Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Results of operations
Operating revenues	$ 34,695	$ 34,726	$ 34,662	$ 35,167	[1]	$ 34,673	[2]	$ 33,713	[3]	$ 31,293	$ 26,308	$ 139,250	$ 125,987	$ 82,233
Operating income (loss)	1,584	1,309	1,361	(244)	[1]	167	[2]	1,979	[3]	1,290	244	4,010	3,680	1,876
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,009	673	830	(432)	[1]	45	[2]	1,203	[3]	744	104	2,080	2,096	923
Net income (loss)	1,009	673	830	(432)	[1]	45	[2]	1,203	[3]	743	98	2,080	2,089	324
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero Energy Corporation stockholders	$ 1,010	$ 674	$ 831	$ (432)	[1]	$ 45	[2]	$ 1,203	[3]	$ 744	$ 98	$ 2,083	$ 2,090	$ 324
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$ 1.82	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ (0.78)	[1]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 2.11	[3]	$ 1.30	$ 0.18	$ 3.75	$ 3.69	$ 1.62
Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution	$ 1.82	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ (0.78)	[1]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 2.11	[3]	$ 1.30	$ 0.17	$ 3.75	$ 3.68	$ 0.57

[1] The operations of the Aruba Refinery were suspended in March 2012.

[2] Includes the operations related to the Meraux Acquisition beginning October 1, 2011.

[3] Includes the operations related to the Pembroke Acquisition beginning August 1, 2011.