Debt and Interest Expense - Interest Expense Table (details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 13,961	$ 11,811	[1]
Western Gas Partners [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense on long-term debt	16,135	13,939
Amortization of debt issuance costs and commitment fees	1,266	1,053
Capitalized interest	$ (3,440)	$ (3,181)

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