XML 43 R71.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in benefit obligation:
Actuarial (gain) loss	$ 477,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
Changes in plan assets(a):
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,909,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,978,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets	1,909,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Accrued expenses	(48,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities	(30,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
Other long-term liabilities	(792,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent	(507,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual)
Remeasurement due to plan amendments		371,000,000vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax
Actuarial loss due to changes in discount rates	300,000,000vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDuetoChangesinAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
Actuarial loss due to changes in mortality table	100,000,000vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLossDuetoChangesinAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationMortalityTables
Contributions to defined contribution plans	61,000,000us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized	62,000,000us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized	61,000,000us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Pension Plans [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	1,914,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	2,307,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Service cost	120,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	137,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	140,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost	91,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	86,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	93,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments	2,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(274,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Curtailment gain	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(6,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefits paid	(109,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(170,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Actuarial (gain) loss	440,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(169,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other	(8,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	3,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,450,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	1,914,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	2,307,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Changes in plan assets(a):
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,909,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	1,729,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Actual return on plan assets	139,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	306,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Valero contributions	46,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	41,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefits paid	(109,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(170,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other	(7,000,000)vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChangesInPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	3,000,000vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChangesInPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,978,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	1,909,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	1,729,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Reconciliation of funded status (a):
Funded status as of end of year	(472,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(5,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Accumulated benefit obligation	2,354,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	1,811,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Deferred charges and other assets, net	7,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	208,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Accrued expenses	(28,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(11,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other long-term liabilities	(451,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(202,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amounts recognized in balance sheet for defined benefit plans	(472,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(5,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual)
Initial effect of defined benefit plan amendment		(328,000,000)vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentsInitialEffect / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Remeasurement due to plan amendments	0vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	328,000,000vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Discount rate	4.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember	4.92%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	324,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	436,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Service cost	7,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	12,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	12,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Interest cost	15,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	18,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	21,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions	7,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	15,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Plan amendments	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(43,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Curtailment gain	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefits paid	(30,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(37,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Actuarial (gain) loss	37,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(77,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other	1,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChanges / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefit obligation at end of year	361,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	324,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	436,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Changes in plan assets(a):
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Actual return on plan assets	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Valero contributions	20,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	19,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Participant contributions	7,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	15,000,000us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Benefits paid	(30,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(37,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other	3,000,000vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChangesInPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	3,000,000vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherChangesInPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Reconciliation of funded status (a):
Funded status as of end of year	(361,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(324,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Deferred charges and other assets, net	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Accrued expenses	(20,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(19,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Other long-term liabilities	(341,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(305,000,000)us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Amounts recognized in balance sheet for defined benefit plans	(361,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	(324,000,000)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheet / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual)
Initial effect of defined benefit plan amendment		(43,000,000)vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentsInitialEffect / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Remeasurement due to plan amendments	$ 0vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	$ 43,000,000vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	$ 0vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Discount rate	4.13%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember	4.88%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate / us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis = us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember

X

- Definition

For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Accumulated Benefit Obligation

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- Definition

The difference between fair value of plan assets at the end of the period and the fair value at the beginning of the period, adjusted for contributions and payments of benefits during the period, and after adjusting for taxes and other expenses, as applicable.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost)

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-Glossary Actual Return on Plan Assets (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)

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- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, for example, but not limited to, interest, mortality, employee turnover, salary, and temporary deviation from the substantive plan.

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- Definition

The aggregate net amount recognized in the balance sheet associated with the defined benefit plan(s). Will normally be the same as the Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan, Total.

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- Definition

The amount for overfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet as a noncurrent asset associated with a defined benefit pension plan or other postretirement defined benefit plan.

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- Definition

The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the plan.

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- Definition

1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

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-Glossary Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation

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- Definition

The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.

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-Glossary Postretirement Benefits

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- Definition

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

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- Definition

The amount of contributions made by plan participants. This item represents a periodic increase to the plan obligation and an increase to plan assets.

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- Definition

The amount of decrease that is related to an event that significantly reduces the expected years of future service of present employees or eliminates for a significant number of employees the accrual of defined benefits for some or all of their future services.

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- Definition

Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

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- Definition

The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Will normally be the same as the net Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet, Total.

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- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

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- Definition

Changes in the defined benefit obligation, not otherwise separately disclosed in the financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The amount of increase or decrease due to a change in the terms of an existing plan or the initiation of a new plan. A plan amendment may increase or decrease benefits, including those attributed to years of service already rendered.

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- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

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The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans.

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For a classified balance sheet, the amount recognized in balance sheet as a current liability associated with an underfunded defined benefit plan.

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This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

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Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions related to the interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money.

+ References

No definition available.

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Amount of gain (loss) related to change in benefit obligation resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions related to the mortality table used.

+ References

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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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- Details

Name:	vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsAbstract
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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- Definition

Changes in the fair value of defined benefit plan assets, not otherwise separately disclosed in the financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vlo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The amount of the initial increase or decrease due to a change in the terms of an existing plan or the initiation of a new plan. A plan amendment may increase or decrease benefits, including those attributed to years of service already rendered.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vlo_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendmentsInitialEffect
Namespace Prefix:	vlo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

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- Details

Name:	vlo_EmployeeBenefitPlansTextualsAbstract
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Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount before tax of credit of benefit changes attributable to plan participants prior service and the decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption resulting from a plan amendment that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit credit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vlo_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionandOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansEffectofPlanAmendmentonNetPriorServiceCreditandNetUnamortizedGainArisingDuringPeriodbeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	vlo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

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- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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