Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Results of operations
Operating revenues	$ 34,429	$ 36,137	$ 34,034	[1]	$ 33,474	$ 34,695	$ 34,726	$ 34,662	$ 35,167	[1],[2]	$ 138,074	$ 139,250	$ 125,987
Operating income (loss)	1,562	532	808	[1]	1,061	1,584	1,309	1,361	(244)	[1],[2]	3,963	4,010	3,680
Net income (loss)	1,287	324	465	[1]	652	1,009	673	830	(432)	[1],[2]	2,728	2,080	2,089
Net income (loss) attributable to Valero Energy Corporation stockholders	$ 1,288	$ 312	$ 466	[1]	$ 654	$ 1,010	$ 674	$ 831	$ (432)	[1],[2]	$ 2,720	$ 2,083	$ 2,090
Earnings (loss) per common share – assuming dilution	$ 2.38	$ 0.57	$ 0.85	[1]	$ 1.18	$ 1.82	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ (0.78)	[1],[2]	$ 4.97	$ 3.75	$ 3.68

[1] The separation of our retail business was completed on May 1, 2013.

[2] The operations of the Aruba Refinery were suspended in March 2012.