Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and the accompanying results. Although these estimates are based on management’s available knowledge of current and expected future events, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances. We consider investments in highly liquid financial instruments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses	Trade Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. Allowance for Credit Losses In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. On January 1, 2020, we adopted Topic 326 using the modified retrospective approach, which was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019. Topic 326 requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets. To adopt Topic 326, we evaluated our allowance for credit losses related to our two financial assets measured at amortized cost: (i) trade accounts receivable and (ii) net investment in lease related to our sales-type lease discussed further in Note 7. Due to the short-term nature of our trade accounts receivable, we consider the amortized cost to be the same as the carrying amount of the receivable, excluding the allowance for credit losses. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to partners’ capital upon adoption. Our determination of the allowance for credit losses requires us to make estimates and judgments regarding our customers’ ability to pay amounts due. We continuously evaluate the financial strength of our customers and the overall business climate in which our customers operate, and make adjustments to the allowance for credit losses as necessary. We evaluate the financial strength of our customers by reviewing the aging of their receivables, our collection experience with the customer, correspondence, financial information and third-party credit ratings. We evaluate the business climate in which our customers operate by reviewing various publicly available materials regarding our customers’ industry, including the solvency of various companies in the industry.
Inventories	InventoriesInventories consist of serialized and non-serialized parts used primarily on compression units. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Serialized parts inventories are determined using the specific identification cost method, while non-serialized parts inventories are determined using the weighted average cost method. Purchases of inventories are considered operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost except for (i) certain acquired assets which are recorded at fair value on their respective acquisition dates and (ii) impaired assets which are recorded at fair value on the last impairment evaluation date for which an adjustment was required. Overhauls and major improvements that increase the value or extend the life of compression equipment are capitalized and depreciated over three to five years. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to cost of operations, exclusive of depreciation and amortization. When property and equipment is retired or sold, its carrying value and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any associated gains or losses are recorded on our statements of operations in the period of sale or disposition. Capitalized interest is calculated by multiplying our monthly effective interest rate on outstanding debt by the amount of qualifying costs, which include upfront payments to acquire certain compression units. Capitalized interest was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets	Impairments of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets with recorded values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to estimated fair value. We test long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying value may not be recoverable or will no longer be utilized in the operating fleet. The most common circumstance requiring compression units to be evaluated for impairment is when idle units do not meet the desired performance characteristics of our active revenue generating horsepower. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset, an impairment loss equal to the amount of the carrying value exceeding the fair value of the asset is recognized. The fair value of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted market prices, based on an estimate of discounted cash flows, the expected net sale proceeds compared to the other similarly configured fleet units we recently sold or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use. In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the impairment of our goodwill was an indicator of potential impairment of the carrying amount of our long-lived assets. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our long-lived assets, by which we determined that they were not also impaired. No triggering events have been identified subsequent to the first quarter of 2020. Refer to Note 5 for more detailed information about impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Identifiable Intangible Assets	Identifiable Intangible Assets Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which is the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. The estimated useful lives of our intangible assets range from 15 to 25 years. We assess identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the impairment of our goodwill was an indicator of potential impairment of the carrying amount of our identifiable intangible assets. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our identifiable intangible assets, by which we determined that they were not also impaired. No triggering events have been identified subsequent to the first quarter of 2020. We did not record any impairment of identifiable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually based on the carrying values as of October 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise that suggest the carrying value of goodwill may not be recovered. We recorded a $619.4 million goodwill impairment for the year ended December 31, 2020, which reduced our goodwill balance to zero, and did not record any goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to the Goodwill section in Note 5 for more information about the goodwill impairment assessment performed during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of our services or goods. Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services or transferring goods. Incidental items, if any, that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expenses. Refer to Note 12 for more detailed information about revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We are organized as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. As a result, our partners are responsible for U.S. federal and state income taxes based upon their distributive share of our items of income, gain, loss, or deduction. Texas imposes an entity-level income tax on partnerships that is based on Texas sourced taxable margin (the “Texas Margin Tax”). We have included in the consolidated financial statements a provision for Texas Margin Tax. Refer to Note 8 for more detailed information about the Texas Margin Tax for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Pass Through Taxes	Pass Through Taxes Sales taxes incurred on behalf of, and passed through to, customers are accounted for on a net basis.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards on fair value measurements establish a framework for measuring fair value and stipulate disclosures about fair value measurements. The standards apply to recurring and non-recurring financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that require or permit fair value measurements. Among the required disclosures is the fair value hierarchy of inputs we use to value an asset or a liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. As of December 31, 2021, our financial instruments consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and long-term debt. The book values of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, and trade accounts payable are representative of fair value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the floating interest rates associated with the debt. The fair value of our Senior Notes 2026 and Senior Notes 2027 were estimated using quoted prices in inactive markets and are considered Level 2 measurements. Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements During the first quarter of 2020 certain potential impairment indicators were identified, specifically (i) the decline in the market price of our common units, (ii) the decline in global commodity prices and (iii) the COVID-19 pandemic; which together indicated the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount as of March 31, 2020. We performed a quantitative impairment test as of March 31, 2020 that resulted in a goodwill impairment of $619.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Significant estimates used in our goodwill impairment analysis included cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples, which are Level 3 inputs. Refer to Note 5 for further information on our goodwill impairment analysis.
Operating Segment	Operating Segment We operate in a single business segment, the compression services business.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn August 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. ASU 2020-06 changes how entities account for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity, as well as updates guidance on earnings per unit and other related disclosures. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this new standard on January 1, 2022. The impact on our disclosures is not material and there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and the accompanying results. Although these estimates are based on management’s available knowledge of current and expected future events, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances. We consider investments in highly liquid financial instruments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Trade Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount.

Allowance for Credit Losses

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“Topic 326”): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. On January 1, 2020, we adopted Topic 326 using the modified retrospective approach, which was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2019. Topic 326 requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of many financial assets.

To adopt Topic 326, we evaluated our allowance for credit losses related to our two financial assets measured at amortized cost: (i) trade accounts receivable and (ii) net investment in lease related to our sales-type lease discussed further in Note 7. Due to the short-term nature of our trade accounts receivable, we consider the amortized cost to be the same as the carrying amount of the receivable, excluding the allowance for credit losses. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to partners’ capital upon adoption.

Our determination of the allowance for credit losses requires us to make estimates and judgments regarding our customers’ ability to pay amounts due. We continuously evaluate the financial strength of our customers and the overall business climate in which our customers operate, and make adjustments to the allowance for credit losses as necessary. We evaluate the financial strength of our customers by reviewing the aging of their receivables, our collection experience with the customer, correspondence, financial information and third-party credit ratings. We evaluate the business climate in which our customers operate by reviewing various publicly available materials regarding our customers’ industry, including the solvency of various companies in the industry.

Inventories

InventoriesInventories consist of serialized and non-serialized parts used primarily on compression units. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Serialized parts inventories are determined using the specific identification cost method, while non-serialized parts inventories are determined using the weighted average cost method. Purchases of inventories are considered operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost except for (i) certain acquired assets which are recorded at fair value on their respective acquisition dates and (ii) impaired assets which are recorded at fair value on the last impairment evaluation date for which an adjustment was required. Overhauls and major improvements that increase the value or extend the life of compression equipment are capitalized and depreciated over three to five years. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to cost of operations, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.

When property and equipment is retired or sold, its carrying value and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from our accounts and any associated gains or losses are recorded on our statements of operations in the period of sale or disposition.

Capitalized interest is calculated by multiplying our monthly effective interest rate on outstanding debt by the amount of qualifying costs, which include upfront payments to acquire certain compression units. Capitalized interest was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Impairments of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets with recorded values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to estimated fair value. We test long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying value may not be recoverable or will no longer be utilized in the operating fleet. The most common circumstance requiring compression units to be evaluated for impairment is when idle units do not meet the desired performance characteristics of our active revenue generating horsepower.

The carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset, an impairment loss equal to the amount of the carrying value exceeding the fair value of the asset is recognized. The fair value of the asset is measured using quoted market prices or, in the absence of quoted market prices, based on an estimate of discounted cash flows, the expected net sale proceeds compared to the other similarly configured fleet units we recently sold or a review of other units recently offered for sale by third parties, or the estimated component value of the equipment we plan to use.

In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the impairment of our goodwill was an indicator of potential impairment of the carrying amount of our long-lived assets. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our long-lived assets, by which we determined that they were not also impaired. No triggering events have been identified subsequent to the first quarter of 2020. Refer to Note 5 for more detailed information about impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which is the period over which the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to our future cash flows. The estimated useful lives of our intangible assets range from 15 to 25 years.

We assess identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the impairment of our goodwill was an indicator of potential impairment of the carrying amount of our identifiable intangible assets. Accordingly, we performed a quantitative impairment test of our identifiable intangible assets, by which we determined that they were not also impaired. No triggering events have been identified subsequent to the first quarter of 2020.

We did not record any impairment of identifiable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually based on the carrying values as of October 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise that suggest the carrying value of goodwill may not be recovered.

We recorded a $619.4 million goodwill impairment for the year ended December 31, 2020, which reduced our goodwill balance to zero, and did not record any goodwill impairment during the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to the Goodwill section in Note 5 for more information about the goodwill impairment assessment performed during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of our services or goods. Revenue is measured at the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services or transferring goods. Incidental items, if any, that are immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expenses. Refer to Note 12 for more detailed information about revenue recognition for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Income Taxes

We are organized as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. As a result, our partners are responsible for U.S. federal and state income taxes based upon their distributive share of our items of income, gain, loss, or deduction. Texas imposes an entity-level income tax on partnerships that is based on Texas sourced taxable margin (the “Texas Margin Tax”). We have included in the consolidated financial statements a provision for Texas Margin Tax. Refer to Note 8 for more detailed information about the Texas Margin Tax for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Pass Through Taxes

Sales taxes incurred on behalf of, and passed through to, customers are accounted for on a net basis.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards on fair value measurements establish a framework for measuring fair value and stipulate disclosures about fair value measurements. The standards apply to recurring and non-recurring financial and non-financial assets and liabilities that require or permit fair value measurements. Among the required disclosures is the fair value hierarchy of inputs we use to value an asset or a liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

As of December 31, 2021, our financial instruments consisted primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and long-term debt. The book values of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable,

and trade accounts payable are representative of fair value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the floating interest rates associated with the debt.

The fair value of our Senior Notes 2026 and Senior Notes 2027 were estimated using quoted prices in inactive markets and are considered Level 2 measurements.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

During the first quarter of 2020 certain potential impairment indicators were identified, specifically (i) the decline in the market price of our common units, (ii) the decline in global commodity prices and (iii) the COVID-19 pandemic; which together indicated the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying amount as of March 31, 2020. We performed a quantitative impairment test as of March 31, 2020 that resulted in a goodwill impairment of $619.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Significant estimates used in our goodwill impairment analysis included cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples, which are Level 3 inputs. Refer to Note 5 for further information on our goodwill impairment analysis.

Operating Segment

We operate in a single business segment, the compression services business.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn August 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. ASU 2020-06 changes how entities account for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity, as well as updates guidance on earnings per unit and other related disclosures. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this new standard on January 1, 2022. The impact on our disclosures is not material and there was no impact to our consolidated financial statements.