v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Feb. 17, 2015
Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2014    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q4    
Trading Symbol wr    
Entity Registrant Name WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS    
Entity Central Index Key 0000054507    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   132,137,563  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 4,936,929,569