Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the aggregate of total long-term debt, including current maturities and short-term debt.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The cash inflow during the period from additional borrowings in aggregate debt. Includes proceeds from short-term and long-term debt.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash inflow from contractual arrangement with the lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Financing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Financing Activities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents debt issuance costs, including but not limited to legal, accounting, underwriting, printing and registration costs for debt issuances during the year, in addition to amortization of expense attributable to debt discount (premium) and debt issuance costs.

No definition available.

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

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=wgp_WorkingCapitalFacilityMember
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Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
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Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
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Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wgp_SeniorRevolvingCreditFacility2Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
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Data Type:	na
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Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=wgp_WesternGasPartnersMember
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Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
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Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wgp_SeniorRevolvingCreditFacility1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
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Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wgp_SeniorNotes3Point95PercentDue2025Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wgp_SeniorNotes4Point650PercentDue2026Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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