rate swaps		(3,374		)
	Total derivatives			$	(3,052	)
		Gain (Loss)			Location of Gain		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in Other			(Loss) Reclassified		Reclassified from
		Comprehensive			from Accumulated		Accumulated Other
		Income (Loss) on			Other Comprehensive		Comprehensive
		Derivatives			Income (Loss) into		Income (Loss) into
					Income (Loss)		Income (Loss)
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate hedges
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	(5,879	)	Interest expense		$	(4,794	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,057		Interest expense		$	(4,684	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	(5,542	)	Interest expense		$	(4,761	)
	The counterparties to our derivative agreements are major international financial institutions. We monitor the credit quality of these financial institutions and do not expect non-performance by any counterparty, although such non-performance could have a material adverse effect on us. We have no specific collateral posted for our derivative instruments. The counterparties to our interest rate swaps are also lenders under our senior secured credit facility and, in that capacity, share proportionally in the collateral pledged under the related facility.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements	10.  Fair Value Measurements
	The accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following three broad categories:
		·		Level 1 — Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets to which we have access at the date of measurement.
		·		Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 inputs are those in markets for which there are few transactions, the prices are not current, little public information exists or prices vary substantially over time or among brokered market makers.
		·		Level 3 — Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are those inputs that reflect our own assumptions regarding how market participants would price the asset or liability based on the best available information.
	The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):
			December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Interest rate swaps asset		$	—	$	712		$	—	$	—	$	322		$	—
	Interest rate swaps liability		—		(5,108		)	—		—		(3,374		)	—
	On a quarterly basis, our interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value utilizing a combination of the market approach and income approach to estimate fair value based on forward LIBOR curves.
	The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31, 2014							Year Ended December 31, 2013
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Impaired long-lived assets		$	—	$	—		$	982	$	—	$	—		$	1,459
	Our estimate of the impaired long-lived assets’ fair value was primarily based on either the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use. We discounted the expected proceeds, net of selling and other carrying costs, using a weighted average disposal period of four years and a weighted average discount rate of 9%.

LongLived_Asset_Impairment

Long-Lived Asset Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Lived Asset Impairment
Long-Lived Asset Impairment	11.  Long-Lived Asset Impairment
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we evaluated the future deployment of our idle fleet and determined to retire and either sell or re-utilize the key components of approximately 110 idle compressor units, representing approximately 30,000 horsepower, previously used to provide services. As a result, we performed an impairment review and recorded a $10.1 million asset impairment to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value. The fair value of each unit was estimated based on either the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use.
	In connection with our fleet review during 2014, we evaluated for impairment idle units that had been culled from our fleet in prior years and were available for sale. Based upon that review, we reduced the expected proceeds from disposition for certain of the remaining units. This resulted in an additional impairment of $2.3 million to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we evaluated other long-lived assets for impairment and recorded long-lived asset impairments of $0.4 million on these assets.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we evaluated the future deployment of our idle fleet and determined to retire and either sell or re-utilize the key components of approximately 110 idle compressor units, representing approximately 25,000 horsepower, previously used to provide services. As a result, we performed an impairment review and recorded a $5.4 million asset impairment to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value. The fair value of each unit was estimated based on either the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we evaluated the future deployment of our idle fleet and determined to retire and either sell or re-utilize the key components of approximately 260 idle compressor units, representing approximately 71,000 horsepower, previously used to provide services. As a result, we performed an impairment review and recorded a $22.2 million asset impairment to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value. The fair value of each unit was estimated based on either the expected net sale proceeds compared to other fleet units we recently sold and/or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use.
	In connection with our 2012 fleet review, we evaluated for impairment idle units that had been culled from our fleet in prior years and were available for sale. Based upon that review, we reduced the expected proceeds from disposition for most of the remaining units and increased the weighted average disposal period for the units from the assumptions used in prior periods. This resulted in an additional impairment of $7.4 million to reduce the book value of each unit to its estimated fair value.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Charges	12.  Restructuring Charges
	In January 2014, Exterran Holdings announced a plan to centralize its make-ready operations to improve the cost and efficiency of its shops and further enhance the competitiveness of our and Exterran Holdings’ combined U.S. compressor fleet. As part of this plan, Exterran Holdings examined both recent and anticipated changes in the U.S. market, including the throughput demand of its shops and the addition of new equipment to our and Exterran Holdings’ combined U.S. compressor fleet. To better align its costs and capabilities with the current market, Exterran Holdings has determined to close several of its make-ready shops. The centralization of its make-ready operations was completed in the second quarter of 2014.
	During 2014, we incurred $0.7 million of restructuring charges comprised of an allocation of expenses, including termination benefits associated with the centralization of Exterran Holdings’ make-ready operations, from Exterran Holdings to us pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement based on revenue and horsepower. These charges are reflected as restructuring charges in our consolidated statements of operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	13.  Income Taxes
	As a partnership, we are generally not subject to income taxes at the entity level because our income is included in the tax returns of our partners. However, certain states impose an entity-level income tax on partnerships.
	The provision for state income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Current tax provision:
	State		$	(89	)	$	1,150		$	60
	Total current		(89		)	1,150			60
	Deferred tax provision:
	State		1,402			356			885
	Total deferred		1,402			356			885
	Provision for income taxes		$	1,313		$	1,506		$	945
	Deferred income tax balances are the direct effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		$	1,527		$	1,132
	Total deferred tax liabilities		1,527			1,132
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	1,527		$	1,132
	On September 13, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations that address costs incurred in acquiring, producing, or improving tangible property (the “tangible property regulations”). The tangible property regulations are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, and although they could have been adopted in earlier years, we did not do so. The tangible property regulations require us to make tax accounting method changes or file election statements with our U.S. federal tax return for our tax year beginning on January 1, 2014; however, these new requirements do not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is shown below (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance		$	643		$	543		$	—
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year		490			100			96
	Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		517			—			447
	Ending balance		$	1,650		$	643		$	543
	We had $1.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. We have not recorded any interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest and penalties are assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, such amounts will be reflected in provision for income taxes.
	We and our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in numerous state jurisdictions. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing the returns. However, the state impact of any U.S. federal audit adjustments and amendments remain subject to examination by various states for up to one year after formal notification to the states. As of December 31, 2014, we did not have any federal or state audits underway that would have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	The following table reconciles net income, as reported, to our U.S. federal partnership taxable income (in thousands):
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013			2012
	Net income, as reported		$	61,719		$	64,023		$	10,509
	Book/tax depreciation and amortization adjustment		18,644			15,979			44,329
	Book/tax adjustment for unit-based compensation expense		941			1,073			797
	Book/tax adjustment for interest rate swap terminations		2,025			(4,983		)	898
	Other temporary differences		(9,435		)	(4,147		)	(4,104		)
	Other permanent differences		1,413			5			9
	U.S. federal partnership taxable income		$	75,307		$	71,950		$	52,438
	The following allocations and adjustments (which are not reflected in the reconciliation because they do not affect our total taxable income) may affect the amount of taxable income or loss allocated to a unitholder:
		·		Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 704(c) Allocations: We make special allocations under IRC Section 704(c) to eliminate the disparity between a unitholder’s U.S. GAAP capital account (credited with the fair market value of contributed property or the investment) and tax capital account (credited with the investor’s tax basis). The effect of such allocations will be to either increase or decrease a unitholder’s share of depreciation, amortization and/or gain or loss on the sale of assets.
		·		IRC Section 743(b) Basis Adjustments: Because we have made the election provided by IRC Section 754, we adjust each unitholder’s basis in our assets (inside basis) pursuant to IRC Section 743(b) to reflect their purchase price (outside basis). The Section 743(b) adjustment belongs to a particular unitholder and not to other unitholders. Basis adjustments such as this give rise to income and deductions by reference to the portion of each transferee unitholder’s purchase price attributable to each of our assets. The effect of such adjustments will be to either increase or decrease a unitholder’s share of depreciation, amortization and/or gain or loss on sale of assets.
		·		Gross Income and Loss Allocations: To maintain the uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics of our units, we will sometimes make a special allocation of income or loss to a unitholder. Any such allocations of income or loss will decrease or increase, respectively, our distributive taxable income.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had recorded approximately $4.1 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of accruals for taxes, including accruals for ad valorem taxes, sales tax and use tax, included in the accrued liabilities line item on our consolidated balance sheets. The net tax basis in our assets and liabilities is less than the reported amounts on the financial statements by approximately $381.6 million as of December 31, 2014.

Recent_Accounting_Developments

Recent Accounting Developments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Recent Accounting Developments
Recent Accounting Developments	14.  Recent Accounting Developments
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to the authoritative guidance 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 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, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the update on our financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative guidance related to reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The update requires a disposal of a component or a group of components of an entity to meet a higher threshold in order to be reported as a discontinued operation in an entity’s financial statements. Discontinued operations reporting will be limited to disposal transactions that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the component meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale or is disposed. The amended guidance also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The amendments in the update are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. We elected early application as permitted by the guidance. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	15.  Commitments and Contingencies
	In 2011, the Texas Legislature enacted changes related to the appraisal of natural gas compressors for ad valorem tax purposes by expanding the definitions of “Heavy Equipment Dealer” and “Heavy Equipment” effective from the beginning of 2012 (the “Heavy Equipment Statutes”). Under the revised statutes, we believe we are a Heavy Equipment Dealer, that our natural gas compressors are Heavy Equipment and that we, therefore, are required to file our ad valorem tax renditions under this new methodology. A large number of appraisal review boards denied our position, and we filed petitions for review in the appropriate district courts.
	During 2013 and 2014, we were party to three Heavy Equipment Statutes cases tried and completed in Texas state district courts. In each case the court held that the revised Heavy Equipment Statutes apply to natural gas compressors. However, in each case the court further held that the revised Heavy Equipment Statutes are unconstitutional as applied to natural gas compressors, which is favorable to the county appraisal districts. We continue to believe that the revised statutes are constitutional as applied to natural gas compressors and have appealed the courts’ decisions in our cases. All three of these cases have been appealed. For two of these appeals, oral arguments were made before the Eighth Court of Appeals in El Paso, Texas on October 9, 2014. No decision has been issued. The third appeal was argued before the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas on February 12, 2015. No decision has been issued. In a fourth state district court case, both parties’ respective motions for summary judgment are pending and we have yet to receive the court’s decision. In a fifth state district court case, the court denied both parties’ respective motions for summary judgment concerning the 2012 tax year, consolidated the 2012 tax year case with a 2013 tax year case, and set a trial date for the consolidated case of August 10-11, 2015.
	As a result of the new methodology, our ad valorem tax expense (which is reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense)) includes a benefit of $10.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014. Since the change in methodology became effective in 2012, we have recorded an aggregate benefit of $20.7 million as of December 31, 2014,  of which approximately $4.6 million has been agreed to by a number of appraisal review boards and county appraisal districts and $16.1 million has been disputed and is currently in litigation. Recognizing the similarity of the issues and that these cases will ultimately be resolved by the Texas appellate courts, we have reached, or intend to reach, agreements with some of the appraisal districts to stay or abate certain of these pending district court cases. If we are unsuccessful in our litigation with the appraisal districts, we would be required to pay ad valorem taxes up to the aggregate benefit we have recorded, and the additional ad valorem tax payments may also be subject to substantial penalties and interest. Also, if we are unsuccessful in our litigation with the appraisal districts, or if legislation is enacted in Texas that repeals or alters the Heavy Equipment Statutes such that in the future we do not qualify as a Heavy Equipment Dealer or our compressors do not qualify as Heavy Equipment, then we would likely be required to pay these ad valorem taxes under the old methodology going forward, which would increase our quarterly cost of sales expense up to approximately the amount of our then most recent quarterly benefit recorded, and as a result impact our future results of operations and cash flows, including our cash available for distribution.
	In the ordinary course of business, we are also involved in various other pending or threatened legal actions. While management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, it believes that any ultimate liability arising from any of these other actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of litigation and arbitration proceedings, we cannot provide assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding to which we are a party will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, including our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.
	We are subject to a number of state and local taxes that are not income-based. As many of these taxes are subject to audit by the taxing authorities, it is possible that an audit could result in additional taxes due. We accrue for such additional taxes when we determine that it is probable that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the liability. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had accrued $0.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively, for the outcomes of non-income based tax audits. We do not expect that the ultimate resolutions of these audits will result in a material variance from the amounts accrued. We do not accrue for unasserted claims for tax audits unless we believe the assertion of a claim is probable, it is probable that it will be determined that the claim is owed and we can reasonably estimate the claim or range of the claim. We do not have any unasserted claims from non-income based tax audits that we have determined are probable of assertion. We also believe the likelihood is remote that the impact of potential unasserted claims from non-income based tax audits could be material to our consolidated financial position, but it is possible that the resolution of future audits could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the resolution occurs.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	16.  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	In management’s opinion, the summarized quarterly financial data below (in thousands, except per unit amounts) contains all appropriate adjustments, all of which are normally recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations for the respective periods.
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30		December 31,
			2014		2014(1)		2014(2)		2014
	Revenue		$	121,046	$	145,694	$	153,163	$	161,133
	Gross profit(5)		38,131		54,119		56,711		62,257
	Net income		6,939		17,752		18,103		18,925
	Income per common unit — basic		0.09		0.26		0.26		0.27
	Income per common unit — diluted		0.09		0.26		0.26		0.27
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30		December 31,
			2013(3)		2013(4)		2013		2013
	Revenue		$	106,062	$	125,453	$	115,808	$	118,870
	Gross profit(5)		35,422		47,458		37,157		38,015
	Net income		14,733		27,896		10,035		11,359
	Income per common unit — basic		0.31		0.52		0.16		0.19
	Income per common unit — diluted		0.31		0.52		0.16		0.19
		-1		During the second quarter of 2014, we completed the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition (see Note 2).
		-2		During the third quarter of 2014, we completed the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition (see Note 2).
		-3		During the first quarter of 2013, we completed the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition from Exterran Holdings (see Note 2).
		-4		During the second quarter of 2013, we recognized $6.5 million of revenue with no incremental cost and $6.8 million of gain on sale of property, plant and equipment due to the termination of contracts resulting from the exercise of purchase options by our customer on two natural gas processing plants.
		-5		Gross profit is defined as revenue less cost of sales, direct depreciation and amortization expense and long-lived asset impairment charges.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event.
Subsequent Event	17.  Subsequent Event
	On February 4, 2015, we executed an amendment to our Credit Agreement, which among other things, increases the borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility by $250.0 million to $900.0 million. The Credit Agreement, which matures in May 2018, also includes a $150.0 million term loan facility.
	On February 23, 2015, we entered into a Fifth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement (the “Omnibus Amendment”) with Exterran Holdings, Exterran Energy Solutions, L.P., Exterran GP LLC, Exterran General Partner, L.P. and EXLP Operating LLC. The Omnibus Amendment amends the Omnibus Agreement to, among other things, extend the terms of certain non-competition and equipment transfer provisions such that they will now terminate on December 31, 2015.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	EXTERRAN PARTNERS, L.P.
	SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In thousands)
	Description	Balance at		Charged to			Deductions(1)			Balance at
		Beginning		Costs and						End of
		of Period		Expenses						Period
	Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet:
	December 31, 2014	$	363	$	1,055		$	(165	)	$	1,253
	December 31, 2013	1,135		(25		)	(747		)	363
	December 31, 2012	985		494			(344		)	1,135
	(1)Uncollectible accounts written off.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include us and our subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
	Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this process, actual future results could differ from those expected at the reporting date. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Contract operations revenue is recognized when earned, which generally occurs monthly when service is provided under our customer contracts.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. We believe that the credit risk in cash investments that we have with financial institutions is minimal. Trade accounts receivable are due from companies of varying size engaged principally in oil and natural gas activities. We review the financial condition of customers prior to extending credit and generally do not obtain collateral for trade receivables. Payment terms are on a short-term basis and in accordance with industry practice. We consider this credit risk to be limited due to these companies’ financial resources, the nature of services we provide and the terms of our contract operations customer service agreements.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, Access Midstream Partners LP (“Access”) accounted for approximately 12% of our consolidated revenue. Access merged with Williams Partners, L.P. (“Williams”) in February 2015 and, when combined, Access and Williams would have accounted for approximately 15% of our consolidated revenue during the year ended December 31, 2014. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2014. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, trade receivables outstanding from Access were approximately 19%, or 23% when combined with Williams, of our total trade accounts receivable balance.
	We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. The determination of the collectibility of amounts due from our customers requires us to use estimates and make judgments regarding future events and trends, including monitoring our customers’ payment history and current creditworthiness to determine that collectibility is reasonably assured, as well as consideration of the overall business climate in which our customers operate. Inherently, these uncertainties require us to make judgments and estimates regarding our customers’ ability to pay amounts due to us in order to determine the appropriate amount of valuation allowances required for doubtful accounts. We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We determine the allowance needed based on historical write-off experience and by evaluating significant balances aged greater than 90 days individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we recorded bad debt expense of $1.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a bad debt benefit of approximately $25,000.
Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. For compression equipment, depreciation begins with the first compression service. The estimated useful lives for compression equipment are 15 to 30 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Major improvements that extend the useful life of compressor units are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of up to seven years. Depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $119.0 million, $100.7 million and $85.5 million, respectively. When property, plant and equipment is sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the gain or loss is recorded in other (income) expense, net.
Long-Lived Assets
	Long-Lived Assets
	We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressor units from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. When necessary, an impairment loss is recognized and represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value as compared to its estimated fair value and is charged to the period in which the impairment occurred. Identifiable intangibles are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
Due To/From Affiliates, Net
	Due To/From Affiliates, Net
	We have receivables and payables with Exterran Holdings. A valid right of offset exists related to the receivables and payables with our affiliates and as a result, we present such amounts on a net basis in our consolidated balance sheets.
	The transactions reflected in due to/from affiliates, net, primarily consist of centralized cash management activities between us and Exterran Holdings. Because these balances are treated as short-term borrowings between us and Exterran Holdings, serve as a financing and cash management tool to meet our short-term operating needs, are large, turn over quickly and are payable on demand, we present borrowings and repayments with our affiliates on a net basis within the consolidated statements of cash flows. Net receivables from our affiliates are considered advances and changes are presented as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Net payables due to our affiliates are considered borrowings and changes are presented as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Income Taxes
	Income Taxes
	As a partnership, all income, gains, losses, expenses, deductions and tax credits generated by us generally flow through to our unitholders. However, some states impose an entity-level income tax on partnerships, including us. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting standard on income taxes under a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
Segment Reporting
	Segment Reporting
	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for entities to report information about the operating segments and geographic areas in which they operate. We only operate in one segment and all of our operations are located in the U.S.
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 our limited partners or general partner. Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists only of derivative financial instruments. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) represent changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges and to the extent the hedge is effective and amortization of terminated interest rate swaps. See Note 9 for additional disclosures related to comprehensive income (loss).
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	Our financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, interest rate swaps and debt. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximated their carrying amounts as reflected in our 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.
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
	Fixed rate debt	$	690,295		$	611,000		$	344,955		$	346,000
	Floating rate debt	610,000			611,000			413,000			413,000
	Total debt	$	1,300,295		$	1,222,000		$	757,955		$	759,000
	GAAP requires that all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and that changes in such fair values be recognized in earnings (loss) unless specific hedging criteria are met. Changes in the values of derivatives that meet these hedging criteria will ultimately offset related earnings effects of the hedged item pending recognition in earnings.
Hedging and Use of Derivative Instruments
	Hedging and Use of Derivative Instruments
	We use derivative financial instruments to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with financial activities by managing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our debt obligations. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We record interest rate swaps on the balance sheet as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities measured at their fair value. The fair value of our derivatives is estimated using a combination of the market and income approach based on forward LIBOR curves. Changes in the fair value of the swaps designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent the contracts are effective as hedges until settlement of the underlying hedged transaction. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of the transactions. If the necessary correlation ceases to exist or if the anticipated transaction becomes improbable, we would discontinue hedge accounting and apply mark-to-market accounting. Amounts paid or received from interest rate swap agreements are charged or credited to interest expense and matched with the cash flows and interest expense of the debt being hedged, resulting in an adjustment to the effective interest rate.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Unit
	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Unit
	Earnings (loss) per common unit is computed using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, basic earnings (loss) per common unit is determined by dividing net income (loss) allocated to the common units after deducting the amounts allocated to our general partner (including distributions to our general partner on its incentive distribution rights) and participating securities, by the weighted average number of outstanding common units (also referred to as limited partner units) during the period. Participating securities include unvested phantom units with nonforfeitable tandem distribution equivalent rights to receive cash distributions in the quarter in which distributions are paid on common units. 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.
	When computing earnings per common unit in periods when distributions are greater than earnings (loss), the amount of the actual incentive distribution rights, if any, is deducted from net income (loss) and allocated to our general partner for the corresponding period. The remaining amount of net income (loss), after deducting distributions to participating securities, is allocated between the general partner and common units based on how our partnership agreement allocates net losses.
	When computing earnings (loss) per common unit in periods when earnings (loss) are greater than distributions, earnings are allocated to the general partner, participating securities and common units based on how our partnership agreement would allocate earnings if the full amount of earnings for the period had been distributed. This allocation of net income (loss) does not impact our total net income (loss), consolidated results of operations or total cash distributions (including actual incentive distribution rights); however, it may result in our general partner being allocated additional incentive distributions for purposes of our earnings (loss) per unit calculation, which could reduce net income per common unit. However, as required by our partnership agreement, we determine cash distributions based on available cash and determine the actual incentive distributions allocable to our general partner based on actual distributions.
	The following table reconciles net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income	$	61,719		$	64,023		$	10,509
	Less: General partner incentive distribution rights	(12,258		)	(6,831		)	(4,503		)
	Less: General partner 2% ownership interest	(982		)	(1,138		)	(120		)
	Common units interest in net income	48,479			56,054			5,886
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(198		)	—			—
	Net income used in basic and diluted earnings per common unit	$	48,281		$	56,054		$	5,886
	There were no adjustments to net income attributable to common unitholders for the diluted earnings per common unit calculation for the years ended December 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table shows the potential common units that were included in computing diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average common units outstanding including participating securities	54,187		47,651		41,371
	Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding	(80	)	—		—
	Weighted average common units outstanding — used in basic earnings per common unit	54,107		47,651		41,371
	Net dilutive potential common units issuable:
	Phantom units	2		16		11
	Weighted average common units and dilutive potential common units — used in diluted earnings per common unit	54,109		47,667		41,382

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ2

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of the carrying amount and fair value of debt
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of our debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Carrying			Fair Value			Carrying			Fair Value
		Amount						Amount
	Fixed rate debt	$	690,295		$	611,000		$	344,955		$	346,000
	Floating rate debt	610,000			611,000			413,000			413,000
	Total debt	$	1,300,295		$	1,222,000		$	757,955		$	759,000
Schedule of reconciliation of net income used in calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit
	The following table reconciles net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income	$	61,719		$	64,023		$	10,509
	Less: General partner incentive distribution rights	(12,258		)	(6,831		)	(4,503		)
	Less: General partner 2% ownership interest	(982		)	(1,138		)	(120		)
	Common units interest in net income	48,479			56,054			5,886
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	(198		)	—			—
	Net income used in basic and diluted earnings per common unit	$	48,281		$	56,054		$	5,886
Schedule of potential common units included in computing diluted earnings per common unit
	The following table shows the potential common units that were included in computing diluted earnings per common unit (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average common units outstanding including participating securities	54,187		47,651		41,371
	Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding	(80	)	—		—
	Weighted average common units outstanding — used in basic earnings per common unit	54,107		47,651		41,371
	Net dilutive potential common units issuable:
	Phantom units	2		16		11
	Weighted average common units and dilutive potential common units — used in diluted earnings per common unit	54,109		47,667		41,382

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Schedule of unaudited pro forma financial information
	The following table shows unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per unit amounts):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
	Revenue	$	618,843		$	589,286	$	442,774
	Net income	$	64,290		$	79,693	$	25,792
	Basic earnings per common unit	$	0.91		$	1.27	$	0.42
	Diluted earnings per common unit	$	0.91		$	1.27	$	0.42
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Summary of purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
		Fair Value
	Property, plant and equipment	$	78,356
	Goodwill	3,738
	Intangible assets	48,373
	Current liabilities	(372		)
	Purchase price	$	130,095
Schedule of amounts allocated to acquired finite-lived intangible assets, and their associated weighted-average useful lives
		Amount			Average
		(In thousands)			Useful Life
	Customer related	$	21,590		25 years
	Contract based	26,783			5 years
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	48,373
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Summary of purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date (in thousands):
		Fair Value
	Property, plant and equipment	$	311,270
	Intangible assets	42,474
	Current liabilities	(827		)
	Purchase price	$	352,917
Schedule of amounts allocated to acquired finite-lived intangible assets, and their associated weighted-average useful lives
		Amount			Average
		(In thousands)			Useful Life
	Customer related	$	4,701		25 years
	Contract based	37,773			7 years
	Total acquired identifiable intangible assets	$	42,474

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Schedule of the change in the net carrying amount of goodwill	The following table presents the change in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2014
	Goodwill as of January 1, 2014(1)	$	124,019
	Goodwill acquired during year	3,738
	Goodwill as of December 31, 2014(1)	$	127,757
	(1)We do not have any accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_Ta

Intangible and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible and Other Assets
Schedule of intangible and other assets
	Intangible and other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014					December 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Gross Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization
	Deferred financing costs	$	26,970	$	(8,982	)	$	19,984	$	(6,009	)
	Customer related (12-25 year life)	54,505		(12,121		)	28,214		(8,872		)
	Contract based (5-9 year life)	65,766		(7,178		)	1,210		(1,194		)
	Interest rate swaps	712		—			322		—
	Long-term tax receivable	1,800		—			—		—
	Intangible and other assets	$	149,753	$	(28,281	)	$	49,730	$	(16,075	)
Schedule of estimated future intangible amortization expense
	Estimated future intangible amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	14,448
	2016	14,203
	2017	13,980
	2018	13,782
	2019	11,352
	Thereafter	33,207
	Total	$	100,972

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt
Schedule of long-term debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Revolving credit facility due May 2018		$	460,000		$	263,000
	Term loan facility due May 2018		150,000			150,000
	6% senior notes due April 2021 (presented net of the unamortized discount of $4.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively)		345,528			344,955
	6% senior notes due October 2022 (presented net of the unamortized discount of $5.2 million as of December 31, 2014)		344,767			—
	Long-term debt		$	1,300,295		$	757,955
Schedule of contractual maturities of long-term debt (excluding interest to be accrued thereon)
	Contractual maturities of long-term debt (excluding interest to be accrued thereon) at December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2014
	2015		$	—
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		610,000
	2019		—
	Thereafter		700,000		-1
	Total debt		$	1,310,000	-1
		-1		This amount represents the full face value of our 2013 Notes and 2014 Notes and has not been reduced by the aggregated unamortized discount of $9.7 million as of December 31, 2014.

Partners_Equity_Allocations_an1

Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Summary of distributions per unit	Period Covering	Payment Date	Distribution per		Total Distribution (1)
			Limited Partner
			Unit
	1/1/2012 — 3/31/2012	May 15, 2012	$	0.4975	$	22.5 million
	4/1/2012 — 6/30/2012	August 14, 2012	0.5025		22.8 million
	7/1/2012 — 9/30/2012	November 14, 2012	0.5075		23.0 million
	10/1/2012 — 12/31/2012	February 14, 2013	0.5125		23.3 million
	1/1/2013 — 3/31/2013	May 15, 2013	0.5175		27.6 million
	4/1/2013 — 6/30/2013	August 14, 2013	0.5225		27.9 million
	7/1/2013 — 9/30/2013	November 14, 2013	0.5275		28.3 million
	10/1/2013 — 12/31/2013	February 14, 2014	0.5325		28.8 million
	1/1/2014 — 3/31/2014	May 15, 2014	0.5375		33.1 million
	4/1/2014 — 6/30/2014	August 14, 2014	0.5425		33.6 million
	7/1/2014 — 9/30/2014	November 14, 2014	0.5525		34.8 million
	10/1/2014 — 12/31/2014	February 13, 2015	0.5575		35.3 million
	(1)Includes distributions to our general partner on its incentive distribution rights.

UnitBased_Compensation_Tables

Unit-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Unit-Based Compensation
Schedule of phantom unit activity		Phantom		Weighted
		Units		Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
				per Unit
	Phantom units outstanding, January 1, 2014	85,361		$	23.72
	Granted	54,896		30.5
	Vested	(48,494	)	24.47
	Phantom units outstanding, December 31, 2014	91,763		27.38

Accounting_for_Derivatives_Tab

Accounting for Derivatives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting for Derivatives
Effect of derivative instruments on consolidated financial position
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our consolidated financial position and results of operations (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
				Asset
				(Liability)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate hedges	Intangible and other assets, net		$	712
	Interest rate hedges	Current portion of interest rate swaps		(4,958		)
	Interest rate hedges	Other long-term liabilities		(150		)
	Total derivatives			$	(4,396	)
		December 31, 2013
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
				Asset
				(Liability)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate hedges	Intangible and other assets, net		$	322
	Interest rate hedges	Current portion of interest rate swaps		(3,374		)
	Total derivatives			$	(3,052	)
Effect of derivative instruments on results of operations
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on our consolidated financial position and results of operations (in thousands):
		Gain (Loss)			Location of Gain		Gain (Loss)
		Recognized in Other			(Loss) Reclassified		Reclassified from
		Comprehensive			from Accumulated		Accumulated Other
		Income (Loss) on			Other Comprehensive		Comprehensive
		Derivatives			Income (Loss) into		Income (Loss) into
					Income (Loss)		Income (Loss)
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate hedges
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	(5,879	)	Interest expense		$	(4,794	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,057		Interest expense		$	(4,684	)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	(5,542	)	Interest expense		$	(4,761	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis with pricing levels as of the date of valuation
	The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):
		December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Interest rate swaps asset	$	—	$	712		$	—	$	—	$	322		$	—
	Interest rate swaps liability	—		(5,108		)	—		—		(3,374		)	—
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis with pricing levels as of the date of valuation
	The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, with pricing levels as of the date of valuation (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31, 2014							Year Ended December 31, 2013
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Impaired long-lived assets	$	—	$	—		$	982	$	—	$	—		$	1,459

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes
Schedule of components of provision for (benefit from) state income taxes
	The provision for state income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current tax provision:
	State	$	(89	)	$	1,150		$	60
	Total current	(89		)	1,150			60
	Deferred tax provision:
	State	1,402			356			885
	Total deferred	1,402			356			885
	Provision for income taxes	$	1,313		$	1,506		$	945
Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	1,527		$	1,132
	Total deferred tax liabilities	1,527			1,132
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	1,527		$	1,132
Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is shown below (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Beginning balance	$	643		$	543		$	—
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year	490			100			96
	Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	517			—			447
	Ending balance	$	1,650		$	643		$	543
Schedule of reconciliation of net income, as reported, to the entity's U.S. federal partnership taxable income
	The following table reconciles net income, as reported, to our U.S. federal partnership taxable income (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income, as reported	$	61,719		$	64,023		$	10,509
	Book/tax depreciation and amortization adjustment	18,644			15,979			44,329
	Book/tax adjustment for unit-based compensation expense	941			1,073			797
	Book/tax adjustment for interest rate swap terminations	2,025			(4,983		)	898
	Other temporary differences	(9,435		)	(4,147		)	(4,104		)
	Other permanent differences	1,413			5			9
	U.S. federal partnership taxable income	$	75,307		$	71,950		$	52,438

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Summary of quarterly financial data
	In management’s opinion, the summarized quarterly financial data below (in thousands, except per unit amounts) contains all appropriate adjustments, all of which are normally recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present fairly our financial position and results of operations for the respective periods.
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30		December 31,
			2014		2014(1)		2014(2)		2014
	Revenue		$	121,046	$	145,694	$	153,163	$	161,133
	Gross profit(5)		38,131		54,119		56,711		62,257
	Net income		6,939		17,752		18,103		18,925
	Income per common unit — basic		0.09		0.26		0.26		0.27
	Income per common unit — diluted		0.09		0.26		0.26		0.27
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30		December 31,
			2013(3)		2013(4)		2013		2013
	Revenue		$	106,062	$	125,453	$	115,808	$	118,870
	Gross profit(5)		35,422		47,458		37,157		38,015
	Net income		14,733		27,896		10,035		11,359
	Income per common unit — basic		0.31		0.52		0.16		0.19
	Income per common unit — diluted		0.31		0.52		0.16		0.19
		-1		During the second quarter of 2014, we completed the April 2014 MidCon Acquisition (see Note 2).
		-2		During the third quarter of 2014, we completed the August 2014 MidCon Acquisition (see Note 2).
		-3		During the first quarter of 2013, we completed the March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition from Exterran Holdings (see Note 2).
		-4		During the second quarter of 2013, we recognized $6.5 million of revenue with no incremental cost and $6.8 million of gain on sale of property, plant and equipment due to the termination of contracts resulting from the exercise of purchase options by our customer on two natural gas processing plants.
		-5		Gross profit is defined as revenue less cost of sales, direct depreciation and amortization expense and long-lived asset impairment charges.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ3

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Ownership interest held by public unitholders in the reporting entity (as a percent)	63.00%

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ4

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Concentration of credit risk
Minimum period after receivable balances are past due that significant accounts are reviewed individually for collectibility	90 days
Bad debt expense (benefit)	$1,060	($25)	$494
Customer Concentration | Revenue | Access Midstream Partners LP
Concentration of credit risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	12.00%
Customer Concentration | Revenue | Williams Partners, L.P.
Concentration of credit risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	15.00%
Credit Concentration | Accounts Receivable | Access Midstream Partners LP
Concentration of credit risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	19.00%
Credit Concentration | Accounts Receivable | Williams Partners, L.P.
Concentration of credit risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	23.00%

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ5

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, plant and equipment
Depreciation expense	$119	$100.70	$85.50
Compression equipment | Minimum
Property, plant and equipment
Estimated useful life	15 years
Compression equipment | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Capitalized overhauls and major improvements | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment
Estimated useful life	7 years

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ6

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting
Number of segments in which the entity operates	1

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ7

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount
Financial Instruments
Total debt	$1,300,295	$757,955
Carrying Amount | Fixed rate debt
Financial Instruments
Total debt	690,295	344,955
Carrying Amount | Floating rate debt
Financial Instruments
Total debt	610,000	413,000
Fair Value
Financial Instruments
Total debt	1,222,000	759,000
Fair Value | Fixed rate debt
Financial Instruments
Total debt	611,000	346,000
Fair Value | Floating rate debt
Financial Instruments
Total debt	$611,000	$413,000

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ8

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Unit
Net income	$18,925	$18,103	$17,752	$6,939	$11,359	$10,035	$27,896	$14,733	$61,719	$64,023	$10,509
Less: General partner incentive distribution rights									-12,258	-6,831	-4,503
Less: General partner 2% ownership interest									-982	-1,138	-120
General partner units, interest (as a percent)	2.00%				2.00%				2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Common units interest in net income									48,479	56,054	5,886
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities									-198
Net income used in basic and diluted earnings per common unit									48,281	56,054	5,886
Adjustments to net income attributable to common unitholders for the diluted earnings per common unit calculation									$0	$0	$0
Potential common units included in computing the dilutive potential common units used in dilutive earnings per common unit
Weighted average common units outstanding including participating securities (in units)									54,187	47,651	41,371
Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding (in units)									-80
Weighted average common units outstanding - used in basic earnings per common unit (in units)									54,107	47,651	41,371
Net dilutive potential common units issuable:
Phantom units (in units)									2	16	11
Weighted average common units and dilutive potential common units - used in diluted earnings per common unit (in units)									54,109	47,667	41,382

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 08, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		hp
		CompressorUnit
Business Acquisitions
Purchase consideration	$483,012,000
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Goodwill	127,757,000		127,757,000	124,019,000
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Number of compressor units acquired		162
Horsepower of compressor units acquired		110,000
Purchase consideration		130,100,000
Transaction costs	1,000,000
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Property, plant and equipment		78,356,000
Goodwill		3,738,000
Intangible assets		48,373,000
Current liabilities		-372,000
Purchase price		130,095,000
Estimated average remaining useful life		24 years
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		48,373,000
Pro forma financial information
Revenue attributable to assets acquired from date of acquisition to period end			9,200,000
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Customer related
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		21,590,000
Average Useful Life		25 years
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Contract based
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets		26,783,000
Average Useful Life		5 years
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition | BHP Billiton
Business Acquisitions
Contract operations services agreement term		5 years
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Wholly-owned subsidiary of Exterran Holdings
Business Acquisitions
Purchase consideration		$4,100,000

Business_Acquisitions_Details_

Business Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
					CompressorUnit
					hp
Business Acquisitions
Purchase consideration	$483,012,000
6% senior notes due October 2022
Business Acquisitions
Principle amount of senior notes		350,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.00%	6.00%				6.00%
Partners' Capital Common Units
Business Acquisitions
Units sold (in units)	6,210,000	6,210,000	4,965,000	4,965,000
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Number of compressor units acquired					337
Horsepower of compressor units acquired					444,000
Purchase consideration					352,900,000
Transaction costs	1,500,000
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Property, plant and equipment					311,270,000
Intangible assets					42,474,000
Current liabilities					-827,000
Purchase price					352,917,000
Estimated average remaining useful life					25 years
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets					42,474,000
Pro forma financial information
Revenue attributable to assets acquired from date of acquisition to period end						64,500,000
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Customer related
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets					4,701,000
Average Useful Life					25 years
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Contract based
Estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date
Total acquired identifiable intangible assets					37,773,000
Average Useful Life					7 years
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Williams Partners, L.P.
Business Acquisitions
Contract operations services agreement term					7 years
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition | Wholly-owned subsidiary of Exterran Holdings
Business Acquisitions
Purchase consideration					$7,700,000

Business_Acquisitions_Details_1

Business Acquisitions (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
				hp	CompressorUnit
				CompressorUnit	customer
				customer	hp
Business Acquisitions
Long-term debt assumed in contract operations acquisitions			$105,350,000
Cash Paid			77,415,000
Capital distributions	130,345,000	107,196,000	87,866,000
Partners' Capital Common Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		7,123,527
Capital distributions	117,331,000	99,115,000	82,073,000
Partners' Capital General Partner Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		144,644
Capital distributions	13,014,000	8,081,000	5,793,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Number of customers with service agreements				50
Number of compressor units used to provide compression services				363
Horsepower of compressor units used to provide compression services				256,000
Percentage of available horsepower of the combined U.S. contract operations business of Exterran Holdings and entity from service agreements acquired				8.00%
Number of compressor units acquired				204
Horsepower of compressor units acquired				99,000
Horsepower of compressor units owned and used to provide service under contracts				6,000
Net book value of fleet assets acquired				158,500,000
Accumulated depreciation of fleet assets acquired				94,900,000
Total consideration, excluding transaction costs				174,000,000
Finite life intangible assets associated with customer relationships				3,100,000
Capital distributions		12,400,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital Common Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)				7,100,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital General Partner Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)				145,000
March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Number of customers with service agreements					39
Number of compressor units used to provide compression services					406
Horsepower of compressor units used to provide compression services					188,000
Percentage of available horsepower of the combined U.S. contract operations business of Exterran Holdings and entity from service agreements acquired					5.00%
Number of compressor units acquired					139
Horsepower of compressor units acquired					75,000
Capacity of natural gas processing plant acquired (MMcf per day)					10
Net book value of fleet assets acquired					149,500,000
Accumulated depreciation of fleet assets acquired					67,000,000
Total consideration, excluding transaction costs					182,800,000
Long-term debt assumed in contract operations acquisitions					105,400,000
Cash Paid					77,400,000
Finite life intangible assets associated with customer relationships					5,000,000
Capital distributions			$28,200,000

Business_Acquisitions_Details_2

Business Acquisitions (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012	Aug. 08, 2014	Apr. 10, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Business Acquisitions
Payments for business acquisitions	$483,012,000
Long-term debt assumed in contract operations acquisitions			105,350,000
Cash Paid			77,415,000
Pro forma financial information
Revenue	618,843,000	589,286,000	442,774,000
Net income	64,290,000	79,693,000	25,792,000
Basic earnings per common unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.91	$1.27	$0.42
Diluted earnings per common unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.91	$1.27	$0.42
Additional pro forma reduction of net income allocable to the entity's limited partners	0	900,000	700,000
Revolving credit facility due May 2018
Business Acquisitions
Payments on revolving credit facility				157,500,000
6% senior notes due October 2022
Business Acquisitions
Principle amount of senior notes				350,000,000
Partners' Capital Common Units
Business Acquisitions
Units sold (in units)	6,210,000		4,965,000	6,210,000	4,965,000
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		7,123,527
Partners' Capital General Partner Units
Business Acquisitions
Issuance of general partner unit to general partner	125,994		100,861	126,000
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		144,644
August 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Payments for business acquisitions						130,100,000
April 2014 MidCon Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Payments for business acquisitions							352,900,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital Common Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)								7,100,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital General Partner Units
Business Acquisitions
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)								145,000
March 2012 Contract Operations Acquisition
Business Acquisitions
Long-term debt assumed in contract operations acquisitions					105,400,000
Cash Paid					77,400,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			13 Months Ended
	Apr. 09, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 07, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
		contract	contract		CompressorUnit	hp	hp
					hp	CompressorUnit	CompressorUnit
					contract	contract	contract
Related party transactions
Indemnification period following each applicable asset acquisition from related party					3 years
Maximum liability of related party for environmental indemnification obligations		$5,000,000			$5,000,000
Aggregate losses which must be exceeded for applicability of environmental or any other indemnification obligations		250,000			250,000
Property Leased to Parent Entity
Revenue - affiliates					297,000	449,000	762,000
Allocated cost charged by parent entity
Selling, general and administrative - affiliates					80,521,000	61,971,000	49,889,000
Parent Company
Related party transactions
Amount of compression equipment purchased from related party					233,000,000	118,400,000	109,900,000
Amount of fabricated compression equipment purchased from related party and recorded in our consolidated balance sheet as property, plant and equipment at carrying values of related party					212,200,000	106,600,000	98,900,000
Excess amount over carrying value of fabricated compression equipment purchased from related party recorded as distribution of equity					20,800,000	11,800,000	11,000,000
Amount contributed by related party related to completion of overhauls on compression equipment					6,200,000	21,700,000	14,500,000
Number of compressor units transferred to a related party					443	316	538
Horsepower of compressor units transferred to related party					224,600	134,600	229,800
Net book value of compressor units transferred to related party					93,200,000	59,900,000	96,200,000
Number of compressor units transferred by related party					463	335	488
Horsepower of compressor units transferred by related party					165,800	101,500	148,800
Net book value of compressor units transferred by related party					81,200,000	48,100,000	72,000,000
Capital distributions recorded related to differences in net book value of compressor units exchanged to our assets transferred to related party					12,000,000	11,800,000	24,200,000
Number of customer contracts that were included in the transfers		0	0		0	0	0
Property Leased to Parent Entity
Lease equipment, aggregate cost		200,000			200,000
Lease equipment, accumulated depreciation		100,000			100,000
Revenue - affiliates					300,000	400,000	800,000
Cost of sales related to lease					4,900,000	5,800,000	9,000,000
Net book value of compression equipment sold to related party						5,000,000
Compression equipment sold						7,300,000
Capital contribution recorded related to difference between the sale price and carrying value of the compression equipment assets sold						2,300,000
Allocated cost charged by parent entity
Selling, general and administrative - affiliates					72,000,000	55,000,000	43,200,000
Cost of sales cap amount per operating horsepower per quarter					22.5	21.75
SG&A costs cap amount per quarter	15,000,000	17,700,000	12,500,000	9,000,000				10,500,000
Excess of cost of sales over cap amount included in cost of sales					2,500,000	12,400,000	16,600,000
Excess of SG&A expenses over cap amount included in SG&A expense					$11,400,000	$12,800,000	$8,200,000

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill
Weight assigned to each approach in determining the entity's calculated fair value (as a percent)	50.00%
Impairment of goodwill	$0	$0	$0
Goodwill as of beginning of period	124,019,000
Goodwill acquired during year	3,738,000
Goodwill as of end of period	$127,757,000	$124,019,000

Intangible_and_Other_Assets_De

Intangible and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible and other assets
Deferred financing costs, Gross Carrying Amount	$26,970,000	$19,984,000
Deferred financing costs, Accumulated Amortization	-8,982,000	-6,009,000
Long-term tax receivable	1,800,000
Intangible and other assets, Gross Carrying Amount	149,753,000	49,730,000
Intangible and other assets, Accumulated Amortization	-28,281,000	-16,075,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,973,000	2,975,000	1,508,000
Amortization of intangible assets	9,200,000	3,000,000	2,800,000
Estimated future intangible amortization expense
2015	14,448,000
2016	14,203,000
2017	13,980,000
2018	13,782,000
2019	11,352,000
Thereafter	33,207,000
Total	100,972,000
Interest rate hedges
Intangible and other assets
Interest rate swaps, Gross Carrying Amount	712,000	322,000
Customer related
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	54,505,000	28,214,000
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	-12,121,000	-8,872,000
Customer related | Minimum
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets estimated useful lives	12 years
Customer related | Maximum
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets estimated useful lives	25 years
Contract based
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	65,766,000	1,210,000
Intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	($7,178,000)	($1,194,000)
Contract based | Minimum
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets estimated useful lives	5 years
Contract based | Maximum
Intangible and other assets
Intangible assets estimated useful lives	9 years

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$1,300,295,000	$757,955,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	9,700,000
6% senior notes due April 2021
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	345,528,000	344,955,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Unamortized debt issuance discount	4,500,000	5,000,000	5,500,000
6% senior notes due October 2022
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	344,767,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.00%			6.00%
Unamortized debt issuance discount	5,200,000			5,700,000
Revolving credit facility due May 2018
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	460,000,000	263,000,000
Term loan facility due May 2018
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt	$150,000,000	$150,000,000

LongTerm_Debt_Details_2

Long-Term Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 04, 2015	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility
Long-Term Debt
Credit facility term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$550
Write-off of deferred financing costs	0.7
Transaction costs					4.3	0.5
Weighted average annual interest rate (as a percent)			2.70%	2.70%	2.20%
Additional borrowing capacity, subject to certain conditions			300	300
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA on occurrence of certain events				550.00%
Maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio required in period			5.5
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Forecast
Long-Term Debt
Maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio required in period							5.25
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Minimum
Long-Term Debt
Ratio of EBITDA to Total Interest Expense				275.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Maximum
Long-Term Debt
Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA				525.00%
Ratio of Senior Secured Debt to EBITDA				400.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | LIBOR
Long-Term Debt
Interest margin added to calculated variable rate (as a percent)				0.025
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to base rate (as a percent)				2.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to base rate (as a percent)				3.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Base rate | Minimum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to base rate (as a percent)				1.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Base rate | Maximum
Long-Term Debt
Interest rate added to base rate (as a percent)				2.00%
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | Federal Funds Effective Rate
Long-Term Debt
Interest margin added to calculated variable rate (as a percent)				0.005
Revolving credit facility and term loan facility | One-month LIBOR
Long-Term Debt
Interest margin added to calculated variable rate (as a percent)				0.01
Revolving credit facility
Long-Term Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity	650	400							750	550
Undrawn capacity under revolving credit facility			190	190
Available borrowings under revolving credit facility			190	190
Revolving credit facility | Subsequent Event
Long-Term Debt
Increase in borrowing capacity								250
Maximum borrowing capacity								900
Term loan facility
Long-Term Debt
Maximum borrowing capacity		$150

LongTerm_Debt_Details_3

Long-Term Debt (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Long-Term Debt
Net proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt after original issuance discount and issuance costs	$927,798,000	$1,005,536,000	$714,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	9,700,000
Amortization of debt discount	1,042,000	419,000
6% senior notes due April 2021
Long-Term Debt
Principle amount of senior notes				350,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.00%	6.00%		6.00%
Net proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt after original issuance discount and issuance costs				336,900,000
Transaction costs		7,800,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	4,500,000	5,000,000		5,500,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.25%
Amortization of debt discount	$500,000	$400,000
6% senior notes due April 2021 | Prior to April 1, 2016
Long-Term Debt
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of debt instruments that may be redeemed prior to 2017				35.00%
Minimum number of equity offerings				1
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				106.00%
Minimum notes remaining outstanding if notes redeemed prior to 2017 (as a percent)				65.00%
Maximum number of days within which the entity may redeem a percentage of the note following the date of the closing of equity offering				180 days
6% senior notes due April 2021 | Twelve month period beginning April 1, 2017
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				103.00%
6% senior notes due April 2021 | Twelve month period beginning April 1, 2018
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				101.50%
6% senior notes due April 2021 | Beginning April 1, 2019 and thereafter
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				100.00%

LongTerm_Debt_Details_4

Long-Term Debt (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014
Long-Term Debt
Net proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt after original issuance discount and issuance costs	$927,798,000	$1,005,536,000	$714,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	9,700,000
Amortization of debt discount	1,042,000	419,000
Ownership percentage (as a percent)	100.00%
Amount of independent assets or operations	0
6% senior notes due October 2022
Long-Term Debt
Principle amount of senior notes				350,000,000
Net proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt after original issuance discount and issuance costs				337,400,000
Transaction costs				7,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	5,200,000			5,700,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)				6.25%
Amortization of debt discount	$500,000
6% senior notes due October 2022 | Prior to April 1, 2017
Long-Term Debt
Maximum percentage of the aggregate principal amount of debt instruments that may be redeemed prior to 2017				35.00%
Minimum number of equity offerings				1
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				106.00%
Minimum notes remaining outstanding if notes redeemed prior to 2017 (as a percent)				65.00%
Maximum number of days within which the entity may redeem a percentage of the note following the date of the closing of equity offering				180 days
6% senior notes due October 2022 | Twelve month period beginning April 1, 2018
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				103.00%
6% senior notes due October 2022 | Twelve month period beginning April 1, 2019
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				101.50%
6% senior notes due October 2022 | Beginning April 1, 2020 and thereafter
Long-Term Debt
Redemption price as percentage of principal amount				100.00%

LongTerm_Debt_Details_5

Long-Term Debt (Details 5) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt Maturity Schedule
2018	$610,000,000
Thereafter	700,000,000
Total debt	1,310,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance discount	$9,700,000

Partners_Equity_Allocations_an2

Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Net proceeds from sale of common units	$169,471		$114,530
General partner units, interest (as a percent)	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Net proceeds from issuance of general partner units	3,573		2,426
Repayments of Long-term Debt	386,500	928,500	684,350
General partner units owned (in units)	1,129,221	1,003,227
Partners' Capital Common Units
Units sold (in units)	6,210,000		4,965,000	6,210,000	4,965,000
Net proceeds from sale of common units				169,500	114,500
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		7,123,527
Common units owned (in units)	55,662,357
Effective ownership interest held by other entity (as a percent)	98.00%
Partners' Capital Common Units | Minimum
Quarterly distribution (in dollars per unit)	$0.35
Partners' Capital General Partner Units
General partner units issued to maintain ownership percentage (in units)				126,000	101,000
General partner units, interest (as a percent)	2.00%			2.00%	2.00%
Net proceeds from issuance of general partner units				$3,600	$2,400
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)		144,644
General partner units owned (in units)	1,129,221
Parent Company
Common units owned (in units)	19,618,918
General partner units owned (in units)	1,129,221
General partner's ownership interest in partnership (as a percent)	37.00%
Over-Allotment Option | Partners' Capital Common Units
Units sold (in units)				810,000	465,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital Common Units
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)						7,100,000
March 2013 Contract Operations Acquisition | Partners' Capital General Partner Units
Units issued in connection with acquisition (in units)						145,000

Partners_Equity_Allocations_an3

Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 13, 2015	Nov. 14, 2014	Aug. 14, 2014	15-May-14	Feb. 14, 2014	Nov. 14, 2013	Aug. 14, 2013	15-May-13	Feb. 14, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012	Aug. 14, 2012	15-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.56	$0.55	$0.54	$0.54	$0.53	$0.53	$0.52	$0.52	$0.51	$0.51	$0.50	$0.50	$2.17	$2.08	$2
Total Distribution	$35,300	$34,800	$33,600	$33,100	$28,800	$28,300	$27,900	$27,600	$23,300	$23,000	$22,800	$22,500	$130,345	$107,196	$87,866
Partners' Capital Common Units | First order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													98.00%
Partners' Capital Common Units | Second order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													98.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.40
Partners' Capital Common Units | Third order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													85.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.44
Partners' Capital Common Units | Fourth order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													75.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.53
Partners' Capital Common Units | Thereafter order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													50.00%
Partners' Capital General Partner Units | First order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													2.00%
Partners' Capital General Partner Units | Second order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													2.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.40
Partners' Capital General Partner Units | Third order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													15.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.44
Partners' Capital General Partner Units | Fourth order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													25.00%
Summary of distributions per unit
Distribution per Limited Partner Unit (in dollars per unit)													$0.53
Partners' Capital General Partner Units | Thereafter order of cash distribution
Partners' Equity, Allocations and Cash Distributions
Percentage of operating surplus distributed to unitholders													50.00%

UnitBased_Compensation_Details

Unit-Based Compensation (Details) (Long-Term Incentive Plan)	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Unit-Based Compensation
Maximum number of shares available under the Plan	1,035,378

UnitBased_Compensation_Details1

Unit-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Parent Company
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	$1.20	$0.80	$0.80
Phantom units
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	1.4	1.2	0.8
Phantom units | SG&A expense
Unit-based compensation
Unit-based compensation expense	($0.20)	$0.30	($0.10)

UnitBased_Compensation_Details2

Unit-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Phantom Units
Phantom units outstanding at the beginning of the period (in units)	85,361
Granted (in units)	54,896
Vested (in units)	-48,494
Phantom units outstanding at the end of the period (in units)	91,763
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Unit
Phantom units outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per unit)	$23.72
Granted (in dollars per unit)	$30.50
Vested (in dollars per unit)	$24.47
Phantom units outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per unit)	$27.38
Unrecognized compensation cost
Expected unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom units (in dollars)	$1.20
Weighted-average period during which the expected unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom units to be recognized	1 year 9 months 18 days
First anniversary vesting
Unit-Based Compensation
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Vesting period	1 year
Second anniversary vesting
Unit-Based Compensation
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Vesting period	2 years
Third anniversary vesting
Unit-Based Compensation
Vesting percentage	33.33%
Vesting period	3 years

Accounting_for_Derivatives_Det

Accounting for Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-13
Accounting for Derivatives
Interest income recorded due to ineffectiveness related to interest rate swaps	$0	$0	$0
Deferred pre-tax loss to be reclassified during next 12 months	4,800,000
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges
Accounting for Derivatives
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	400,000,000
Weighted average effective fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps (as a percent)	1.60%
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges | Derivative expiring in 2018
Accounting for Derivatives
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	300,000,000
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges | Derivative expiring in 2019
Accounting for Derivatives
Notional amount of interest rate swaps	100,000,000
Terminated hedge, May 2013 | Interest rate hedges
Accounting for Derivatives
Notional amount of interest rate swaps				250,000,000
Derivatives liability designated as hedging instruments, Fair value				$8,800,000

Accounting_for_Derivatives_Det1

Accounting for Derivatives (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-13
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other long-term liabilities
Accounting for Derivatives
Derivatives liability designated as hedging instruments, Fair value	($150)
Interest rate hedges
Accounting for Derivatives
Derivatives asset designated as hedging instruments, Fair value	712	322
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges
Accounting for Derivatives
Total derivatives, Fair value	4,396	-3,052
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges | Intangible and other assets, net
Accounting for Derivatives
Derivatives asset designated as hedging instruments, Fair value	712	322
Designated as a hedging instrument | Interest rate hedges | Current portion of interest rate swaps
Accounting for Derivatives
Derivatives liability designated as hedging instruments, Fair value	-4,958	-3,374
Terminated hedge, May 2013 | Interest rate hedges
Accounting for Derivatives
Derivatives liability designated as hedging instruments, Fair value			($8,800)

Accounting_for_Derivatives_Det2

Accounting for Derivatives (Details 3) (Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, Interest rate hedges, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effect of derivative instruments on results of operations
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives	($5,879)	$3,057	($5,542)
Interest Expense
Effect of derivative instruments on results of operations
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Loss)	($4,794)	($4,684)	($4,761)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Impaired long-lived assets
Fair value measurements
Weighted average disposal period used in estimation of the fair value of the impaired long-lived assets	4 years
Impaired long-lived assets | Weighted average
Fair value measurements
Discount rate used in estimation of the fair value of the impaired long-lived assets (as a percent)	9.00%
Recurring basis | Level 2
Fair value measurements
Interest rate swaps asset	712	$322
Interest rate swaps liability	-5,108	-3,374
Nonrecurring basis | Level 3
Fair value measurements
Impaired long-lived assets	982	$1,459

LongLived_Asset_Impairment_Det

Long-Lived Asset Impairment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Long-lived asset impairment
Long-lived asset impairment	$12,810	$5,350	$29,560
Idle compressor units
Long-lived asset impairment
Number of long-lived assets that the entity determined to retire and either sell or re-utilize key components	110	110	260
Horsepower of long-lived assets that the entity determined to sell or re-utilize key components	30,000	25,000	71,000
Long-lived asset impairment	10,100	5,400	22,200
Idle compressor units previously impaired
Long-lived asset impairment
Long-lived asset impairment	2,300		7,400
Other long lived assets
Long-lived asset impairment
Long-lived asset impairment	$400

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges	$702

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax provision (benefit):
State	($89)	$1,150	$60
Total current	-89	1,150	60
Deferred tax provision:
State	1,402	356	885
Total deferred	1,402	356	885
Provision for income taxes	1,313	1,506	945
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	1,527	1,132
Total deferred tax liabilities	1,527	1,132
Net deferred tax liabilities	1,527	1,132
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	643	543
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	490	100	96
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	517		447
Ending balance	$1,650	$643	$543

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (State)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Income Taxes
Examination term	3 years
Maximum
Income Taxes
Examination term	5 years

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes
Net income, as reported	$18,925,000	$18,103,000	$17,752,000	$6,939,000	$11,359,000	$10,035,000	$27,896,000	$14,733,000	$61,719,000	$64,023,000	$10,509,000
Book/tax depreciation and amortization adjustment									18,644,000	15,979,000	44,329,000
Book/tax adjustment for unit-based compensation expense									941,000	1,073,000	797,000
Book/tax adjustment for interest rate swap terminations									2,025,000	-4,983,000	898,000
Other temporary differences									-9,435,000	-4,147,000	-4,104,000
Other permanent differences									1,413,000	5,000	9,000
U.S. federal partnership taxable income									75,307,000	71,950,000	52,438,000
Accruals for taxes									4,100,000	6,500,000
Net tax basis in the entity's assets and liabilities which is less than the reported amounts on the financial statements	$381,600,000								$381,600,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	24 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 09, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		case		item
Commitments and Contingencies
Number of heavy equipment statutes cases tried and completed in Texas state district court		3
Number of heavy equipment statutes cases appealed		3
Number of district court rulings for which oral arguments were made				2
Ad valorem tax benefit	$10.20		$20.70
Ad valorem tax benefit agreed to by a number of appraisal review boards and county appraisal districts	4.6	4.6	4.6
Ad valorem tax benefit in litigation	16.1	16.1	16.1
Accrued liability for the outcomes of non-income based tax audits	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10		$4.70

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
							Plant
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Revenue	$161,133,000	$153,163,000	$145,694,000	$121,046,000	$118,870,000	$115,808,000	$125,453,000	$106,062,000	$581,036,000	$466,193,000	$387,493,000
Gross profit	62,257,000	56,711,000	54,119,000	38,131,000	38,015,000	37,157,000	47,458,000	35,422,000
Net income	18,925,000	18,103,000	17,752,000	6,939,000	11,359,000	10,035,000	27,896,000	14,733,000	61,719,000	64,023,000	10,509,000
Income per common unit - basic (in dollars per unit)	$0.27	$0.26	$0.26	$0.09	$0.19	$0.16	$0.52	$0.31	$0.89	$1.18	$0.14
Income per common unit - diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.27	$0.26	$0.26	$0.09	$0.19	$0.16	$0.52	$0.31	$0.89	$1.18	$0.14
Revenue with no incremental costs due to the termination of contracts							6,500,000
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment due to the termination of contracts							6,800,000		2,466,000	10,140,000	689,000
Number of natural gas processing plants for which purchase options exercised by customer							2
Long-lived asset impairment charge									$12,810,000	$5,350,000	$29,560,000

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Subsequent Event
Long-term debt		$1,300,295,000	$757,955,000
Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event
Maximum borrowing capacity				650,000,000	750,000,000	550,000,000	400,000,000
Term loan facility due May 2018
Subsequent Event
Long-term debt		150,000,000	150,000,000
Subsequent Event | Revolving credit facility
Subsequent Event
Increase in borrowing capacity	250,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	$900,000,000

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet
Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period	$363	$1,135	$985
Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,055	-25	494
Deductions	-165	-747	-344
Balance at End of Period	$1,253	$363	$1,135