Equity (Changes To Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net income	$ 502,370	$ 201,833	$ 749,390		$ 292,844
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,859	(44)	(71,898)		1,177
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation	2,800	1,300	6,200		1,800
Net prepayment related to structured share repurchase arrangement			(100,000)		0
Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011			5,204,010
Net income			735,195
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(72,298)
Dividends			(259,403)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			0
Contribution from joint venture partner			0
Equity-based compensation			15,862
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			4,762
Purchase of treasury stock (1)			198,667	[1]
Net prepayment related to structured share repurchase arrangement			(100,000)
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			0
Balance at June 30, 2012	5,329,461		5,329,461
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011			631,890
Net income			14,195
Other comprehensive income (loss)			400
Dividends			0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(28,944)
Contribution from joint venture partner			3,000
Equity-based compensation			1,629
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			0
Purchase of treasury stock (1)			0	[1]
Net prepayment related to structured share repurchase arrangement			0
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			(4,006)
Balance at June 30, 2012	618,164		618,164
Total Equity [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011			5,835,900
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(71,898)
Dividends			(259,403)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(28,944)
Contribution from joint venture partner			3,000
Equity-based compensation			17,491
Excess tax benefit attributable to equity-based compensation			4,762
Purchase of treasury stock (1)			198,667	[1]
Net prepayment related to structured share repurchase arrangement			(100,000)
Purchase of HEP units for restricted grants			(4,006)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$ 5,947,625		$ 5,947,625

[1] Includes 305,037 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.