Equity (Changes To Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Noncontrolling Interest [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Total Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011						$ 5,204,010	$ 5,204,010		$ 631,890		$ 5,835,900
Net income	610,650	531,011	1,360,040	823,855			1,335,568		24,472
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(67,967)	14,106	(139,865)	15,283			(140,394)		529		(139,865)
Dividends							(494,107)		0		(494,107)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders							0		(43,749)		(43,749)
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances							11,469		(18,763)		(7,294)
Contribution from joint venture partner							0		3,000		3,000
Equity-based compensation							23,166		2,233		25,399
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation							16,020		0		16,020
Purchase of treasury stock (1)							200,076	[1]	0	[1]	200,076	[1]
Net proceeds received under structured share repurchase arrangement			8,620	0	8,600	100,000	8,620		0		8,620
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants							0		(4,392)		(4,392)
Balance at June 30, 2012					$ 5,764,276		$ 5,764,276		$ 595,220		$ 6,359,496

[1] Includes 329,631 shares withheld under the terms of stock-based compensation agreements to provide funds for the payment of payroll and income taxes due at the vesting of share-based awards.