Consolidated Statement of Partners' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Units	General Partner Interest	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 466,934	$ 516,147	$ (146,557)	$ (144)	$ 97,488
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Equity [Roll Forward]
Distributions to HEP unitholders	(114,680)	(89,296)	(25,384)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(3,250)				(3,250)
Purchase of units for incentive grants	(1,064)	(1,064)
Amortization of restricted and performance units	2,493	2,493
Class B unit accretion	(4,958)	(4,859)	(99)
Partners' Capital, Other	3	3	0
Net income	83,419	57,723	24,092		1,604
Other comprehensive income	458			458
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 429,355	$ 481,147	$ (147,948)	$ 314	$ 95,842