Statements of Condensed Consolidated Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 3,888,802	$ 1,308,771	$ 2,195,502	$ 99,547	$ 284,982
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		150,109
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	203,399		187,111		16,288
Other comprehensive loss	(14,554)			(14,554)
Dividends ($0.06 per share)	(9,038)		(9,038)
Stock-based compensation plans, net	43,966	43,737			229
Stock-based compensation plans, net (in shares)		485
Distributions to noncontrolling interests ($0.95 and $0.72 per common unit during the six months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(10,350)				(10,350)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	4,102,225	1,352,508	2,373,575	84,993	291,149
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2013		150,594
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	4,864,128	1,422,105	2,567,980	44,703	829,340
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		150,884
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	349,199		303,114		46,085
Other comprehensive loss	(40,814)			(40,814)
Dividends ($0.06 per share)	(9,101)		(9,101)
Stock-based compensation plans, net	22,112	20,973			1,139
Stock-based compensation plans, net (in shares)		918
Distributions to noncontrolling interests ($0.95 and $0.72 per common unit during the six months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(25,674)				(25,674)
Issuance of common units of EQT Midstream Partners, LP	902,451				902,451
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(32,368)	(12,759)	(19,609)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (in shares)		(300)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$ 6,029,933	$ 1,430,319	$ 2,842,384	$ 3,889	$ 1,753,341
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014		151,502