Debt and Interest Expense - Debt Activity Table (details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014 Western Gas Partners [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Western Gas Partners [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Western Gas Partners [Member] Senior Notes 5 Point 45 Percent Due 2044 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Western Gas Partners [Member] Senior Notes 2 Point 6 Percent Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,082,914	$ 1,418,169	[1]		$ 0	$ 0	$ 249,718
Borrowings					650,000	400,000	100,000
Repayments					(480,000)
Other				(5,255)
Ending Balance	$ 2,082,914	$ 1,418,169	[1]		$ 170,000	$ 393,815	$ 350,506

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