| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 176 - Disclosure - Asset Retirement Obligations (Detail) (http://www.ewst.com/role/AssetRetirementObligationsDetail)  | 
| Table | Statement [Table] | 
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000043350 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) | 
| Class of Stock [Axis] | Class of Stock [Domain] | 
| Statement [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | |
|---|---|---|
2016-01-01 - 2016-12-31  | 2015-01-01 - 2015-12-31  | |
Balance  | ||
Accretion expense  | ||
Balance  | 1,218,000    | |