Debt and Interest Expense - Interest Expense Table (details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 20,878	$ 13,018	[1]	$ 55,703	$ 37,483	[1]
Western Gas Partners [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense on long-term debt	21,671	14,994		59,251	43,783
Amortization of debt issuance costs and commitment fees	1,107	1,135		3,799	3,252
Capitalized interest	$ (1,900)	$ (3,111)		$ (7,347)	$ (9,552)

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