Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Net income attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	$ 2,720	$ 2,083	$ 2,097
Less dividends paid:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	542	550	563
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ 4.99	$ 3.77	$ 3.70
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution:
Net income attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	2,720	2,083	2,097
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	542	550	563
Common equivalent shares:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	548	556	569
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$ 4.97	$ 3.75	$ 3.69
Common Stock [Member]
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Net income attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	2,720	2,083	2,097
Less dividends paid:
Common stock	460	358	168
Nonvested restricted stock	2	2	1
Undistributed earnings	2,258	1,723	1,928
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	542	550	563
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Distributed earnings (in USD per share)	$ 0.85	$ 0.65	$ 0.30
Undistributed earnings	$ 4.14	$ 3.12	$ 3.40
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ 4.99	$ 3.77	$ 3.70
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution:
Net income attributable to Valero stockholders from continuing operations	$ 2,720	$ 2,083	$ 2,097
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	542	550	563
Common equivalent shares:
Stock options	4	4	4
Performance awards and nonvested restricted stock	2	2	2
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – assuming dilution	548	556	569
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution	$ 4.97	$ 3.75	$ 3.69
Restricted Stock [Member]
Less dividends paid:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	3	3	3
Earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Distributed earnings (in USD per share)	$ 0.85	$ 0.65	$ 0.30
Undistributed earnings	$ 4.14	$ 3.12	$ 3.40
Total earnings per common share from continuing operations	$ 4.99	$ 3.77	$ 3.70
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – assuming dilution:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	3	3	3