CSI Compressco (CCLP) 10-Q 8 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 06, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	CSI Compressco LP
Entity Central Index Key	1,449,488
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Common Stock Shares Outstanding		44,845,907
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred Costs and Other Assets	$ 2,817		$ 2,817
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted		35,444,037		34,466,685
Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	31,074	$ 28,347	92,963	$ 86,193
Revenues:
Compression and related services	58,869	51,662	169,313	152,415
Aftermarket services	115,256	71,598	300,595	212,465
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization expense):
Cost of Revenue	80,697	45,504	206,191	138,150
Depreciation and amortization	17,681	17,361	52,496	51,860
Insurance Recoveries	0	(2,352)	0	(2,352)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	10,592	8,682	29,738	25,678
Interest expense, net	13,847	11,071	39,103	31,903
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	570	(1,300)	1,537	(4,963)
Other expense, net	(78)	(319)	2,748	(216)
Income (loss) before income tax provision	(8,053)	(7,049)	(31,218)	(27,595)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(106)	772	2,058	2,191
Net income (loss)	(7,947)	(7,821)	(33,276)	(29,786)
General partner interest in net income (loss)	(134)	(157)	(552)	(596)
Common units interest in net income (loss)	$ (7,813)	$ (7,664)	$ (32,724)	$ (29,190)
Net income (loss) per common unit:
Basic	$ (0.18)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.81)	$ (0.85)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.18)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.81)	$ (0.85)
Weighted average common units outstanding:
Basic	42,372,996	35,444,037	40,510,603	34,466,685
Common Stock [Member]
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted	42,372,996		40,510,603
Service [Member]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	$ 16,165	$ 7,733	$ 40,163	$ 23,816
Revenues:
Aftermarket services	19,869	9,517	48,979	29,433
Product [Member]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Abstract]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	33,458	9,424	73,065	28,141
Revenues:
Aftermarket services	$ 36,518	$ 10,419	$ 82,303	$ 30,617

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (7,947)	$ (7,821)	$ (33,276)	$ (29,786)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	152	(326)	(3,370)	(644)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (7,795)	$ (8,147)	$ (36,646)	$ (30,430)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 26,186	$ 7,601
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts	71,101	47,776
Inventory, Net	74,962	42,283
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	4,730	4,487
Total current assets	176,979	102,147
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land and building	35,011	34,972
Compressors and equipment	875,287	846,615
Vehicles	10,520	10,837
Construction in progress	56,777	13,261
Total property, plant, and equipment	977,595	905,685
Less accumulated depreciation	(344,896)	(299,206)
Net property, plant, and equipment	632,699	606,479
Other assets:
Deferred tax asset	10	10
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	31,718	33,942
Deferred Costs and Other Assets	2,817	354
Total other assets	34,545	34,306
Total assets	844,223	742,932
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	30,686	21,661
Unearned income	36,326	15,526
Accrued liabilities and other	27,684	23,785
Amounts payable to affiliates	4,376	3,034
Total current liabilities	99,072	64,006
Other liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	632,480	512,176
Preferred Units	42,250	70,260
Deferred tax liabilities	953	1,403
Other long-term liabilities	0	60
Total other liabilities	675,683	583,899
Partners' capital:
General partner interest	687	1,618
Common units	83,640	104,898
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,859)	(11,489)
Total partners' capital	69,468	95,027
Total liabilities and partners' capital	$ 844,223	$ 742,932

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Trade accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$ 1,061	$ 822
Patents, trademarks, and other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 24,050	$ 21,829
Partners' capital:
Common units issued and outstanding	43,268,777	37,618,734

Consolidated Statements of Part

Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	General Partner [Member]	Common Unitholders, Units [Member]	Common Unitholders [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 95,027	$ 1,618		$ 104,898	$ (11,489)
Beginning balance, units at Dec. 31, 2017			37,618
Partners' capital rollforward
Net income (loss)	(33,276)	(552)		(32,724)	0
Distributions	(22,911)	(379)		(22,532)	0
Equity compensation	$ 69	0		69	0
Vesting of phantom units (units)			129
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted	5,522
Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted	$ 33,929		$ 33,929		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,370)	0		0	(3,370)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 69,468	$ 687		$ 83,640	$ (14,859)
Ending balance, units at Sep. 30, 2018			43,269

Consolidated Statements of Pa_2

Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2018$ / shares
Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract]
Distributions	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Distributionstononcontrollingholders	$ (22,911)	$ (26,152)
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	(33,276)	(29,786)
Reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	52,496	51,860
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	(277)	476
Equity compensation expense	259	2,152
Provision for doubtful accounts	772	783
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,935	2,310
Payments of Financing Costs		0
Other non-cash charges and credits	439	349
(Gain) Loss on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(75)	(248)
Paid-in-Kind Interest	4,498	6,412
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	1,537	(4,963)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(24,941)	596
Inventories	(33,260)	(12,544)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,453)	(570)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	35,723	10,060
Other	(1,400)	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,516	24,572
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities	0	(2,352)
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net	(78,164)	(13,713)
Advances and other investing activities	(1)	25
Net cash used in investing activities	(78,165)	(11,336)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	380,000	66,300
Repayments of Long-term Debt	(258,000)	(64,900)
Proceeds from Convertible Debt		77,300
Financing costs	(8,801)	(1,690)
Net cash used in financing activities	90,288	(26,479)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(54)	(176)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	18,585	(13,419)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	26,186	7,378
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	14,042	28,840
Income taxes paid	2,106	2,275
Offering Costs of Preferred Units	0	37
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	26,186	7,378
Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Limited Partners Units	0	(37)
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities	$ 0	$ 2,352

Basis of Presentation and Signi

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization CSI Compressco LP, a Delaware limited partnership, is a provider of compression services and equipment for natural gas and oil production, gathering, transportation, processing, and storage. We sell standard and custom-designed compressor packages and oilfield fluid pump systems, and provide aftermarket services and compressor package parts and components manufactured by third-party suppliers. We provide these compression services and equipment to a broad base of natural gas and oil exploration and production, midstream, and transmission companies operating throughout many of the onshore producing regions of the United States as well as in a number of foreign countries, including Mexico, Canada, and Argentina. We design and fabricate a majority of the compressor packages that we use to provide compression services or that we sell to customers. Presentation Our unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of our management, our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 , and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to provide a fair statement of our results for these interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 . The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we filed with the SEC on March 2, 2018 . Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, and impairments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material. Reclassifications Certain previously reported financial information has been reclassified to conform to the current year period’s presentation. The impact of such reclassifications was not significant to the prior year period’s overall presentation. Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid cash investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Foreign Currencies We have designated the Canadian dollar as the functional currency for our operations in Canada. We are exposed to fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and certain foreign currencies, including the Canadian dollar, the Mexican peso, and the Argentine peso, as a result of our international operations. Foreign currency exchange (gains) and losses are included in other (income) expense, net and totaled $(0.4) million and $(1.0) million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and $0.1 million and $(0.3) million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. On June 30, 2018, we determined the economy in Argentina to be highly inflationary. As a result of this determination and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, on July 1, 2018, the functional currency of our operations in Argentina was changed from the Argentine peso to the U.S. dollar. The remeasurement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For parts and supplies, cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. The cost of work in progress is determined using the specific identification method. Earnings Per Common Unit Our computations of earnings per common unit are based on the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the applicable period. Basic earnings per common unit are determined by dividing net income (loss) allocated to the common units after deducting the amount allocated to our General Partner (including any distributions to our General Partner on its incentive distribution rights) by the weighted average number of outstanding common units during the period. When computing earnings per common unit when distributions are greater than earnings, the amount of the distribution is deducted from net income (loss) and the excess of distributions over earnings is allocated between the General Partner and common units based on how our Partnership Agreement allocates net losses. When earnings are greater than distributions, we determine cash distributions based on available cash and determine the actual incentive distributions allocable to our General Partner based on actual distributions. When computing earnings per common unit, the amount of the assumed incentive distribution rights, if any, is deducted from net income and allocated to our General Partner for the period to which the calculation relates. The remaining amount of net income, after deducting the assumed incentive distribution rights, is allocated between the General Partner and common units based on how our Partnership Agreement allocates net earnings. Diluted earnings per common unit are computed using the treasury stock method, which considers the potential future issuance of limited partner common units. Unvested phantom units are not included in basic earnings per common unit, as they are not considered to be participating securities, but are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common unit. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , all unvested phantom units were excluded from the calculation of diluted common units because the impact was anti-dilutive. Following the August and September 2016 issuances of the Series A Convertible Preferred Units (the "Preferred Units"), diluted earnings per common unit are computed using the "if converted" method, whereby the amount of net income (loss) and the number of common units issuable are each adjusted as if the Preferred Units had been converted as of the beginning of the period presented. The number of common units that may be issued upon future conversion of the Preferred Units is excluded from the calculation of diluted common units for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as the impact would be anti-dilutive. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Certain of our international operations maintain their accounting records in the local currencies that are their functional currencies. For these operations, the functional currency financial statements are converted to United States dollar equivalents, with the effect of the foreign currency translation adjustment reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in partners’ capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consists of the cumulative currency translation adjustments associated with such international operations. Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In Thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (15,011 ) $ (10,729 ) $ (11,489 ) $ (10,411 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment 152 (326 ) (3,370 ) (644 ) Balance, end of period $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 ) $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 ) Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income includes no reclassifications to net income (loss). Allocation of Net Income (Loss) Our net income (loss) is allocated to partners’ capital accounts in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement. Distributions On January 22, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended December 31, 2017 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on January 22, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 172,210 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended December 31, 2017 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions were paid on February 14, 2018 , to each of the holders of common units and the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on February 1, 2018 . On April 20, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended March 31, 2018 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on April 20, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 152,381 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended March 31, 2018 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions were paid on May 15, 2018 to each of the holders of common units and to the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on May 1, 2018 . On July 20, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on July 20, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 131,569 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions were paid on August 14, 2018 to each of the holders of common units and to the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on August 1, 2018 . On October 19, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on October 19, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 109,553 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions will be paid on November 14, 2018 to each of the holders of common units and to the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2018 . Fair Value Measurements We utilize fair value measurements to account for certain items and account balances within our consolidated financial statements. Fair value measurements are utilized in the determination of the carrying value of our Preferred Units (a Level 3 fair value measurement). We also utilize fair value measurements on a recurring basis in the accounting for our foreign currency forward purchase and sale derivative contracts. For these fair value measurements, we utilize the quoted value as determined by our counterparty financial institution (a Level 2 fair value measurement). Refer to Note E - "Fair Value Measurements" for further discussion. Fair value measurements are also utilized on a nonrecurring basis, such as in the allocation of purchase consideration for acquisition transactions to the assets and liabilities acquired, including intangible assets (a Level 3 fair value measurement) and for the impairment of long-lived assets (a Level 3 fair value measurement). New Accounting Pronouncements Standards adopted in 2018 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, "Revenue Recognition", and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 and all related amendments ("ASU 2014-09"). We utilized the modified retrospective method of adoption. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 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. ASU 2014-09 also provides a five-step model for determining revenue recognition for arrangements that are within the scope of the standard: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASU 2014-09, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. For a complete discussion of accounting for revenues, see Note I - Revenue Recognition. The impact from the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to our January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, our September 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, and our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 was immaterial. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact to cash provided by operating, financing, or investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. We do not expect the adoption of the new revenue standard to have a material impact to our net income on an ongoing basis. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" to reduce diversity in practice in classification of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, with no impact to our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" which requires companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, in November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" to reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, resulting in restricted cash, if any, being classified with cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting" to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, with no impact to our consolidated financial statements. Standards not yet adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to increase comparability and transparency among different organizations. Organizations are required to recognize right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet related to the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In addition, through improved disclosure requirements, the ASU will enable users of financial statements to further understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. In July 2018, the FASB provided an additional transition method allowing for the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. We plan to adopt Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method. Comparative information will continue to be reported under the accounting standards that were in effect for those periods. We are continuing to assess other transition practical expedients available to us. We are currently evaluating our portfolio of real estate, vehicle, and equipment leases for consideration of the accounting impact. Lease data is being loaded into a software solution that will assist in the calculation of the impact on the consolidated balance sheet and facilitate the creation of disclosures. We are concurrently evaluating and developing internal policies necessary to implement the standard. Based on our preliminary assessment, upon adoption of the ASU, we will record significant right-to-use assets and lease obligations pursuant to the new requirements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” to align the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments to nonemployees with the guidance currently applied to employees, with certain exceptions. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the potential effects of these changes to our consolidated financial statements and do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWINGS Long-term debt consists of the following: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Scheduled Maturity (In Thousands) Credit Agreement (presented net of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.0 million as of December 31, 2017), terminated on March 22, 2018 $ — $ 223,985 New Credit Agreement June 29, 2023 — — 7.25% Senior Notes (presented net of the unamortized discount of $2.4 million as of September 30, 2018 and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.2 million as of September 30, 2018 and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2017) August 15, 2022 289,391 288,191 7.50% Senior Secured Notes (presented net of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $6.9 million as of September 30, 2018) April 1, 2025 343,089 — 632,480 512,176 Less current portion — — Total long-term debt $ 632,480 $ 512,176 There was no balance outstanding under the New Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2018 . As of September 30, 2018 , and subject to compliance with the covenants, borrowing base, and other provisions of the agreements that may limit borrowings under the New Credit Agreement, we had availability of $23.3 million . We are in compliance with all covenants of our respective credit and senior note agreements as of September 30, 2018 . 7.50% Senior Secured Notes On March 8, 2018 , we and CSI Compressco Finance Inc., a Delaware corporation and one of our wholly owned subsidiaries (we, together with CSI Compressco Finance Inc., the “Issuers”), and the guarantors named therein (the “Guarantors” and, together with the Issuers, the "Obligors"), entered into the Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as representative of the initial purchasers listed in Schedule A thereto (collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Issuers agreed to issue and sell to the Initial Purchasers $350 million aggregate principal amount of the Issuers’ 7.50% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2025 (the “ 7.50% Senior Secured Notes”) (the "Offering") pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Offering closed on March 22, 2018. The 7.50% Senior Secured Notes were issued at par for net proceeds of approximately $342.7 million , after deducting certain financing costs. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repay in full and terminate our existing bank Credit Agreement and we plan to use the remainder for general partnership purposes, including the expansion of our compression fleet. The 7.50% Senior Secured Notes are jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally, guaranteed (the "Guarantees" and, together with the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes, the "Securities") on a senior secured basis initially by each of our domestic restricted subsidiaries (other than CSI Compressco Finance Inc., certain immaterial subsidiaries, and certain other excluded domestic subsidiaries) and are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of the Issuers' and the Guarantors' assets (other than certain excluded assets) (the "Collateral") as collateral security for their obligations under the Securities, subject to certain permitted encumbrances and exceptions. On the closing date, we entered into an indenture (the "Indenture") by and among the Obligors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee with respect to the Securities. The 7.50% Senior Secured Notes accrue interest at a rate of 7.50% per annum. Interest on the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning October 1, 2018. The 7.50% Senior Secured Notes are scheduled to mature on April 1, 2025. In connection with the Offering, we incurred total financing costs of $7.4 million related to the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes. These costs are deferred, netting against the carrying value of the amount outstanding. On and after April 1, 2021, we may redeem all or a part of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes, from time to time, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but not including, the applicable redemption date, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below: Date Price 2021 105.625 % 2022 103.750 % 2023 101.875 % 2024 100.000 % In addition, at any time and from time to time before April 1, 2021, we may, at our option, redeem all or a portion of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of holders of 7.50% Senior Secured Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. Prior to April 1, 2021, we may on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes with an amount of cash not greater than the amount of the net cash proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.500% of the principal amount of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, provided that (a) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes originally issued on the issue date (excluding notes held by us and our subsidiaries) remains outstanding after each such redemption; and (b) the redemption occurs within 180 days after the date of the closing of the equity offering. If we experience certain kinds of changes of control, each holder of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes will be entitled to require us to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000 ) of that holder’s 7.50% Senior Secured Notes pursuant to an offer on the terms set forth in the Indenture. We will offer to make a cash payment equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes repurchased to the date of repurchase, subject to the rights of holders of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. The Indenture contains customary covenants restricting our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) pay distributions on, purchase, or redeem our common units or purchase or redeem any subordinated debt; (ii) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain kinds of preferred equity securities; (iii) create or incur certain liens securing indebtedness; (iv) sell assets, including dispositions of the Collateral; (v) consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vii) enter into agreements that restrict distributions or other payments from our restricted subsidiaries to us. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions, including certain provisions permitting us, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to transfer assets to certain of our unrestricted subsidiaries. Moreover, if the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes receive an investment grade rating from at least two rating agencies and no default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture, many of the restrictive covenants in the Indenture will be terminated. The Indenture also contains customary events of default and acceleration provisions relating to events of default, which provide that upon an event of default under the Indenture, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding 7.50% Senior Secured Notes may declare all of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes to be due and payable immediately . On March 22, 2018, the Obligors, the Trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as the collateral trustee (the “Collateral Trustee”), entered into a collateral trust agreement (the “Collateral Trust Agreement”) pursuant to which the Collateral Trustee will receive, hold, administer, maintain, enforce, and distribute the proceeds of all of its liens upon the collateral for the benefit of the current and future holders of the 7.50% Senior Secured Notes and any future priority lien obligations, if any. Bank Credit Facilities. On March 22, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Offering, we repaid all outstanding borrowings and obligations under our then existing bank Credit Agreement with a portion of the net proceeds from the Offering, and terminated this Credit Agreement. As a result of the termination of the Credit Agreement, associated unamortized deferred financing costs of $3.5 million were charged to other (income) expense, net during the three month period ended March 31, 2018. On June 29, 2018, we and two of our wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively the "Borrowers"), and certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries named therein as guarantors (the "New Credit Agreement Guarantors"), entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with the lenders thereto (the "Lenders"), and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent, letter of credit issuer, and swing line lender. All of the Borrowers' obligations under the New Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of their existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The New Credit Agreement includes a maximum credit commitment of $50.0 million available for loans, letters of credit (with a sublimit of $25.0 million ) and swingline loans (with a sublimit of $5.0 million ), subject to a borrowing base to be determined by reference to the value of our and any other borrowers’ accounts receivable. Such maximum credit commitment may be increased by $25.0 million in accordance with the terms and conditions of the New Credit Agreement. The Borrowers may borrow funds under the New Credit Agreement to pay fees and expenses related to the New Credit Agreement and for the Borrower's ongoing working capital needs and for general partnership purposes. The revolving loans under the New Credit Agreement may be voluntarily prepaid, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, subject to breakage or similar costs. The maturity date of the New Credit Agreement is June 29, 2023. As of September 30, 2018 , no balance was outstanding under the New Credit Agreement. Because there was no outstanding balance on the New Credit Agreement, associated deferred financing costs of $1.2 million as of September 30, 2018 , were classified as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the Borrowers, either (i) London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted to reflect any required bank reserves) for an interest period equal to 30, 60, 90, 180, or 360 days (as selected by the Borrowers, subject to availability and with the consent of the Lenders for 360 days) plus a margin based on average daily excess availability or (ii) a base rate plus a margin based on average daily excess availability; such base rate shall be determined by reference to the highest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A., (b) the Federal Funds Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) rate plus 0.5% per annum and (c) LIBOR (adjusted to reflect any required bank reserves) for a 30-day interest period on such day plus 1.0% per annum. Initially, from June 29, 2018 until the delivery of the financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, LIBOR-based loans will have an applicable margin of 2.00% per annum and base-rate loans will have an applicable margin of 1.00% per annum; thereafter, the applicable margin will range between 1.75% and 2.25% per annum for LIBOR-based loans and 0.75% and 1.25% per annum for base-rate loans, according to average daily excess availability when financial statements are delivered. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the New Credit Agreement, the Borrowers are required to pay a commitment fee in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder, initially at the rate of 0.375% per annum until the delivery of the financial statements for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2018 and thereafter at the applicable rate ranging from 0.250% to 0.375% per annum, paid quarterly in arrears based on utilization of the commitments under the New Credit Agreement. The Borrowers are also required to pay a customary letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin on revolving credit LIBOR loans and fronting fees. The New Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the ability of the Borrowers, the New Credit Agreement Guarantors, and certain of their subsidiaries to take certain actions including, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions, the incurrence of debt, the granting of liens, the making of investments, entering into transactions with affiliates, the payment of dividends, and the sale of assets. The New Credit Agreement also contains a provision that may require a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 in the event that certain conditions associated with outstanding borrowings and cash availability occur. As of September 30, 2018, such conditions have not occurred. All obligations under the New Credit Agreement and the guarantees of those obligations are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by a first priority security interest for the benefit of the Lenders in the Borrowers’ and the New Credit Agreement Guarantors’ present and future accounts receivable, inventory and related assets, and proceeds of the foregoing.

Series A Preferred Units Series

Series A Preferred Units Series A Preferred Units	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Series A Preferred Units [Abstract]
Series A Convertible Preferred Units	SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS During 2016, we entered into Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreements (the “Unit Purchase Agreements”) with certain purchasers with regard to our issuances and sales in two private placements (the "Initial Private Placement" and "Subsequent Private Placement," respectively) of an aggregate of 6,999,126 Preferred Units for a cash purchase price of $11.43 per Preferred Unit (the “Issue Price”), resulting in total net proceeds, after deducting certain offering expenses, of approximately $77.3 million . One of the purchasers in the Initial Private Placement was TETRA, which purchased 874,891 of the Preferred Units at the aggregate Issue Price of $10.0 million . The Preferred Units rank senior to all classes or series of equity securities of the Partnership with respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation. The holders of Preferred Units (each, a “Preferred Unitholder”) receive quarterly distributions, which are paid in kind in additional Preferred Units, equal to an annual rate of 11.00% of the Issue Price (or $1.2573 per Preferred Unit annualized) of their outstanding Preferred Units, subject to certain adjustments. The rights of the Preferred Units include certain anti-dilution adjustments, including adjustments for economic dilution resulting from the issuance of common units in the future below a set price. A ratable portion of the Preferred Units has been, and will continue to be, converted into common units on the eighth day of each month over a period of thirty months that began in March 2017 (each, a “Conversion Date”), subject to certain provisions of the Second Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement that may delay or accelerate all or a portion of such monthly conversions. On each Conversion Date, a portion of the Preferred Units convert into common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership in an amount equal to, with respect to each Preferred Unitholder, the number of Preferred Units held by such Preferred Unitholder divided by the number of Conversion Dates remaining, subject to adjustment described in the Second Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement, with the conversion price (the "Conversion Price") determined by the trading prices of the common units over the prior month, among other factors, and as otherwise impacted by the existence of certain conditions related to the common units. Based on the number of Preferred Units outstanding as of September 30, 2018 , the maximum aggregate number of common units that could be required to be issued pursuant to the conversion provisions of the Preferred Units is approximately 20.7 million common units; however, the Partnership may, at its option, pay cash, or a combination of cash and common units, to the Preferred Unitholders instead of issuing common units on any Conversion Date, subject to certain restrictions as described in the Second Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement. The total number of Preferred Units outstanding as of September 30, 2018 was 3,623,950 . Because the Preferred Units may be settled using a variable number of common units, the fair value of the Preferred Units is classified as a long-term liability on our consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC 480 "Distinguishing Liabilities and Equity." The fair value of the Preferred Units as of September 30, 2018 was $42.3 million . During the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2018 , changes in the fair value during each period resulted in $0.6 million and $1.5 million being charged to earnings, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2017 , changes in the fair value resulted in $1.3 million and $5.0 million being credited to earnings, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Based on the conversion provisions of the Preferred Units, and using the Conversion Price calculated as of September 30, 2018 , the theoretical number of common units that would be issued if all of the outstanding Preferred Units were converted on September 30, 2018 on the same basis as the monthly conversions would be approximately 8.4 million common units, with an aggregate market value of $43.2 million . A $1 decrease in the Conversion Price would result in the issuance of approximately 2.1 million additional common units pursuant to these conversion provisions.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Market Risks and Derivative Contracts	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date” within an entity’s principal market, if any. The principal market is the market in which the reporting entity would sell the asset or transfer the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity, regardless of whether it is the market in which the entity will ultimately transact for a particular asset or liability or if a different market is potentially more advantageous. Accordingly, this exit price concept may result in a fair value that may differ from the transaction price or market price of the asset or liability. Under U.S. GAAP, the fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value measurements should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, where possible. Observable inputs are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs may be needed to measure fair value in situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, which could include the reporting entity’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would utilize in pricing the asset or liability. Financial Instruments Preferred Units The Preferred Units are valued using a lattice modeling technique that, among a number of lattice structures, includes significant unobservable items (a Level 3 fair value measurement). These unobservable items include (i) the volatility of the trading price of our common units compared to a volatility analysis of equity prices of comparable peer companies, (ii) a yield analysis that utilizes market information related to the debt yields of comparable peer companies, and (iii) a future conversion price analysis. The fair value of our Preferred Units liability is increased by, among other factors, projected increases in our common unit price, and by increases in the volatility and decreases in the debt yields of comparable peer companies. Increases (or decreases) in the fair value of our Preferred Units will increase (decrease) the associated liability and result in future adjustments to earnings for the associated valuation losses (gains). Derivative Contracts We are exposed to financial and market risks that affect our businesses. We have currency exchange rate risk exposure related to transactions denominated in a foreign currency as well as to investments in certain of our international operations. We have concentrations of credit risk as a result of trade receivables owed to us by companies in the energy industry. Our financial risk management activities may at times involve, among other measures, the use of derivative financial instruments, such as swap and collar agreements, to hedge the impact of market price risk exposures. As of September 30, 2018 , we had the following foreign currency derivative contract outstanding relating to a portion of our foreign operations: Derivative Contracts US Dollar Notional Amount Traded Exchange Rate Settlement Date (In Thousands) Forward sale Mexican peso $ 6,352 18.89 10/18/2018 Under a program designed to mitigate the currency exchange rate risk exposure on selected transactions of certain foreign subsidiaries, we may enter into similar derivative contracts from time to time. Although contracts pursuant to this program will serve as economic hedges of the cash flow of our currency exchange risk exposure, they will not be formally designated as hedge contracts or qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Accordingly, any change in the fair value of these derivative instruments during a period will be included in the determination of earnings for that period. The fair values of our foreign currency derivative instruments are based on quoted market values as reported to us by our counterparty (a Level 2 fair value measurement). The fair values of our foreign currency derivative instruments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , are as follows: Foreign currency derivative instruments Balance Sheet Fair Value at Location September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In Thousands) Forward sale contracts Current assets $ — $ 130 Forward sale contracts Current liabilities (44 ) (10 ) Net asset $ (44 ) $ 120 None of the foreign currency derivative contracts contains credit risk related contingent features that would require us to post assets or collateral for contracts that are classified as liabilities. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , we recognized $0.4 million and $0.2 million , respectively, of net (gains) losses associated with our foreign currency derivative program, and such amounts are included in other (income) expense, net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , we recognized $0.02 million and $0.4 million , respectively, of net (gains) losses associated with our foreign currency derivative program, and such amounts are included in other (income) expense, net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. A summary of these recurring fair value measurements by valuation hierarchy as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows: Fair Value Measurements Using Description Total as of Quoted Prices Significant Significant (In Thousands) Series A Preferred Units $ (42,250 ) $ — $ — $ (42,250 ) Liability for foreign currency derivative contracts (44 ) — (44 ) — $ (42,294 ) Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices Significant Significant Description Total as of (In Thousands) Series A Preferred Units $ (70,260 ) $ — $ — $ (70,260 ) Asset for foreign currency derivative contracts 130 — 130 — Liability for foreign currency derivative contracts (10 ) — (10 ) — $ (70,140 ) The fair values of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, and variable-rate long-term debt pursuant to our New Credit Agreement approximate their carrying amounts. The fair values of our publicly traded long-term 7.25% Senior Notes at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were approximately $276.0 million and $279.7 million , respectively. Those fair values compare to aggregate principal amounts of such notes at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 of $295.9 million . The fair value of our publicly traded long-term 7.50% Senior Secured Notes at September 30, 2018 was approximately $358.3 million . This fair value compares to an aggregate principal amount of such notes at September 30, 2018 of $350.0 million . We based the fair values of our 7.25% Senior Notes and our 7.50% Senior Secured Notes as of September 30, 2018 on recent trades for these notes. See Note C - "Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings," for a complete discussion of our debt.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Omnibus Agreement Under the terms of the Omnibus Agreement entered into on June 20, 2011 and later amended June 20, 2014 (the "Omnibus Agreement"), our General Partner provides all personnel and services reasonably necessary to manage our operations and conduct our business (other than in Mexico, Canada, and Argentina), and certain of TETRA’s Latin American-based subsidiaries provide personnel and services necessary for the conduct of certain of our Latin American-based businesses. In addition, under the Omnibus Agreement, TETRA provides certain corporate and general and administrative services as requested by our General Partner, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and financial reporting, treasury, insurance administration, claims processing and risk management, health, safety and environmental, information technology, human resources, credit, payroll, internal audit, and tax services. Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, we reimburse our General Partner and TETRA for services they provide to us. The Omnibus Agreement will terminate on the earlier of (i) a change of control of the General Partner or TETRA, or (ii) upon any party providing at least 180 days prior written notice of termination. Under the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, we or TETRA may, but neither of us is under any obligation to, perform for the other such production enhancement or other oilfield services on a subcontract basis as are needed or desired by the other, for such periods of time and in such amounts as may be mutually agreed upon by TETRA and our General Partner. Any such services are required to be performed on terms that are (i) approved by the conflicts committee of our General Partner’s board of directors, (ii) no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from non-affiliated third parties, as determined by our General Partner, or (iii) fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between TETRA and us (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us), as determined by our General Partner. Under the terms of the Omnibus Agreement, we or TETRA may, but neither of us is under any obligation to, sell, lease or exchange on a like-kind basis to the other such production enhancement or other oilfield services equipment as is needed or desired to meet either of our production enhancement or other oilfield services obligations, in such amounts, upon such conditions and for such periods of time, if applicable, as may be mutually agreed upon by TETRA and our General Partner. Any such sales, leases, or like-kind exchanges are required to be on terms that are (i) approved by the conflicts committee of our General Partner’s board of directors, (ii) no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from non-affiliated third parties, as determined by our General Partner, or (iii) fair and reasonable to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between TETRA and us (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us), as determined by our General Partner. In addition, unless otherwise approved by the conflicts committee of our General Partner’s board of directors, TETRA may purchase newly fabricated equipment from us at a negotiated price, provided that such price may not be less than the sum of the total costs (other than any allocations of general and administrative expenses) incurred by us in fabricating such equipment plus a fixed margin percentage thereof, and TETRA may purchase from us previously fabricated equipment for a price that is not less than the sum of the net book value of such equipment plus a fixed margin percentage thereof. TETRA and General Partner Ownership As of September 30, 2018 , TETRA's ownership interest in us was approximately 36% of the outstanding common units, 12.6% of the outstanding Preferred Units, and an approximately 1.5% general partner interest, through which it holds incentive distribution rights. For discussion of the purchase by TETRA of a portion of the Preferred Units, see Note C - Series A Convertible Preferred Units. As Preferred Units are converted to common units, TETRA's percentage ownership of the common units will decrease.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	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. Our operations are treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes with each partner being separately taxed on its share of taxable income. However, a portion of our business is conducted through taxable U.S. corporate subsidiaries. Accordingly, a U.S. federal and state income tax provision has been reflected in the accompanying statements of operations. Certain of our operations are located outside of the U.S., and the Partnership, through its foreign subsidiaries, is responsible for income taxes in these countries. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Reform Act; however, in certain cases, we made reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional amounts. We will continue to make and refine our calculations as additional analysis is completed. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Reform Act will be completed in 2018 as provided by the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("SAB 118"). We recognized an income tax expense of $21.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 associated with the impact of the Tax Reform Act, which was fully offset by a decrease in the valuation allowance previously recorded on our net deferred tax assets. As such, the Tax Reform Act resulted in no net tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017. We have considered in our estimated annual effective tax rate for 2018, the impact of the statutory changes enacted by the Tax Reform Act, including reasonable estimates of those provisions effective for the 2018 tax year. Our estimate on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”), Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”), Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”), and IRC Section 163(j) interest limitation do not impact our effective tax rate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 . For the three month period ended September 30, 2018 , we recorded a benefit for income tax and had an effective tax rate of 1.3% . Despite the pre-tax loss for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 , we recorded a provision for income tax, primarily attributable to taxes in certain foreign jurisdictions and Texas gross margin taxes. Our effective tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 , was negative 6.6% primarily due to losses generated in entities for which no related tax benefit has been recorded. The losses generated by these entities do not result in tax benefits due to offsetting valuation allowances being recorded against their net deferred tax assets. We establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Included in our deferred tax assets are net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits that are available to offset future income tax liabilities in the U.S. as well as in certain foreign jurisdictions.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. While the outcome of any lawsuits or other proceedings against us cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not consider it reasonably possible that a loss resulting from such lawsuits or proceedings in excess of any amounts accrued has been incurred that is expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Insurance Recoveries During the third quarter of 2017, our insurer paid $3.0 million of claim proceeds associated with damages sustained to certain compression equipment packages that we had impaired as a result of such damage. The amount was credited to earnings, with $2.4 million classified as insurance recoveries for the damaged equipment, and $0.6 million classified as other income.

Segments (Notes)

Segments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	SEGMENTS ASC 280-10-50, “Operating Segments”, defines the characteristics of an operating segment as (i) being engaged in business activity from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, (ii) being reviewed by the company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") to make decisions about resources to be allocated and to assess its performance, and (iii) having discrete financial information. Although management of our General Partner reviews our products and services to analyze the nature of our revenue, other financial information, such as certain costs and expenses, and net income are not captured or analyzed by these items. Therefore, discrete financial information is not available by product line and our CODM does not make resource allocation decisions or assess the performance of the business based on these items, but rather in the aggregate. Based on this, our General Partner believes that we operate in one business segment.

Revenue from Contract with Cust

Revenue from Contract with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customers (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	REVENUE RECOGNITION Performance Obligations. Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. Generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our products or services to our customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products or providing services to our customers. Compression and related services. For compression services revenues recognized over time, our customer contracts typically provide agreed upon monthly service rates and we recognize service revenue based upon the number of days that services have been performed. We receive cash equal to the invoice price for most product sales and services and payment terms typically range from 30 to 60 days from the date we invoice our customer. With the exception of the initial terms of our compression services contracts of our medium- and high-horsepower compressor packages, our customer contracts are generally for terms of one year or less. Since the period between when we deliver products or services and when the customer pays for products or services are not expected to exceed one year, we have elected not to calculate or disclose a financing component for our customer contracts. Depending on the terms of the arrangement, we may also defer the recognition of revenue for a portion of the consideration received because we have to satisfy a future performance obligation. For example, consideration received from customers during the fabrication of new compressor packages is typically deferred until control of the compressor package is transferred to our customer. For revenue associated with mobilization of service equipment as part of a service contract arrangement, such revenue, if significant, is deferred and amortized over the estimated service period. As of September 30, 2018 , we had $16.5 million of remaining performance obligations related to our compression service contracts. As a practical expedient, thi s amount does not reflect revenue for compression service contracts whose original expected duration is less than 12 months an d does not consider the effects of the time value of money . The remaining performance obligations, and associated revenues, will be recognized through 2022 as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total (In Thousands) Compression service contracts remaining performance obligations $ 2,552 $ 9,451 $ 3,865 $ 552 $ 76 $ 16,496 Sales taxes, value added taxes, and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. We recognize the cost for freight and shipping costs when control over our products (i.e. delivery) has transferred to the customer as part of cost of product sales. Equipment Sales & Aftermarket Services. Equipment sales and most aftermarket service revenues are recognized at a point in time when we transfer control of our products and complete the delivery of services to our customers. Use of Estimates. Our revenues do not include material amounts of variable consideration, as our revenues typically do not require significant estimates or judgments. The transaction price on a majority of our arrangements are fixed and product returns are immaterial. Additionally, our arrangements typically do not include multiple performance obligations that require estimates of the stand-alone purchase price for each performance obligation. Revenue on certain aftermarket service arrangements that include time as a component of the transaction price is not recognized until the performance obligation is complete. Contract Assets and Liabilities. Contract assets arise when we transfer products or perform services in fulfillment of a contract obligation but must perform other performance obligations before being entitled to payment. Generally, once we have transferred products or performed services for the customer pursuant to a contract, we recognize revenue and trade accounts receivable, as we are entitled to payment that is unconditional. Any contract assets, along with billed and unbilled accounts receivable, are included in Trade Accounts Receivable in our consolidated balance sheets. Contract liabilities arise when we receive consideration, or consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring products or services to the customer under the terms of a sales contract. We classify contract liabilities as Unearned Income in our consolidated balance sheets. Such unearned income typically results from advance payments received on orders for new compressor equipment prior to the time such equipment is completed and transferred to the customer in accordance with the customer contract. There were no contract assets as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2018 . The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 : September 30, 2018 (In Thousands) Unearned income, beginning of period $ 15,526 Additional unearned income 99,862 Revenue recognized (79,062 ) Unearned income, end of period $ 36,326 Bad debt expense on accounts receivables was $0.8 million and $0.8 million during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , contract liabilities increased due to unearned income for consideration received on new compressor equipment being fabricated. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , $79.1 million of unearned income was recognized as product sales revenue, primarily associated with deliveries of new compression equipment. Contract Costs. When costs are incurred to obtain contracts, such as professional fees and sales bonuses, such costs are deferred and amortized over the contract term. Costs of mobilizing service equipment necessary to perform under service contracts, if significant, are deferred and amortized over the estimated service period. As of September 30, 2018 , we had no deferred contract costs. Where applicable, we establish provisions for estimated obligations pursuant to compressor equipment warranties by accruing for estimated future product warranty cost in the period of the compressor equipment sale. Such estimates are based on historical warranty loss experience. Major components of fabricated compressor packages have manufacturer warranties that we pass through to the customer. Disaggregation of Revenue. We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers by geography based on the following table below. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Compression and related services U.S. $ 50,735 $ 44,365 $ 145,859 $ 132,866 International 8,134 7,297 23,454 19,549 58,869 51,662 169,313 152,415 Aftermarket services U.S. 18,636 9,112 46,374 28,080 International 1,233 405 2,605 1,353 19,869 9,517 48,979 29,433 Equipment sales U.S. 36,283 10,220 81,329 29,608 International 235 199 974 1,009 36,518 10,419 82,303 30,617 Total Revenue U.S. 105,654 63,697 273,562 190,554 International 9,602 7,901 27,033 21,911 $ 115,256 $ 71,598 $ 300,595 $ 212,465

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block]	UBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 19, 2018 , the board of directors of our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit, on an annualized basis. Also on October 19, 2018 , the board of directors of our General Partner approved the paid-in-kind distribution of 109,553 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended September 30, 2018 , in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions will be paid on November 14, 2018 to each of the holders of common units, and to the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2018 . On October 8, 2018, 329,450 Preferred Units were converted into 763,819 common units. On November 8, 2018, 329,450 Preferred Units were converted into 813,311 common units.

Basis of Presentation and Sig_2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation policy	Presentation Our unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of our management, our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018 , and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to provide a fair statement of our results for these interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 . The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements required to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which we filed with the SEC on March 2, 2018 .
Use of estimates policy	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, and impairments during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material.
Reclassifications policy	Reclassifications Certain previously reported financial information has been reclassified to conform to the current year period’s presentation. The impact of such reclassifications was not significant to the prior year period’s overall presentation.
Cash equivalents policy	Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid cash investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Foreign currencies policy	Foreign Currencies We have designated the Canadian dollar as the functional currency for our operations in Canada. We are exposed to fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and certain foreign currencies, including the Canadian dollar, the Mexican peso, and the Argentine peso, as a result of our international operations. Foreign currency exchange (gains) and losses are included in other (income) expense, net and totaled $(0.4) million and $(1.0) million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and $0.1 million and $(0.3) million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. On June 30, 2018, we determined the economy in Argentina to be highly inflationary. As a result of this determination and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, on July 1, 2018, the functional currency of our operations in Argentina was changed from the Argentine peso to the U.S. dollar. The remeasurement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Inventories policy	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For parts and supplies, cost is determined using the weighted average cost method. The cost of work in progress is determined using the specific identification method.
Earnings per common unit policy	Earnings Per Common Unit Our computations of earnings per common unit are based on the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the applicable period. Basic earnings per common unit are determined by dividing net income (loss) allocated to the common units after deducting the amount allocated to our General Partner (including any distributions to our General Partner on its incentive distribution rights) by the weighted average number of outstanding common units during the period. When computing earnings per common unit when distributions are greater than earnings, the amount of the distribution is deducted from net income (loss) and the excess of distributions over earnings is allocated between the General Partner and common units based on how our Partnership Agreement allocates net losses. When earnings are greater than distributions, we determine cash distributions based on available cash and determine the actual incentive distributions allocable to our General Partner based on actual distributions. When computing earnings per common unit, the amount of the assumed incentive distribution rights, if any, is deducted from net income and allocated to our General Partner for the period to which the calculation relates. The remaining amount of net income, after deducting the assumed incentive distribution rights, is allocated between the General Partner and common units based on how our Partnership Agreement allocates net earnings. Diluted earnings per common unit are computed using the treasury stock method, which considers the potential future issuance of limited partner common units. Unvested phantom units are not included in basic earnings per common unit, as they are not considered to be participating securities, but are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common unit. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 , all unvested phantom units were excluded from the calculation of diluted common units because the impact was anti-dilutive.
Accumulated other comprehensive income policy	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Certain of our international operations maintain their accounting records in the local currencies that are their functional currencies. For these operations, the functional currency financial statements are converted to United States dollar equivalents, with the effect of the foreign currency translation adjustment reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in partners’ capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consists of the cumulative currency translation adjustments associated with such international operations. Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In Thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (15,011 ) $ (10,729 ) $ (11,489 ) $ (10,411 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment 152 (326 ) (3,370 ) (644 ) Balance, end of period $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 ) $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 ) Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income includes no reclassifications to net income (loss).
Allocation of net income policy	Allocation of Net Income (Loss) Our net income (loss) is allocated to partners’ capital accounts in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement.
Distributions policy	Distributions On January 22, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended December 31, 2017 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on January 22, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 172,210 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended December 31, 2017 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions were paid on February 14, 2018 , to each of the holders of common units and the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on February 1, 2018 . On April 20, 2018 , our General Partner declared a cash distribution attributable to the quarter ended March 31, 2018 of $0.1875 per common unit. This distribution equates to a distribution of $0.75 per outstanding common unit on an annualized basis. Also on April 20, 2018 , our General Partner approved the paid in kind distribution of 152,381 Preferred Units attributable to the quarter ended March 31, 2018 in accordance with the provisions of our partnership agreement, as amended. These distributions were paid on May 15, 2018 to each of the holders of common units and to the holders of the Preferred Units in the aggregate, respectively, of record as of the close of business on May 1, 2018 .
Fair value measurements policy	Fair Value Measurements We utilize fair value measurements to account for certain items and account balances within our consolidated financial statements. Fair value measurements are utilized in the determination of the carrying value of our Preferred Units (a Level 3 fair value measurement). We also utilize fair value measurements on a recurring basis in the accounting for our foreign currency forward purchase and sale derivative contracts. For these fair value measurements, we utilize the quoted value as determined by our counterparty financial institution (a Level 2 fair value measurement). Refer to Note E - "Fair Value Measurements" for further discussion. Fair value measurements are also utilized on a nonrecurring basis, such as in the allocation of purchase consideration for acquisition transactions to the assets and liabilities acquired, including intangible assets (a Level 3 fair value measurement) and for the impairment of long-lived assets (a Level 3 fair value measurement).
New accounting pronouncements policy	New Accounting Pronouncements Standards adopted in 2018 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, "Revenue Recognition", and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, under either full or modified retrospective adoption. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 and all related amendments ("ASU 2014-09"). We utilized the modified retrospective method of adoption. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 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. ASU 2014-09 also provides a five-step model for determining revenue recognition for arrangements that are within the scope of the standard: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for the goods or services we transfer to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASU 2014-09, we assess the goods or services promised within each contract and determine those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. For a complete discussion of accounting for revenues, see Note I - Revenue Recognition. The impact from the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to our January 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, our September 30, 2018 consolidated balance sheet, and our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 was immaterial. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 had no impact to cash provided by operating, financing, or investing activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows. We do not expect the adoption of the new revenue standard to have a material impact to our net income on an ongoing basis. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" to reduce diversity in practice in classification of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, with no impact to our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" which requires companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. Additionally, in November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" to reduce diversity in the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, resulting in restricted cash, if any, being classified with cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting" to clarify when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. We adopted this ASU during the three month period ended March 31, 2018, with no impact to our consolidated financial statements. Standards not yet adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" to increase comparability and transparency among different organizations. Organizations are required to recognize right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet related to the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. In addition, through improved disclosure requirements, the ASU will enable users of financial statements to further understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. In July 2018, the FASB provided an additional transition method allowing for the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. We plan to adopt Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 using the optional transition method. Comparative information will continue to be reported under the accounting standards that were in effect for those periods. We are continuing to assess other transition practical expedients available to us. We are currently evaluating our portfolio of real estate, vehicle, and equipment leases for consideration of the accounting impact. Lease data is being loaded into a software solution that will assist in the calculation of the impact on the consolidated balance sheet and facilitate the creation of disclosures. We are concurrently evaluating and developing internal policies necessary to implement the standard. Based on our preliminary assessment, upon adoption of the ASU, we will record significant right-to-use assets and lease obligations pursuant to the new requirements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” to align the measurement and classification guidance for share-based payments to nonemployees with the guidance currently applied to employees, with certain exceptions. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the potential effects of these changes to our consolidated financial statements and do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Sig_3

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventories Table
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Table	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In Thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (15,011 ) $ (10,729 ) $ (11,489 ) $ (10,411 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment 152 (326 ) (3,370 ) (644 ) Balance, end of period $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 ) $ (14,859 ) $ (11,055 )
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis Table

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_2

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt Table	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Scheduled Maturity (In Thousands) Credit Agreement (presented net of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.0 million as of December 31, 2017), terminated on March 22, 2018 $ — $ 223,985 New Credit Agreement June 29, 2023 — — 7.25% Senior Notes (presented net of the unamortized discount of $2.4 million as of September 30, 2018 and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.2 million as of September 30, 2018 and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2017) August 15, 2022 289,391 288,191 7.50% Senior Secured Notes (presented net of the unamortized deferred financing costs of $6.9 million as of September 30, 2018) April 1, 2025 343,089 — 632,480 512,176 Less current portion — — Total long-term debt $ 632,480 $ 512,176

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Table	Derivative Contracts US Dollar Notional Amount Traded Exchange Rate Settlement Date (In Thousands) Forward sale Mexican peso $ 6,352 18.89 10/18/2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Table	Foreign currency derivative instruments Balance Sheet Fair Value at Location September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In Thousands) Forward sale contracts Current assets $ — $ 130 Forward sale contracts Current liabilities (44 ) (10 ) Net asset $ (44 ) $ 120

Revenue from Contract with Cu_2

Revenue from Contract with Customers Revenue from Contract with Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block]	2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total (In Thousands) Compression service contracts remaining performance obligations $ 2,552 $ 9,451 $ 3,865 $ 552 $ 76 $ 16,496

Revenue from Contract with Cu_3

Revenue from Contract with Customers Disaggregation of Revenue (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Compression and related services U.S. $ 50,735 $ 44,365 $ 145,859 $ 132,866 International 8,134 7,297 23,454 19,549 58,869 51,662 169,313 152,415 Aftermarket services U.S. 18,636 9,112 46,374 28,080 International 1,233 405 2,605 1,353 19,869 9,517 48,979 29,433 Equipment sales U.S. 36,283 10,220 81,329 29,608 International 235 199 974 1,009 36,518 10,419 82,303 30,617 Total Revenue U.S. 105,654 63,697 273,562 190,554 International 9,602 7,901 27,033 21,911 $ 115,256 $ 71,598 $ 300,595 $ 212,465

Revenue from Contract with Cu_4

Revenue from Contract with Customers Deferred Revenue (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Text Block]	September 30, 2018 (In Thousands) Unearned income, beginning of period $ 15,526 Additional unearned income 99,862 Revenue recognized (79,062 ) Unearned income, end of period $ 36,326

Basis of Presentation and Sig_4

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventories Detail [Table]
Parts and supplies	$ 42,878		$ 42,878		$ 31,703
Work in progress	32,084		32,084		10,580
Total inventories	74,962		74,962		$ 42,283
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	$ (400)	$ 100	$ (1,000)	$ (300)

Basis of Presentation and Sig_5

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)shares$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)shares	Mar. 08, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Limited Partners	$ (7,813)				$ (7,664)	$ (32,724)	$ (29,190)
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic | shares	42,372,996				35,444,037	40,510,603	34,466,685
Proceeds from Convertible Debt							$ 77,300
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Diluted | shares					35,444,037		34,466,685
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Balance, beginning of period		$ (15,011)	$ (11,489)	$ (11,055)		$ (11,489)	$ (10,411)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 152				$ (326)	(3,370)	(644)
Balance, end of period	$ (14,859)		$ (15,011)	$ (11,489)	(11,055)	(14,859)	(11,055)
Distribution declaration date	Oct. 19, 2018	Jul. 20, 2018	Apr. 20, 2018	Jan. 22, 2018
Paid-in-kind Distribution, Number of Units | shares	109,553	131,569	152,381	172,210
Amount of declared distribution | $ / shares	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875
Amount of declared distribution on an annualized basis | $ / shares	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75
Distribution payment date	Nov. 14, 2018	Aug. 14, 2018	May 15, 2018	Feb. 14, 2018
Distribution record date	Nov. 1, 2018	Aug. 1, 2018	May 1, 2018	Feb. 1, 2018
Insurance Recoveries	$ 0				$ 2,352	0	$ 2,352
CSI Compressco Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of Senior Notes	276,000			$ 279,700		276,000
Carrying value of Senior Notes	$ 295,900					$ 295,900
Senior Note interest rate	7.25%			7.25%		7.25%
Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of Senior Notes	$ 358,300					$ 358,300
Carrying value of Senior Notes	$ 350,000					$ 350,000
Senior Note interest rate	7.50%					7.50%		7.50%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset for foreign currency derivative contracts				$ 130
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 44					$ 44			$ 10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset for foreign currency derivative contracts				0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0					0			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset for foreign currency derivative contracts				130
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	44					44			10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset for foreign currency derivative contracts				$ 0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0					0			$ 0
TETRA [Member]
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Proceeds from Convertible Debt						$ 10,000

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Parts and supplies	$ 42,878	$ 31,703
Work in progress	32,084	10,580
Inventory, Net	$ 74,962	$ 42,283

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr_3

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details)	Jun. 29, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 08, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)shares$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018shares$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities								$ 6,516,000	$ 24,572,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment								78,164,000	13,713,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt								342,700,000
Distributionstononcontrollingholders								$ (22,911,000)	(26,152,000)
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Declaration Date				Oct. 19, 2018	Jul. 20, 2018	Apr. 20, 2018	Jan. 22, 2018
Paid-in-kind Distribution, Number of Units | shares				109,553	131,569	152,381	172,210
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit | $ / shares				$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distribution Date				Nov. 14, 2018	Aug. 14, 2018	May 15, 2018	Feb. 14, 2018
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Date of Record				Nov. 1, 2018	Aug. 1, 2018	May 1, 2018	Feb. 1, 2018
Shares Issued, Price Per Share | $ / shares				$ 11.43				$ 11.43
Proceeds from Convertible Debt									77,300,000
Annualized distribution per unit on convertible debt | $ / shares								$ 1.2573
AnnualizedDistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerDistributionsDeclaredPerUnit | $ / shares				$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75
Debt Instrument, Fee Amount				$ 7,400,000				$ 7,400,000
Long-term debt				632,480,000			$ 512,176,000	632,480,000			$ 512,176,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				23,300,000				23,300,000
Less current portion				0			0	0			0
Long-term debt, net				632,480,000			512,176,000	632,480,000			512,176,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period		180 days
Payments of Financing Costs									$ 0
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred finance costs				0			4,000,000	0			4,000,000
Long-term debt				0			223,985,000	$ 0			$ 223,985,000
Scheduled maturity date											Aug. 4, 2019
Payments of Financing Costs								$ 3,539,000
New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of Financing Costs								1,200,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.375%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 50,000,000
Debt Instrument, Fixed Charge Ratio	1
CSI Compressco Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes, unamortized discount				2,400,000			2,800,000	2,400,000			$ 2,800,000
Unamortized deferred finance costs				4,200,000			5,000,000	4,200,000			5,000,000
Long-term debt				$ 289,391,000			$ 288,191,000	$ 289,391,000			$ 288,191,000
Scheduled maturity date								Aug. 15, 2022			Aug. 15, 2022
Senior Note interest rate				7.25%			7.25%	7.25%			7.25%
Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		101.00%
Unamortized deferred finance costs				$ 6,900,000				$ 6,900,000
Long-term debt				$ 343,089,000			$ 0	$ 343,089,000			$ 0
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 350,000,000
Scheduled maturity date								Apr. 1, 2025
Senior Note interest rate		7.50%		7.50%				7.50%
Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Percentage Of Immediate Payments To Be Made		25.00%
Repayments of Debt		$ 2,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Repurchase Multiple		$ 1,000
CSI Compressco [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Shares of Convertible Debt | shares								6,999,126
Preferred Units, Outstanding | shares				3,623,950				3,623,950
CSI Compressco [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 0			$ 0	$ 0			$ 0
Scheduled maturity date								Jun. 29, 2023
CSI Compressco [Member] | Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled maturity date								Apr. 1, 2025
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								105.625%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		35.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								103.75%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								101.875%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage								100.00%
Bridge Loan [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 25,000,000
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.25%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate										1.75%
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate										0.75%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.375%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate										2.25%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | New Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate										1.25%

Series A Preferred Units Seri_2

Series A Preferred Units Series A Preferred Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Shares Issued, Price Per Share	$ 11.43		$ 11.43
Proceeds from Convertible Debt				$ 77,300
Dividend Rate, Percentage			11.00%
Annualized distribution per unit on convertible debt			$ 1.2573
Maximum settlement of preferred unit conversion	20,700,000		20,700,000
Preferred Units	$ 42,250		$ 42,250		$ 70,260
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	570	$ (1,300)	$ 1,537	$ (4,963)
Maximum Settlement of Preferred, If Converted			8,400,000
Settlement of Series A Preferred, If settled	$ 43,200		$ 43,200
Incremental Settlement of Series A Preferred, If converted	2,100,000		2,100,000
TETRA [Member]
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Number of Shares of Convertible Debt			874,891
Proceeds from Convertible Debt			$ 10,000
CSI Compressco [Member]
Preferred Units [Line Items]
Number of Shares of Convertible Debt			6,999,126
Preferred Units, Outstanding	3,623,950		3,623,950

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Forward purchase contracts					$ 120
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$ (44)		$ (44)
Net gains associated with foreign currency derivative program	400	$ 0	200	$ 400
Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Forward purchase contracts	0		0		130
Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(44)		(44)		(10)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(42,294)		(42,294)		(70,140)
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure					130
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	(44)		(44)			$ (10)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure					0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0			0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure					130
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	(44)		(44)			(10)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure					0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0			$ 0
CSI Compressco Senior Notes [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of Senior Notes	276,000		276,000		279,700
Notes Payable	295,900		295,900
Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of Senior Notes	358,300		358,300
Notes Payable	350,000		350,000
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	42,250		42,250		70,260
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	42,250		42,250		$ 70,260
Forward Sale Contract, Mexican Pesos [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
U.S. Dollar notional amount	$ 6,352		$ 6,352
Traded exchange rate	18.89		18.89
Value date			Oct. 18, 2018

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest	36.00%
Preferred Unit Percentage Ownership	12.60%
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	2.00%

Income Taxes Income Tax (Detail

Income Taxes Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount		$ 21.9
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	1.30%	(6.60%)

Revenue from Contract with Cu_5

Revenue from Contract with Customers Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 16,496		$ 16,496
Compression and related services	58,869	$ 51,662	169,313	$ 152,415
Aftermarket services	115,256	71,598	300,595	212,465
UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Compression and related services	50,735	44,365	145,859	132,866
Aftermarket services	105,654	63,697	273,562	190,554
Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Compression and related services	8,134	7,297	23,454	19,549
Aftermarket services	9,602	7,901	27,033	21,911
Service [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	19,869	9,517	48,979	29,433
Service [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	18,636	9,112	46,374	28,080
Service [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	1,233	405	2,605	1,353
Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	36,518	10,419	82,303	30,617
Product [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	36,283	10,220	81,329	29,608
Product [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Aftermarket services	$ 235	$ 199	$ 974	$ 1,009

Revenue from Contract with Cu_6

Revenue from Contract with Customers Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 16,496,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs	800,000	$ 800,000
Contract Revenue Cost	0
Deferred Revenue	36,326,000		$ 15,526,000
Total Change in Deferred Revenue	99,862,000
Contract with Customer, Asset, Gross	0
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	(79,100,000)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	2,552,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	9,451,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	3,865,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	552,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 76,000

Revenue from Contract with Cu_7

Revenue from Contract with Customers Compression and related services (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 16,496
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	2,552
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	9,451
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	3,865
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	552
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-12-31
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 76

Supplemental Guarantor Financia

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 08, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			$ 6,516	$ 24,572
Revenues	$ 115,256	$ 71,598	300,595	212,465
Assets, Current	176,979		176,979			$ 102,147
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	632,699		632,699			606,479
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	0		0			0
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	34,545		34,545			34,306
Advances to Affiliate	0		0			0
Assets, Noncurrent	667,244		667,244			640,785
Assets	844,223		844,223			742,932
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	94,696		94,696			60,972
Due to Affiliate	4,376		4,376			3,034
Long-term debt	632,480		632,480			512,176
Preferred Units	42,250		42,250			70,260
Due from Affiliates	0		0			0
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	953		953			1,463
Liabilities	774,755		774,755			647,905
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	69,468		69,468			95,027
Liabilities and Equity	844,223		844,223			742,932
Cost of Revenue	80,697	45,504	206,191	138,150
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	10,592	8,682	29,738	25,678
Depreciation and amortization	17,681	17,361	52,496	51,860
Insurance Recoveries	0	(2,352)	0	(2,352)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		0
Interest Expense	13,847	11,071	39,103	31,903
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	570	(1,300)	1,537	(4,963)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(78)	(319)	2,748	(216)
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Noncontrolling Interest in Income of Subsidiary	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(8,053)	(7,049)	(31,218)	(27,595)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(106)	772	2,058	2,191
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7,947)	(7,821)	(33,276)	(29,786)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	152	(326)	(3,370)	(644)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7,795)	(8,147)	(36,646)	(30,430)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			(78,164)	(13,713)
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities			0	2,352
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities			0	2,352
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities			(1)	25
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			(78,165)	(11,336)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			380,000	66,300
Repayments of Long-term Debt			(258,000)	(64,900)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units				(37)
Proceeds from Convertible Debt				77,300
Distributionstononcontrollingholders			(22,911)	(26,152)
Financing costs			(8,801)	(1,690)
Payments of Capital Distribution			0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			90,288	(26,479)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents			(54)	(176)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)			18,585	(13,419)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	26,186	7,378	26,186	7,378		7,601	$ 20,797
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	26,186	7,378	26,186	7,378		7,601	20,797
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			0	0
Revenues	(2,777)	(1,254)	(6,440)	(4,187)
Assets, Current	0		0			0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	0		0			0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	(167,902)		(167,902)			(188,557)
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0		0			0
Advances to Affiliate	(613,864)		(613,864)			(292,373)
Assets, Noncurrent	(781,766)		(781,766)			(480,930)
Assets	(781,766)		(781,766)			(480,930)
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	0		0			0
Due to Affiliate	0		0			0
Long-term debt	0		0			0
Preferred Units	0		0			0
Due from Affiliates	(613,864)		(613,864)			292,373
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	0		0			0
Liabilities	(613,864)		(613,864)			(292,373)
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(167,902)		(167,902)			(188,557)
Liabilities and Equity	(781,766)		(781,766)			(480,930)
Cost of Revenue	(2,777)	(1,254)	(6,440)	(4,187)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Insurance Recoveries		0		0
Interest Expense	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Noncontrolling Interest in Income of Subsidiary	8,393	(56)	8,996	(6,823)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(8,393)	56	(8,996)	6,823
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(8,393)	56	(8,996)	6,823
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(304)	652	6,740	1,288
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(8,697)	708	(2,256)	8,111
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			0	0
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities				0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			0	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt			0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units				0
Distributionstononcontrollingholders			0	0
Financing costs			0	0
Payments of Capital Distribution			0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents			0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)			0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0	0	0		0	0
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			0	0
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Assets, Current	0		0			0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	0		0			0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	147,733		147,733			169,411
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0		0			0
Advances to Affiliate	613,864		613,864			292,373
Assets, Noncurrent	761,597		761,597			461,784
Assets	761,597		761,597			461,784
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	17,399		17,399			8,306
Due to Affiliate	0		0			0
Long-term debt	632,480		632,480			288,191
Preferred Units	42,250		42,250			70,260
Due from Affiliates	0		0			0
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	0		0			0
Liabilities	692,129		692,129			366,757
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	69,468		69,468			95,027
Liabilities and Equity	761,597		761,597			461,784
Cost of Revenue	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	367	263	259	2,247
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Insurance Recoveries		0		0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		0
Interest Expense	13,942	7,826	36,083	23,675
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	(570)	1,300	(1,537)	4,963
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	0	0	0	0
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Noncontrolling Interest in Income of Subsidiary	(6,932)	1,032	(4,603)	8,827
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(7,947)	(7,821)	(33,276)	(29,786)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7,947)	(7,821)	(33,276)	(29,786)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	152	(326)	(3,370)	(644)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7,795)	(8,147)	(36,646)	(30,430)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			0	0
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities				0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			343,800	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt			0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units				37
Distributionstononcontrollingholders			(22,911)	(26,152)
Financing costs			8,801	82
Payments of Capital Distribution			(312,088)	26,271
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents			0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)			0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0	0	0		0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			2,234	29,445
Revenues	109,615	65,278	283,151	196,376
Assets, Current	155,165		155,165			78,942
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	607,745		607,745			581,092
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	20,169		20,169			19,146
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	32,690		32,690			33,688
Advances to Affiliate	0		0			0
Assets, Noncurrent	660,604		660,604			633,926
Assets	815,769		815,769			712,868
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	75,089		75,089			49,639
Due to Affiliate	2,319		2,319			1,475
Long-term debt	0		0			223,985
Preferred Units	0		0			0
Due from Affiliates	590,551		590,551			(268,216)
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	76		76			142
Liabilities	668,035		668,035			543,457
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	147,733		147,733			169,411
Liabilities and Equity	815,768		815,768			712,868
Cost of Revenue	77,995	42,031	196,817	128,936
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	9,669	7,961	27,830	22,264
Depreciation and amortization	16,711	16,522	50,029	49,439
Insurance Recoveries		2,352		2,352
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		0
Interest Expense	(95)	3,245	3,020	8,228
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	550	446	(4,260)	(156)
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Noncontrolling Interest in Income of Subsidiary	(1,461)	(976)	(4,393)	(2,004)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	6,246	(707)	5,588	(8,291)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(686)	325	985	536
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	6,932	(1,032)	4,603	(8,827)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	152	(326)	(3,370)	(644)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	7,084	(1,358)	1,233	(9,471)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			74,045	(14,086)
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities				2,352
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities			1	(25)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			(74,046)	(11,709)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			36,200	66,300
Repayments of Long-term Debt			258,000	64,900
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units				0
Distributionstononcontrollingholders			0	0
Financing costs			0	1,608
Payments of Capital Distribution			312,088	(26,271)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			90,288	(26,479)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents			0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)			18,476	(8,743)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	22,673	3,458	22,673	3,458		4,197	12,201
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities			4,282	(4,873)
Revenues	8,418	7,574	23,884	20,276
Assets, Current	21,814		21,814			23,205
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	24,954		24,954			25,387
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value	0		0			0
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	1,855		1,855			618
Advances to Affiliate	0		0			0
Assets, Noncurrent	26,809		26,809			26,005
Assets	48,623		48,623			49,210
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	2,208		2,208			3,027
Due to Affiliate	2,057		2,057			1,559
Long-term debt	0		0			0
Preferred Units	0		0			0
Due from Affiliates	23,313		23,313			(24,157)
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent	877		877			1,321
Liabilities	28,455		28,455			30,064
Partners' Capital, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	20,169		20,169			19,146
Liabilities and Equity	48,624		48,624			49,210
Cost of Revenue	5,479	4,727	15,814	13,401
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	556	458	1,649	1,167
Depreciation and amortization	970	839	2,467	2,421
Insurance Recoveries		0		0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		0
Interest Expense	0	0	0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	0	0	0	0
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(628)	(127)	1,512	372
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Noncontrolling Interest in Income of Subsidiary	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	2,041	1,423	5,466	3,659
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	580	447	1,073	1,655
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,461	976	4,393	2,004
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	152	(326)	(3,370)	(644)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,613	650	1,023	1,360
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment			4,119	(373)
Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities				0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities			0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities			(4,119)	373
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt			0	0
Repayments of Long-term Debt			0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Limited Partners Units				0
Distributionstononcontrollingholders			0	0
Financing costs			0	0
Payments of Capital Distribution			0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities			0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents			(54)	(176)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)			109	(4,676)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	3,513	3,920	3,513	$ 3,920		3,404	$ 8,596
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss, Net of Tax		$ 0
Compressco Partners Senior Notes 7.50% [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$ 350,000		$ 350,000
Senior Note interest rate	7.50%		7.50%		7.50%
Long-term debt	$ 343,089		$ 343,089			$ 0
CSI Compressco Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$ 295,900		$ 295,900
Senior Note interest rate	7.25%		7.25%			7.25%
Long-term debt	$ 289,391		$ 289,391			$ 288,191

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018shares$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018shares$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018shares$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution declaration date	Oct. 19, 2018	Jul. 20, 2018	Apr. 20, 2018	Jan. 22, 2018
Amount of declared distribution	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875	$ 0.1875
Amount of declared distribution on an annualized basis	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75
Paid-in-kind Distribution, Number of Units | shares	109,553	131,569	152,381	172,210
Distribution payment date	Nov. 14, 2018	Aug. 14, 2018	May 15, 2018	Feb. 14, 2018
Distribution record date	Nov. 1, 2018	Aug. 1, 2018	May 1, 2018	Feb. 1, 2018