Consolidated Statement of Equity and Partners' Capital (Parenthetical) (Capital Units [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Capital Units [Member]
Combined change in Partners' Capital from WES equity transactions, net and net income attributable to Western Gas Equity Partners, LP	$ 219.4

Represents the change in Partners's Capital resulting from noncontrolling interest from subsidiary equity issuances and an increase in paid-in capital for the change in ownership interest as a result of subsidiary equity issuances, and the consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, excluding the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

No definition available.

Name:	wgp_NetIncomeAndMinorityInterestAndPaidInCapitalIncreaseFromStockIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	wgp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration