| Cover | Feb. 08, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 10, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 75-2969997 | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-31234 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas, | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75201 | |
| City Area Code | (214) | |
| Local Phone Number | 756-6900 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | WHG | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001165002 |
