Transactions With Affiliates - Equipment Purchases and Sales Table (details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Partners' capital adjustment	$ 6,398	$ 4,080	[1]
Western Gas Partners [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member] | Purchases [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Consideration given for equipment	16,143	6,167
Net carrying value	9,745	2,039
Partners' capital adjustment	6,398	4,128
Western Gas Partners [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member] | Sales [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Consideration received for equipment	0	82
Net carrying value	0	34
Partners' capital adjustment	$ 0	$ 48

[1] Financial information has been recast to include the financial position and results attributable to the TEFR Interests. See Note 1 and Note 2.