Partnership Distributions - Cash Distributions Table (details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Total quarterly distribution per unit	$ 0.25000	[1]	$ 0.17875
Total quarterly cash distribution	$ 54,726	[1]	$ 39,128
Western Gas Partners [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Total quarterly distribution per unit	$ 0.625	[2]	$ 0.540
Total quarterly cash distribution	$ 98,749	[2]	$ 70,143

[1] On April 17, 2014, the board of directors of WGP GP declared a cash distribution to WGP unitholders of $0.25000 per unit, or $54.7 million in aggregate. The cash distribution is payable on May 23, 2014, to WGP unitholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2014.

[2] On April 17, 2014, the board of directors of WES GP declared a cash distribution to WES unitholders of $0.625 per unit, or $98.7 million in aggregate, including incentive distributions. The cash distribution is payable on May 14, 2014, to WES unitholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2014.