Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income (loss)	$ 2,089	$ 324	$ (1,982)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax expense of $-, $-, and $-	(122)	158	375
Pension and other postretirement benefits:
Net gain (loss) arising during the year, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $101, $5, and $(132)	(188)	(14)	219
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $2, $3, and $(2)	(1)	(4)	(1)
Net gain (loss) on pension and other postretirement benefits	(189)	(18)	218
Derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges:
Net gain (loss) arising during the year, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(11), $1, and $(44)	21	(1)	81
Net (gain) loss reclassified into income, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1, $62. amd $72	(2)	(116)	(133)
Net gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	19	(117)	(52)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(292)	23	541
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,797	347	(1,441)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valero Energy Corporation stockholders	$ 1,798	$ 347	$ (1,441)