Consolidated Statement of Equity and Partners' Capital (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Common [Member]
WES equity transactions, net	$ (5,582,000)	[1]
Partners' Capital
Combined change in Partners' Capital from WES equity transactions, net and net income attributable to Western Gas Equity Partners, LP	$ 26,700,000

[1] Includes the impact of units of Western Gas Partners, LP issued in connection with the acquisition of the Non-Operated Marcellus Interest as described in Note 2. The $5.6 million decrease to partners’ capital, together with net income attributable to Western Gas Equity Partners, LP, totaled $26.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.