Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income	$ 77,997	$ 58,869	$ 67,593
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	3,521	(1,961)	3,826
Amortization of unrealized loss attributable to discontinued cash flow hedge	41
Reclassification adjustment to net income on partial settlement of cash flow hedge	0	1,076	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,562	(885)	3,826
Comprehensive income	81,559	57,984	71,419
Less noncontrolling interest in comprehensive income	0	0	1,579
Comprehensive income attributable to HEP unitholders	$ 81,559	$ 57,984	$ 69,840