| Cover | May 11, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EXTERRAN CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-3282259 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11000 Equity Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77041 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 836-7000 |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | EXTN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-36875 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001635881 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
