Accelerated share acquisition program, purchase price Accelerated Share Repurchases, Settlement Payment or Receipt in Shares Accelerated share acquisition program, shares repurchased New accounting standards Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accruals Accounts receivable, less allowance for losses of $10.0 at 2011 and $11.4 at 2010 Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued income taxes payable Less: Accumulated depreciation Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Acquired Assets and Liabilities [Member] Acquired Assets and Liabilities Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Description of a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) and equity investments completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure (including data and tables). Acquisitions and other investments Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital Stock-based employee compensation Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to Dresser-Rand to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities After Market Parts and Services [Member] Aftermarket parts and services Agreement Expiration Date Bargaining agreement between IUE and the Company expiration date Accounts receivable, allowance for losses Amendment Flag Amortization of debt financing costs Intangible asset amortization expense Appeal Processing Period Estimated appeal processing period Total assets Total assets Assets Total current assets Total current assets Current assets Bank Term Loan [Member] Bank loans BRAZIL Buildings and improvements Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Cash Acquired Cash acquired Cash acquired Fair value of Dresser-Rand common stock as partial consideration Fair value of Dresser-Rand common stock as partial consideration Estimated fair values of additional consideration Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration Payments, Payable Date Business Acquisition, Additional Contingent consideration, payment date Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Payments, Payable Term Business Acquisition, Additional Contingent consideration payment period Business Acquisition, Additional Contingent consideration Additional cash paid in connection with certain assets acquisition of Peter Brotherhood Ltd. Additional cash consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of certain assets of Peter Brotherhood Ltd. Cash paid Cash paid Purchase price Assets acquired date Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition Number Of Shares Issued At Closing Common stock issued for acquisition Diluted earnings per share attributable to Dresser-Rand Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table] Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Results Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Advances By Borrowers Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Advances By Borrowers Customer advance payments Amortizable intangible assets Assets acquired Total assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Total current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Inventory, net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other Accounts receivable, net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Restricted Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Restricted Cash Restricted cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accruals Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accrued Income Taxes Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accrued Income Taxes Accrued income taxes payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Income Tax Asset Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Income Tax Asset Deferred income taxes, net Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Expected Tax Deductible Term Business Acquisition, Amortization of Goodwill for Tax Purpose, Expected Tax Deductible Term Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Long-term debt Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Fair value of contingent consideration (non-cash) Fair value of contingent consideration (non-cash) Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income attributable to Dresser-Rand Total revenues Business acquisition, non-recurring costs Capital Program [Axis] Capital Program [Axis] Capital Program [Domain] Capital Program [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Class of Stock [Line Items] Collared Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] Collared Accelerated Share Repurchase Program Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 through 13) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and contingencies Common Stock Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; and 79,796,175 and 80,436,896 shares issued and outstanding, respectively Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Total comprehensive income (loss) Total comprehensive income (loss) Contracts and Purchase Agreement [Member] Contracts and purchase agreements Total cost of sales Total cost of sales Cost of products sold Cost of services sold Current Fiscal Year End Date Customer Advances, Current Customer advance payments Customer relationships Debt Instrument [Axis] Covenant for borrowing Fair value of debt obligations Letter of credit fees, description Debt fees Debt Instrument, Fee, Percentage Letter of credit fees, percentage Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above Base Rate Credit facility, interest rate margin above Base rate Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above EURIBOR Rate Additional interest above Euribor rate Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above IGPM Rate Additional interest above Brazilian General Interest of Market Prices (IGPM) rate Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above LIBOR Rate Credit facility, interest rate margin above LIBOR Debt instrument stated interest rate Debt instrument stated interest rate, maximum Debt instrument stated interest rate, minimum Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Payment term Quarterly Principal payments on term loan Debt Instrument Redemption Date Senior subordinated notes redemption date Credit Facility, restrictive covenant description Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees Debt Outstanding [Line Items] Debt Outstanding [Line Items] Debt Outstanding, Type [Axis] Debt Outstanding, Type [Axis] Debt Outstanding, Type [Domain] Debt Outstanding, Type [Domain] The costs incurred for the early redemption of debt. These costs were not originally capitalized but recognized as expense when the notes were called. Early redemption premium on debt Early redemption premium on debt Debt Redemption Price, Description Senior notes redemption price, description Debt Redemption Price Percent Of Principal Amount Redemption price for senior subordinated notes, percentage Debt Tender Offer Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered Senior subordinated notes tendered Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual [Axis] Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Amortization of net actuarial loss Amortization of net actuarial loss Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of prior service credit Net postretirement benefits income Net postretirement benefits income Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Interest cost Net pension expense Net pension expense Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Service cost Depreciation and Amortization Interest rate swap, fixed rate of interest rate Financial derivatives Granted to directors Disclosure - Acquisition Prices Allocated to Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisition Prices Allocated to Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions and Other Investments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Acquisitions and Other Investments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Product Warranty Liability [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Product Warranty Liability [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Pension Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Pension Expense [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Total Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Components of Total Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Cost and Related Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Cost and Related Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Input Levels Used for Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Disclosure - Input Levels Used for Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Outstanding Bank Borrowings Assumed in Connection with Acquisition of Guascor [Abstract] Disclosure - Outstanding Bank Borrowings Assumed in Connection with Acquisition of Guascor [Abstract] Disclosure - Pension plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Pension plans - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Results [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Results [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' equity - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stockholders' equity - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Results [Abstract] Disclosure - Unaudited Supplemental Pro Forma Results [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Type Dresser Rand Arabia LLC [Member] Dresser Rand Arabia LLC Net income per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Echogen [Member] Echogen Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Energy Generation and Cogeneration Plants [Member] Energy Generation and Cogeneration Plants Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Additional investment allowed Percentage of aggregate non-controlling interest acquired Investment in business acquired SPAIN Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs [Member] Inputs Level Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Input Levels Used for Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks by Financial Instrument [Axis] Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Financial Instruments [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Relation to Measurement Inputs Input Levels Used for Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments Accumulated Amortization Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible assets, net Weighted Average Useful Lives Foreign currency exchange contracts assets Foreign currency exchange contracts liabilities Net foreign currency gains (losses) recognized for currency transactions, forward currency contracts and re-measuring monetary assets and liabilities Net income from equity investment Net income from equity investment Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment Goodwill Ending Balance Beginning Balance Acquisitions Intangible assets and goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency adjustments Gross Profit Gross profit Guascor [Member] Guascor Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income taxes Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Provision for income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accruals Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Customer advances Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Working capital and other, net of acquisitions Other Other Decrease in restricted cash balances Decrease in restricted cash balances Initial Payment [Member] Initial investment In Process Research And Development [Member] In-process research and development Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Fair value of the interest rate swap and related unrealized gain Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Finished parts Inventory, Gross Inventory, Gross, Total Inventories, net Total inventories, net Raw materials Work-in-process Investment Option, Beginning Exercise Period Option to acquire Foton, beginning exercise period Investment Option, Exercise Period Option to acquire Foton, exercise period Dates within which the options may be exercised of the investment subject to option ITALY Land Leading Edge Turbine Technologies Inc [Member] Leading Edge Turbine Technologies Inc. Legal Entity [Axis] Letter Of Credit Facility And Bank Guarantees Outstanding Letters of credit and bank guarantees, outstanding Letter of Credit Letters of credit issued Total liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Current liabilities License fee payment Credit facility borrowings Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Credit facility, payment terms Credit facility, interest rate description Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Credit facility Credit Facility, commitment fee on unutilized commitments Long-term debt Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term debt Principal scheduled to be paid in 2012 Principal scheduled to be paid in 2015 Principal scheduled to be paid in 2014 Principal scheduled to be paid in 2013 Long Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Thereafter Principal scheduled to be paid thereafter Long term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal within Remainder of the Year Principal scheduled to be paid in 2011 Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Contingent exposure accrued Machinery and equipment Maximum Minimum Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest Net cash used in financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Cash flows from financing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from investing activities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Cash flows from operating activities Net income attributable to Dresser-Rand Net income attributable to Dresser-Rand Net income attributable to Dresser-Rand Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest New Units [Member] New Units Noncash Foreign Exchange Loss Related to Venezuela Devaluation Loss as a result of devaluation by Venezuelan government Non-compete agreements Noncontrolling Interest Notes Contingently Repayable When 75 Percent of Syndicated Term Loan Repaid [Member] Notes Contingently Repayable When 75 Percent of Syndicated Term Loan Repaid Notes Contingently Repayable When Syndicated Term Loan Fully Repaid [Member] Notes Contingently Repayable When Syndicated Term Loan Fully Repaid Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] Interest rate swap notional amount Number Of Employees Affected By Involuntary Termination Number of employees engaged in misconduct during strike and Involuntary Terminated Income from operations Income from operations Spain, Brazil and Italy Option Price To Acquire Business Option to acquire business Order backlog Basis of presentation Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Pension and other postretirement benefit plans amortization - net of $0.5 tax Pension and other postretirement benefit plans amortization - net of $0.5 tax in 2011 and $0.7 in 2010 Non-cash curtailment amendment gain recognized in other comprehensive income Pension and other postretirement benefit plans amortization, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency adjustments Other comprehensive income Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Other comprehensive income attributable to Dresser-Rand Other comprehensive income attributable to Dresser-Rand Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of $0.1 tax Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of $0.1 tax in 2011 and $0.2 in 2010 Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, tax Unrealized gain on derivatives, tax Postemployment and other employee benefit liabilities Estimated income tax provision difference from the U.S. federal statutory Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other (expense) income , net Other Notes Payable [Member] Other Note Payable Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit Loans payable Other Working Capital Lines [Member] Other Working Capital Lines Ownership Interest in Joint Venture Ownership percentage in Joint venture Participating Loans [Member] Participating loans Existing technology Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Payments for debt financing costs Payments for debt financing costs Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Cash contribution associated with investment in Joint venture Investment to acquire the business Other investments Other investments Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Pension contributions Pension Plans, Defined Benefit Description containing pension benefits disclosure as a single block of text. Pension plans Percentage of Consolidated Net Income Net loss percentage of the Company's total net income Percentage of Net Revenue Net revenue percentage of the Company's total net revenue Percentage of Redeemable Notes, Maximum Redeemable notes maximum, percentage Percentile Rank Of Shareholder Return Of Stock Percentile rank of the shareholder return of stock Performance-Based Restricted Stock [Member] Performance-Based Restricted Stock Peter Brotherhood Ltd [Member] Peter Brotherhood Ltd. Pig Manure Treatment Facilities [Member] Pig Manure Treatment Facilities Description containing postretirement benefits other than pensions disclosure as a single block of text. Postretirement benefits other than pensions Preferred Stock Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other Principal payments, percentage Principal payment percentage of loan outstanding balance Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from short-term borrowings Proceeds from exercise of stock options Product Warranty Accrual Ending balance Beginning balance Liabilities assumed from acquisitions Product Warranty Accrual, Currency Translation, Increase (Decrease) Foreign currency adjustments Payments during period Payments during period Adjustments to warranties issued in prior periods Provisions for warranties issued during the period Warranty accruals Net income Net income Progress Payments Netted Against Inventory for in process Contracts or Programs Less: Progress payments Less: Progress payments Project finance facility [Member] Project financing arrangements Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Cost: Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Charge to cost of goods sold that represents the reduction of the carrying amount of inventory, generally attributable to obsolescence or market conditions. Provision for losses on inventory Provision for Uncertain Tax Positions Tax expense associated with uncertain tax position Ramgen Power Systems LLC [Member] Ramgen Power Systems LLC. Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Loan to equity ratio Remaining Amortization Period Amortization of non-cash curtailment amendment gain ( in month) Payments of short-term borrowings Payments of short-term borrowings Payments of long-term debt Payments of long-term debt Research and development expenses Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash Restricted Stock Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Retained Earnings Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Net sales of products Revenues Total revenues Net sales of services Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Components of Total Comprehensive Income Debt Assumed in Connection with Acquisition of Guascor Schedule of Debt Outstanding [Table] Schedule of Debt Outstanding [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Financial Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Cost and Related Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Changes in Goodwill Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Inventories Components of Net Pension Expense Schedule of Other Postretirement Benefits, Net Benefit Costs. Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefits Income Changes in Product Warranty Liability Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Acquisition Prices Allocated to Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Results Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Changes in Stockholders' Equity Segment [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Selling and administrative expenses Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility Senior Subordinated Notes 6.5 Percent Due 2021 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes 6 1/2 % Due 2021 Senior Subordinated Notes 7.375 Percent Due 2014 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes 7 3/8 % Due 2014 Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Beginning May 1st 2016 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Beginning May 1st 2016 Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Beginning May 1st 2019 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Beginning May 1st 2019 Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Prior to May 1st 2014 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Prior to May 1st 2014 Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Prior to May 1st 2016 [Member] Senior Subordinated Notes Redeemable Prior to May 1st 2016 Stock-based compensation Stock compensation arrangements vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Range Performance restricted stock units target Options and Appreciation rights approved for stock compensation arrangements Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share Purchase Agreement Share purchase agreement Share Repurchases, by Program [Axis] Share Repurchases, by Program [Axis] Share Repurchases, by Program [Domain] Share Repurchases, by Program [Domain] Software Spain and Italy [Member] SPAIN And ITALY Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Total Dresser-Rand stockholders' equity Total Dresser-Rand stockholders' equity Total stockholders' equity Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' equity Stock issued for acquisition Stock Plans, Vesting Percentage for Restricted Stock Units, Maximum Performance restricted stock units vest rate maximum Stock Plans, Vesting Percentage for Restricted Stock Units, Minimum Performance restricted stock units vest rate minimum Stock repurchase Stock repurchase Common stock repurchase authorized amount Senior subordinated notes, interest rate Senior subordinated notes Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent event date Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Business acquisition, ownership percentage Subsidized Loans [Member] Subsidized Loans Syndicated revolving loan facility [Member] Syndicated loan Syndicated Revolving Working Capital Loan Facility [Member] Syndicated term loan and working capital facility Syndicated Term Loan And Working Capital Line [Member] Syndicated Term Loan and Working Capital Line Tender Offer Consideration, Description Senior subordinated notes, tender offer consideration description Tender Offer, Expiration Date Senior subordinated notes, tender offer expiration date Term Loan Facility Additional Delayed Draw [Member] Term Loan Facility Additional Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility Initial Draw [Member] Term Loan Facility Initial Draw Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility Time Lapse Restricted Units [Member] Time Lapse Restricted Units Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Trade names Trading Symbol Turbo Machines Field Services Pty Ltd [Member] Turbo Machines Field Services Pty Ltd. Unallocated Un-Collared Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] Un-Collared Accelerated Share Repurchase Program US Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate U.S. federal statutory Income Tax rate Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - (in thousands) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic