Equity (Changes To Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012			$ 6,052,954
Net income	88,909	610,650	698,029		1,360,040
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,303	(67,967)	46,667		(139,865)
Balance at September 30, 2013	6,174,159		6,174,159
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			672,940
Dividends			(486,015)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			44,599
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances			54,011
Equity-based compensation			22,597
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			2,739
Purchase of treasury stock			(189,666)	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			0
Balance at September 30, 2013	6,174,159		6,174,159
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012			589,704
Net income			25,089
Dividends			0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(52,835)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			2,068
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances			58,702
Equity-based compensation			2,642
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			0
Purchase of treasury stock			0	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			(3,379)
Balance at September 30, 2013	621,991		621,991
Total Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012			6,642,658
Net income			698,029
Dividends			(486,015)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(52,835)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			46,667
Allocated equity on HEP unit issuances			112,713
Equity-based compensation			25,239
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			2,739
Purchase of treasury stock			(189,666)	[1]
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			(3,379)
Balance at September 30, 2013	$ 6,796,150		$ 6,796,150

[1] Includes 44,233 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.