Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	$ (432)	$ 104
Less dividends paid:
Common stock	83	28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	551	566
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Distributed earnings	$ 0.15	$ 0.05
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ (0.78)	$ 0.18
Earnings per common share from continuing operations - assuming dilution
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	(432)	104
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	551	566
Common equivalent shares:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	551	573
Earnings per common share from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$ (0.78)	$ 0.18
Common Stock [Member]
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	(432)	104
Less dividends paid:
Common stock	83	28
Nonvested restricted stock	0	0
Undistributed earnings (loss)	(515)	76
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	551	566
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Distributed earnings	$ 0.15	$ 0.05
Undistributed earnings	$ (0.93)	$ 0.13
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ (0.78)	$ 0.18
Earnings per common share from continuing operations - assuming dilution
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	$ (432)	$ 104
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	551	566
Common equivalent shares:
Stock options	0	5
Performance awards and unvested restricted stock	0	2
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	551	573
Earnings per common share from continuing operations - assuming dilution	$ (0.78)	$ 0.18
Restricted Stock [Member]
Less dividends paid:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	3	3
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Distributed earnings	$ 0.15	$ 0.05
Undistributed earnings	$ 0.00	$ 0.13
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ 0.15	$ 0.18
Earnings per common share from continuing operations - assuming dilution
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	3	3

Aggregate dividends paid during the period for each share of common stock outstanding.

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