Equity (Changes To Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net income	$ 343,371		$ 247,020
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,551		(94,757)
Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	6,052,954
Net income	333,669
Dividends	(163,388)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,759
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances	54,011
Equity-based compensation	7,457
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation	744
Purchase of treasury stock	11,413	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants	0
Balance at March 31, 2013	6,285,793
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	589,704
Net income	9,702
Dividends	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(15,288)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	792
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances	60,145
Equity-based compensation	1,123
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants	(2,924)
Balance at March 31, 2013	643,254
Total Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	6,642,658
Net income	343,371
Dividends	(163,388)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	(15,288)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,551
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances	114,156
Equity-based compensation	8,580
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation	744
Purchase of treasury stock	11,413	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants	(2,924)
Balance at March 31, 2013	$ 6,929,047

[1] Includes 31,141 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.