Equity (Changes To Equity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2010
Balance at December 31, 2010			$ 1,288,139
Net income	201,833	72,666	292,844		49,412
Dividends			(16,024)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(25,133)		(23,933)
Other comprehensive income	(44)	(691)	1,177		(2,126)
Contribution from joint venture partner			16,500		5,000
Equity based compensation			5,562		5,440
Excess tax benefit on equity based compensation arrangements			498		(1,313)
Purchase of units for restricted grants			(1,379)		(2,276)
Purchase of treasury stock			(2,996)	[1]	(1,308)
Balance at June 30, 2011	1,559,188		1,559,188
Restricted Stock [Member]
Shares repurchased for the payment of taxes			56,813
Holly Corporation Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2010			697,419
Net income			276,929
Dividends			(16,024)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders
Other comprehensive income			157
Contribution from joint venture partner
Equity based compensation			4,480
Excess tax benefit on equity based compensation arrangements			498
Purchase of units for restricted grants
Purchase of treasury stock			(2,996)	[1]
Balance at June 30, 2011	960,463		960,463
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at December 31, 2010			590,720
Net income			15,915
Dividends
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders			(25,133)
Other comprehensive income			1,020
Contribution from joint venture partner			16,500
Equity based compensation			1,082
Excess tax benefit on equity based compensation arrangements
Purchase of units for restricted grants			(1,379)
Purchase of treasury stock				[1]
Balance at June 30, 2011	$ 598,725		$ 598,725

[1] Includes 56,813 shares purchased under the terms of restricted stock agreements to provide funds for the payment of payroll and income taxes due at vesting of restricted stock.