Commitments and Contingencies - Environmental, Health and Safety ("EHS") Matters (Details) - EHS - CVR Refining - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cost of renewable identification numbers expense	$ 50	$ 106	$ 27	$ 99
Biofuel blending obligation recorded in other current liabilities	16		16		$ 28
RINs Asset	$ 14		$ 14

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations pertains to Biofuels blending. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

No definition available.

Name:	cvi_BiofuelsBlendingObligationCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	cvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant