Commitments and Contingencies - Renewable Fuel Standards (Details) - EHS - CVR Refining - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Cost of renewable identification numbers expense	$ 20	$ 64	$ 47	$ 164
Biofuel blending obligation recorded in other current liabilities	7		7		$ 28
RINs Asset	$ 4		$ 4

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