Alon USA Energy (ALJ) 10-Q 5 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14
Document Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Alon USA Energy, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001325955	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	68,972,609

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$355,292	$224,499
Accounts and other receivables, net	194,830	200,398
Income tax receivable	5,869	16,053
Inventories	148,347	128,770
Deferred income tax asset	10,830	13,045
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	22,835	18,629
Total current assets	738,003	601,394
Equity method investments	26,389	26,251
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,385,767	1,429,342
Goodwill	101,913	105,943
Other assets, net	93,652	82,210
Total assets	2,345,724	2,245,140
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	365,961	336,499
Accrued liabilities	95,538	120,858
Current portion of long-term debt	88,208	83,174
Total current liabilities	549,707	540,531
Other non-current liabilities	182,152	189,474
Long-term debt	595,537	529,074
Deferred income tax liability	369,223	360,657
Total liabilities	1,696,619	1,619,736
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 15,000,000 shares authorized; 68,180 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	682	682
Common stock, par value $0.01, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 68,807,787 and 68,641,428 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	688	686
Additional paid-in capital	510,815	509,170
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax	-18,132	-37,515
Retained earnings	121,604	124,936
Total stockholders’ equity	615,657	597,959
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries	33,448	27,445
Total equity	649,105	625,404
Total liabilities and equity	$2,345,724	$2,245,140

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	68,180	68,180
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	68,180	68,180
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	68,807,787	68,641,428
Common stock, shares outstanding	68,807,787	68,641,428

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net sales (1)	$1,683,245	[1]	$1,651,196	[1]
Operating costs and expenses:	'		'
Cost of sales	1,506,545		1,378,257
Direct operating expenses	70,678		74,222
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,389		41,741
Depreciation and amortization	29,878		31,163
Total operating costs and expenses	1,646,490		1,525,383
Gain on disposition of assets	2,205		18
Operating income	38,960		125,831
Interest expense	-28,015		-21,292
Equity losses of investees	-459		-381
Other income (loss), net	-17		83
Income before income tax expense	10,469		104,241
Income tax expense	2,094		30,590
Net income	8,375		73,651
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	7,590		19,467
Net income available to stockholders	$785		$54,184
Earnings per share, basic	$0.01		$0.86
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	68,617		61,957
Earnings per share, diluted	$0.01		$0.80
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in thousands)	69,067		67,616
Cash dividends per share	$0.06		$0.04
[1]	Includes excise taxes on sales by the retail segment of $17,810 and $17,305 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations Parentheticals (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Excise taxes	$17,810	$17,305

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net income	$8,375	$73,651
Commodity contracts designated as cash flow hedges:	'	'
Unrealized holding gain arising during period	23,582	9,381
Loss reclassified to earnings - cost of sales	0	24
Amortization of unrealized loss on de-designated cash flow hedges - cost of sales	8,275	0
Net gain, before tax	31,857	9,405
Income tax expense	11,787	3,498
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,070	5,907
Comprehensive income	28,445	79,558
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	8,277	19,736
Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders	$20,168	$59,822

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$8,375	$73,651
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	29,878	31,163
Stock compensation	1,566	1,665
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-1,006	7,549
Equity losses of investees	459	381
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,175	1,117
Amortization of original issuance discount	1,663	731
Gain on disposition of assets	-2,205	-18
Unrealized loss on commodity swaps	6,606	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts and other receivables, net	6,320	19,548
Income tax receivable	10,184	0
Inventories	-20,561	-27,282
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-4,206	7,137
Other assets, net	-345	1,876
Accounts payable	30,380	3,021
Accrued liabilities	-8,124	26,788
Other non-current liabilities	2,555	13,443
Net cash provided by operating activities	62,714	160,770
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-18,160	-8,414
Capital expenditures for turnarounds and catalysts	-14,847	-5,216
Contribution to equity method investment	-597	0
Proceeds from disposition of assets	40,000	57
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,396	-13,573
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders	-4,102	-2,489
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest	-135	0
Distributions paid to non-controlling interest in the Partnership	-2,070	-6,556
Deferred debt issuance costs	-1,844	-205
Revolving credit facilities, net	0	1,000
Additions to long-term debt	145,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	-75,166	-2,377
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	61,683	-10,627
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	130,793	136,570
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	224,499	116,296
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	355,292	252,866
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest	28,832	12,149
Cash received for income tax	($10,184)	($843)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	As used in this report, unless otherwise specified, the terms “Alon,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to Alon USA Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries or to Alon USA Energy, Inc. or an individual subsidiary. The “Partnership,” as used in this report, refers to Alon USA Partners, LP and its subsidiaries.
	These consolidated financial statements and notes are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements.
	In the opinion of our management, the information included in these consolidated financial statements reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of our consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year balances may have been aggregated or disaggregated in order to conform to the current year presentation. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be obtained for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Alon_USA_Partners_LP

Alon USA Partners, LP	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Alon USA Partners, LP [Abstract]	'
Alon USA Partners, LP	'
	Alon USA Partners, LP
	The Partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership that was formed to own the assets and operations of the Big Spring refinery and associated wholesale marketing operations. On November 26, 2012, the Partnership completed its initial public offering (NYSE: ALDW) of 11,500,000 common units representing limited partner interests. As of March 31, 2014, the 11,502,476 common units held by the public represent 18.4% of the Partnership’s common units outstanding. We own the remaining 81.6% of the Partnership’s common units and Alon USA Partners GP, LLC (the “General Partner”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, owns 100% of the non-economic General Partner interest in the Partnership.
	The limited partner interests in the Partnership not owned by us are reflected in the results of operations in net income attributable to non-controlling interest and in our balance sheet in non-controlling interest in subsidiaries. The Partnership is consolidated within the refining and marketing segment.
	We have agreements with the Partnership which establish fees for certain administrative and operational services provided by us and our subsidiaries to the Partnership, provide certain indemnification obligations and other matters and establish terms for the supply of products by the Partnership to us.
	Partnership Distributions
	The Partnership has adopted a policy pursuant to which it will distribute all of the available cash it generates each quarter, as defined in the partnership agreement and subject to the approval of the board of directors of the General Partner. The per unit amount of available cash to be distributed each quarter, if any, will be distributed within 60 days following the end of such quarter.
	On March 3, 2014, the Partnership paid a cash distribution of $11,250, or $0.18 per unit. The total cash distribution paid to non-affiliated common unitholders was $2,070.

Segment_Data

Segment Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]	'
Segment Data	'
	Segment Data
	Our revenues are derived from three operating segments: (i) refining and marketing, (ii) asphalt and (iii) retail. The reportable operating segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. The segments are managed separately as each segment requires unique technology, marketing strategies and distinct operational emphasis. Each operating segment’s performance is evaluated primarily based on operating income.
	(a)Refining and Marketing Segment
	Our refining and marketing segment includes sour and heavy crude oil refineries located in Big Spring, Texas; and Paramount, Bakersfield and Long Beach, California (the “California refineries”); and a light sweet crude oil refinery located in Krotz Springs, Louisiana. Our refineries have a combined throughput capacity of approximately 214,000 barrels per day (“bpd”). At these refineries, we refine crude oil into petroleum products including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, petrochemicals, petrochemical feedstocks, asphalt and other petroleum-based products, which are marketed primarily in the South Central, Southwestern and Western regions of the United States. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we did not process crude oil at our California refineries.
	We supply gasoline and diesel to 639 Alon branded retail sites, including our retail segment convenience stores. During 2014, approximately 56% of the gasoline and 27% of the diesel produced at our Big Spring refinery was transferred to our branded marketing business at prices substantially determined by wholesale market prices. Additionally, we license the use of the Alon brand name and provide credit card processing services to 86 licensed locations that are not under fuel supply agreements.
	(b)Asphalt Segment
	Our asphalt segment includes 10 refinery/terminal locations in Texas (Big Spring), California (Paramount, Long Beach, Elk Grove, Bakersfield and Mojave), Washington (Richmond Beach), Arizona (Phoenix and Flagstaff), and Nevada (Fernley) (50% interest) as well as through a 50% interest in Wright Asphalt Products Company, LLC (“Wright”) which specializes in marketing patented tire rubber modified asphalt products. The operations in which we have a 50% interest are recorded under the equity method of accounting and the investments are included as part of total assets in the asphalt segment data. Asphalt produced by our Big Spring refinery is transferred to the asphalt segment at prices substantially determined by reference to the cost of crude oil, which is intended to approximate wholesale market prices.
	(c)Retail Segment
	Our retail segment operates 296 convenience stores located in Central and West Texas and New Mexico. These convenience stores typically offer various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, general merchandise and food and beverage products to the general public, primarily under the 7-Eleven and Alon brand names. Substantially all of the motor fuel sold through our retail segment is supplied by our Big Spring refinery.
	(d)Corporate
	Operations that are not included in any of the three segments are included in the corporate category. These operations consist primarily of corporate headquarters operating and depreciation expenses.
	Segment data as of and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Refining and		Asphalt			Retail			Corporate			Consolidated
		Marketing											Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Net sales to external customers	$	1,365,826	$	96,171		$	221,248		$	—		$	1,683,245
	Intersegment sales/purchases	139,092		(16,983		)	(122,109		)	—			—
	Depreciation and amortization	25,368		1,200			2,714			596			29,878
	Operating income (loss)	40,004		(3,205		)	2,933			(772		)	38,960
	Total assets	2,010,694		107,995			204,088			22,947			2,345,724
	Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	27,043		1,718			3,381			865			33,007
		Refining and		Asphalt			Retail			Corporate			Consolidated
		Marketing											Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Net sales to external customers	$	1,272,226	$	154,865		$	224,105		$	—		$	1,651,196
	Intersegment sales/purchases	141,899		(16,559		)	(125,340		)	—			—
	Depreciation and amortization	26,505		1,549			2,268			841			31,163
	Operating income (loss)	126,708		(4,401		)	4,540			(1,016		)	125,831
	Total assets	2,001,498		129,941			203,508			20,775			2,355,722
	Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	11,185		1,792			640			13			13,630
	Operating income (loss) for each segment consists of net sales less cost of sales, direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, and gain (loss) on disposition of assets. Intersegment sales are intended to approximate wholesale market prices. Consolidated totals presented are after intersegment eliminations.
	Total assets of each segment consist of net property, plant and equipment, inventories, cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables and other assets directly associated with the segment’s operations. Corporate assets consist primarily of corporate headquarters information technology and administrative equipment.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value
	We determine fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We classify financial assets and financial liabilities into the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 -     valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	•	Level 2 -     valued based on quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
	•	Level 3 -     valued based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	As required, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs (levels 1 and 2) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs (level 3) within the fair value hierarchy. We generally apply the “market approach” to determine fair value. This method uses pricing and other information generated by market transactions for identical or comparable assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level (least observable) input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety.
	The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The reported amounts of long-term debt approximate fair value. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value, which are based on quoted market prices. Derivative instruments and the Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”) obligation are our only assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
	The RINs obligation represents the period-end deficit for the purchase of RINs to satisfy the requirement to blend biofuels into the products we have produced. Our RINs obligation is based on the RINs deficit and the market price of those RINs as of the balance sheet date. The RINs obligation is categorized as level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and is measured at fair value using the market approach based on quoted prices from an independent pricing service.
	The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by input level, in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3		Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Liabilities:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	$	2,295			$	—	$	—	$	2,295
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	—				1,644		—		1,644
	Fair value hedges	—				5,946		—		5,946
	As of December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	$	335			$	—	$	—	$	335
	Liabilities:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	—				15,328		11,569		26,897
	Fair value hedges	—				3,339		—		3,339
	RINs obligation	—				334		—		334
	Level 3 Financial Instruments
	As of December 31, 2013, we had commodity price swap contracts related to forecasted sales of jet fuel and forecasted purchases of crude oil for which quoted forward market prices were not readily available. The forward rate used to value these commodity price swaps was derived using a projected forward rate using quoted market rates for similar products, adjusted for product grade differentials, a level 3 input. As quoted forward market prices for these commodities became available during the three months ended March 31, 2014, we reclassified the related financial liability to level 2.
	The following table presents the changes in fair value of our level 3 assets and liabilities (all related to commodity price swap contracts) for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			For the Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	(11,569	)
	Change in fair value of level 3 trades open at the beginning of the period		—
	Fair value of trades entered into during the period		—
	Fair value of reclassification from level 3 to level 2		11,569
	Settlement value of contractual maturities - Recognized in cost of sales		—
	Balance at end of period		$	—

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Mark to Market
	Commodity Derivatives. We selectively utilize crude oil and refined product commodity derivative contracts to reduce the risk associated with potential price changes on committed obligations. We do not speculate using derivative instruments. Credit risk on our derivative instruments is mitigated by transacting with counterparties meeting established collateral and credit criteria.
	Fair Value Hedges
	Fair value hedges are used to hedge price volatility of certain refining inventories and firm commitments to purchase inventories. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated and qualifying as a fair value hedge, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, is recognized in earnings in the same period.
	As of March 31, 2014, we have accounted for certain commodity contracts as fair value hedges with contract purchase volumes of 756 thousand barrels of crude oil with remaining contract terms through May 2019.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	To designate a derivative as a cash flow hedge, we document at the inception of the hedge the assessment that the derivative will be highly effective in offsetting expected changes in cash flows from the item hedged. This assessment, which is updated at least quarterly, is generally based on the most recent relevant historical correlation between the derivative and the item hedged. If, during the term of the derivative, the hedge is determined to be no longer highly effective, hedge accounting is prospectively discontinued and any remaining unrealized gains or losses, based on the effective portion of the derivative at that date, are reclassified to earnings when the underlying transactions occur.
	Commodity Derivatives. As of March 31, 2014, we have accounted for certain commodity swap contracts as cash flow hedges with contract purchase volumes of 5,220 thousand barrels of crude oil and net contract sales volumes of 5,220 thousand barrels of refined products with the longest remaining contract term of twenty-one months. Related to these transactions in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), we recognized unrealized gains of $31,857 and $9,405 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In November 2013, we elected to de-designate certain commodity swap contracts that were previously designated as cash flow hedges. Consequently, hedge accounting was discontinued for the commodity swap contracts and prospectively all changes in fair value were recorded in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. The commodity derivative contracts were subsequently re-designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2013 on a product basis. As of March 31, 2014, we have unrealized losses of $21,707 classified in OCI that related to the application of hedge accounting prior to de-designation that will be recorded into earnings as the underlying forecasted transactions occur through the remainder of 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we reclassified $8,275 of losses related to these de-dedesignated cash flow hedges from OCI into cost of sales.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no hedge ineffectiveness recognized in income. No component of the derivative instruments’ gains or losses was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
	The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of financial position:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet						Balance Sheet
		Location		Fair Value				Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	Accounts receivable		$	706			Accrued liabilities		$	3,001
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	Accounts receivable		(790		)				—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			$	(84	)				$	3,001
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	Accounts receivable		$	1,544			Other non-current liabilities		$	2,398
	Fair value hedges			—				Other non-current liabilities		5,946
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			1,544						8,344
	Total derivatives			$	1,460					$	11,345
		As of December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet						Balance Sheet
		Location		Fair Value				Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	Accounts receivable		$	1,533			Accrued liabilities		$	1,198
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			$	1,533					$	1,198
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)			$	—			Accrued liabilities		$	15,328
	Commodity contracts (swaps)			—				Other non-current liabilities		11,569
	Fair value hedges			—				Other non-current liabilities		3,339
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			—						30,236
	Total derivatives			$	1,533					$	31,434
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Gain (Loss) Recognized				Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)					Gain (Loss) Reclassified
			in OCI									from Accumulated OCI into
												Income (Ineffective
												Portion and Amount
												Excluded from
												Effectiveness Testing)
							Location		Amount			Location		Amount
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Commodity contracts (swaps)		$	31,857			Cost of sales		$	(8,275	)			$	—
	Total derivatives		$	31,857					$	(8,275	)			$	—
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts (swaps)		$	9,405			Cost of sales		$	(24	)			$	—
	Total derivatives		$	9,405					$	(24	)			$	—
	Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:
				Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
				For the Three Months Ended
				March 31,
		Location		2014				2013
	Fair value hedges	Cost of sales		$	(2,607	)		$	(2,819	)
	Total derivatives			$	(2,607	)		$	(2,819	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
				Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
				For the Three Months Ended
			March 31,
	Location		2014				2013
Commodity contracts (futures & forwards)	Cost of sales		$	(985	)		$	7,987
Commodity contracts (swaps)	Cost of sales		2,037				—
Total derivatives			$	1,052			$	7,987
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Our derivative financial instruments are subject to master netting arrangements to manage counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives and we offset the fair value amounts recorded for derivative instruments to the extent possible under these agreements on our consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents offsetting information regarding our derivatives by type of transaction as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Gross Amounts Not offset in the Statement of Financial Position					Net Amount
												Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Pledged
As of March 31, 2014
Commodity Derivative Assets:
Futures & forwards	$	1,297			$	(591	)		$	706		$	(706	)	$	—	$	—
Swaps	1,544				(790		)		754			(754		)	—		—
Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
Futures & forwards	$	3,592			$	(591	)		$	3,001		$	(706	)	$	—	$	2,295
Swaps	3,188				(790		)		2,398			(754		)	—		1,644
Fair value hedges	5,946				—				5,946			—			—		5,946
As of December 31, 2013
Commodity Derivative Assets:
Futures & forwards	$	2,287			$	(754	)		$	1,533		$	(1,198	)	$	—	$	335
Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
Futures & forwards	$	1,952			$	(754	)		$	1,198		$	(1,198	)	$	—	$	—
Swaps	26,897				—				26,897			—			—		26,897
Fair value hedges	3,339				—				3,339			—			—		3,339
Compliance Program Market Risk
We are obligated by government regulations to blend a certain percentage of biofuels into the products we produce that are consumed in the U.S. We purchase biofuels from third parties and blend those biofuels into our products, and each gallon of biofuel purchased includes a RIN. To the degree we are unable to blend biofuels at the required percentage, a RINs deficit is generated and we must acquire that number of RINs by the annual reporting deadline in order to remain in compliance with applicable regulations.
We are exposed to market risk related to the volatility in the price of RINs needed to comply with these government regulations. We manage this risk by purchasing RINs when prices are deemed favorable utilizing fixed price purchase contracts. Some of these contracts are derivative instruments; however, we elect the normal purchase and sale exception and do not record these contracts at their fair values. The cost of meeting our obligations under these compliance programs was $8,013 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. This amount is reflected in cost of sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, we utilized carryover RINs from 2012 to completely offset our RINs deficit.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure	'
	Inventories
	Our inventories (including inventory consigned to others) are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for crude oil, refined products, asphalt, and blendstock inventories. Materials and supplies are stated at average cost. Cost for convenience store merchandise inventories is determined under the retail inventory method and cost for convenience store fuel inventories is determined under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
	Carrying value of inventories consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Crude oil, refined products, asphalt and blendstocks	$	45,764	$	34,326
	Crude oil inventory consigned to others	49,925		44,081
	Materials and supplies	21,954		21,685
	Store merchandise	22,459		20,526
	Store fuel	8,245		8,152
	Total inventories	$	148,347	$	128,770
	Market values of crude oil, refined products, asphalt and blendstock inventories exceeded LIFO costs by $68,173 and $61,199 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Inventory_Financing_Agreements

Inventory Financing Agreements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Financing Agreements [Abstract]	'
Inventory Financing Agreements	'
	Inventory Financing Agreements
	Alon has entered into Supply and Offtake Agreements and other associated agreements (together the “Supply and Offtake Agreements”) with J. Aron & Company (“J. Aron”), to support the operations of the Big Spring, Krotz Springs and California refineries and most of our asphalt terminals. Pursuant to the Supply and Offtake Agreements, (i) J. Aron agreed to sell to us, and we agreed to buy from J. Aron, at market prices, crude oil for processing at the refineries and (ii) we agreed to sell, and J. Aron agreed to buy, at market prices, certain refined products produced at the refineries.
	The Supply and Offtake Agreements also provided for the sale, at market prices, of our crude oil and certain refined product inventories to J. Aron, the lease to J. Aron of crude oil and refined product storage facilities, and to identify prospective purchasers of refined products on J. Aron’s behalf. The Supply and Offtake Agreements have initial terms that expire in May 2019. J. Aron may elect to terminate the Supply and Offtake Agreements prior to the expiration of the initial term in May 2016 and upon each anniversary thereof, on six months prior notice. We may elect to terminate in May 2018 on six months prior notice.
	Following expiration or termination of the Supply and Offtake Agreements, we are obligated to purchase the crude oil and refined product inventories then owned by J. Aron and located at the leased storage facilities at market prices at that time.
	In association with the Supply and Offtake Agreement at the Krotz Springs refinery, we entered into a secured Credit Agreement (the “Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility”) by and between Alon, as Borrower, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Issuing Bank. The Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility provides for up to $200,000 of letters of credit to be issued to J. Aron. Obligations under the Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility are secured by a first priority lien on the existing and future accounts receivable and inventory of Alon Refining Krotz Springs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“ARKS”), our wholly-owned subsidiary. The Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility includes customary events of default and restrictions on the activities of ARKS. The Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility contains no maintenance financial covenants. At this time there is no further availability under the Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility. The Krotz Springs Standby LC Facility matures in July 2016.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had net current payables to J. Aron for purchases of $16,670 and $16,917, respectively, non-current liabilities related to the original financing of $72,987 and $67,889, respectively, and a consignment inventory receivable representing a deposit paid to J. Aron of $26,179 and $26,179, respectively.
	Additionally, we had net current payables of $1,901 and $539 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, for forward commitments related to month-end consignment inventory target levels differing from projected levels and the associated pricing with these inventory level differences.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
	Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Refining facilities	$	1,771,926		$	1,804,445
	Pipelines and terminals	43,445			43,445
	Retail	187,037			184,858
	Other	16,046			15,326
	Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,018,454			2,048,074
	Accumulated depreciation	(632,687		)	(618,732		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,385,767		$	1,429,342
	Disposition of Assets
	In January 2014, we sold our Willbridge, Oregon asphalt terminal for $40,000. The terminal was included in our asphalt segment and at the time of disposition was allocated goodwill of $4,030. A before-tax gain of $2,166 was recognized and has been included in gain on disposition of assets in our consolidated statement of operations.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	'
	Goodwill
	The following table provides a summary of changes to our goodwill balance by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Refining and Marketing			Retail		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	55,754		$	50,189	$	105,943
	Disposition of assets with allocated goodwill	(4,030		)	—		(4,030		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	51,724		$	50,189	$	101,913
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we sold our Willbridge, Oregon asphalt terminal that was allocated goodwill of $4,030.

Additional_Financial_Informati

Additional Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Additional Financial Information	'
	Additional Financial Information
	The tables that follow provide additional financial information related to the consolidated financial statements.
	(a)	Other Assets, Net
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Deferred turnaround and catalyst cost	$	22,427	$	12,271
	Environmental receivables	3,137		4,273
	Deferred debt issuance costs	13,271		12,602
	Intangible assets, net	8,053		7,497
	Receivable from supply agreements	26,179		26,179
	Other, net	20,585		19,388
	Total other assets	$	93,652	$	82,210
	(b)	Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-Current Liabilities
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued Liabilities:
	Taxes other than income taxes, primarily excise taxes	$	30,597	$	37,645
	Employee costs	14,549		13,793
	Commodity contracts	3,001		16,526
	Accrued finance charges	5,787		8,733
	Environmental accrual (Note 16)	12,898		12,898
	Other	28,706		31,263
	Total accrued liabilities	$	95,538	$	120,858
	Other Non-Current Liabilities:
	Pension and other postemployment benefit liabilities, net	$	40,587	$	40,351
	Environmental accrual (Note 16)	44,043		45,484
	Asset retirement obligations	11,894		12,468
	Consignment inventory obligations	72,987		67,889
	Commodity contracts	2,398		11,569
	Other	10,243		11,713
	Total other non-current liabilities	$	182,152	$	189,474

Postretirement_Benefits

Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Postretirement Benefits	'
	Postretirement Benefits
	We have four defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of our employees, excluding employees of our retail segment. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s final average monthly compensation. Our funding policy is to contribute annually not less than the minimum required nor more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those benefits expected to be earned in the future. Our estimated contributions during 2014 to our pension plans have not changed significantly from amounts previously disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $1,160 and $915, respectively, to our qualified pension plans.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our benefit plans were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	856		$	1,116
	Interest cost	1,238			1,100
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,370		)	(1,157		)
	Amortization of net loss	596			1,005
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,320		$	2,064

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure	'
	Indebtedness
	Debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Term loan credit facilities	$	268,832	$	244,322
	Revolving credit facility	100,000		100,000
	Senior secured notes	73,988		73,706
	Convertible senior notes	122,336		121,090
	Retail credit facilities	118,589		73,130
	Total debt	683,745		612,248
	Less: Current portion	88,208		83,174
	Total long-term debt	$	595,537	$	529,074
	(a) Alon Energy Term Loan
	In March 2014, we entered into a five-year Term Loan Agreement (“Alon Energy Term Loan”) for a principal amount of $25,000, maturing in March 2019. Repayments are monthly, commencing June 2014. Borrowings under this agreement accrue interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%. We are required to pledge 2,200,000 of the Partnership’s common units as collateral for the Alon Energy Term Loan. Additionally, Alon Assets, Inc. (“Alon Assets”) was named as a guarantor, guaranteeing all payments under the Alon Energy Term Loan. The Alon Energy Term Loan contains certain restrictive covenants including maintenance financial covenants.
	Proceeds from the Alon Energy Term Loan will be used to purchase equipment for a capital project at our Big Spring refinery.
	At March 31, 2014, the Alon Energy Term Loan had an outstanding balance of $25,000.
	(b) Retail Credit Facilities
	Southwest Convenience Stores, LLC and Skinny’s LLC, (“Alon Retail”) were party to a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a maturity in December 2015. At December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement was $72,689. In March 2014, Alon Retail entered into a new credit agreement (“Alon Retail Credit Agreement”) and repaid in full its obligations under the Credit Agreement.
	The Alon Retail Credit Agreement will mature in March 2019 and includes a $110,000 term loan and a $10,000 revolving credit loan. The Alon Retail Credit Agreement also includes an accordion feature that provides for incremental term loans up to $30,000 to fund store rebuilds, new builds and acquisitions. At March 31, 2014, the Alon Retail Credit Agreement had an outstanding balance of $118,167.
	Borrowings under the Alon Retail Credit Agreement bear interest at a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin between 2.00% and 2.75%, which is determined quarterly based upon the leverage ratio of Alon Retail. Principal payments are made in quarterly installments based on a 15-year amortization schedule. Obligations under the Alon Retail Credit Agreement are secured by a first lien on substantially all of the assets of Alon Retail. The Alon Retail Credit Agreement also contains certain restrictive covenants including maintenance financial covenants.
	Proceeds from the Alon Retail Credit Agreement were used to fully repay its obligations under the Credit Agreement of $72,689, pay a dividend distribution of $40,000 to Alon Brands, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes.
	(c) Revolving Facility and Letters of Credit
	We had letters of credit outstanding under the Alon Energy $60,000 letter of credit facility of $56,827 and $56,827 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We had borrowings of $100,000 and $100,000 and letters of credit of $103,363 and $109,772 outstanding under the Alon USA LP $240,000 revolving credit facility at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	(d) Senior Secured Notes
	In May 2014, we redeemed $40,000 of the principal balance on the 13.50% senior secured notes (“Senior Secured Notes”) due October 2014, reducing the principal balance to approximately $35,600.
	(e) Financial Covenants
	We have certain credit agreements that contain restrictive covenants, including maintenance financial covenants. At March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with these covenants.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation (share values in dollars)
	Our overall executive incentive compensation program includes the granting of awards in the form of options to purchase common stock, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”), restricted shares of common stock, restricted common stock units, performance shares, performance units and senior executive plan bonuses to our directors, officers and key employees.
	Restricted Stock. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had 448,694 non-vested restricted shares. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards amounted to $488 and $517 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Restricted Stock Units. In May 2011, we granted 500,000 restricted stock units to our CEO and President at a grant date fair value of $11.47 per share. Each restricted unit represents the right to receive one share of our common stock upon the vesting of the restricted stock unit. All 500,000 restricted stock units vest on March 1, 2015, assuming continued service at vesting. Compensation expense for the restricted stock units amounted to $374 and $374 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Unrecognized Compensation. As of March 31, 2014, there was $4,905 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Equity	'
	Equity (share values in dollars)
	Changes to equity during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are presented below:
			Total Stockholders’ Equity				Non-controlling Interest				Total Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	597,959			$	27,445			$	625,404
	Other comprehensive income		19,383				687				20,070
	Stock compensation		1,635				(69		)		1,566
	Dividends of common stock on preferred stock		(3		)		—				(3		)
	Distributions to non-controlling interest in the Partnership		—				(2,070		)		(2,070		)
	Dividends		(4,102		)		(135		)		(4,237		)
	Net income		785				7,590				8,375
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	615,657			$	33,448			$	649,105
	(a)Common Stock
	Amended Shareholder Agreement. In 2012, we signed agreements with the remaining non-controlling interest shareholders of Alon Assets whereby the participants would exchange shares of Alon Assets for shares of our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, 164,822 shares of our common stock were issued in exchange for 881.12 shares of Alon Assets with 1,754,889 shares of our common stock available for exchange at March 31, 2014.
	Compensation expense associated with the difference in value between the participants’ ownership of Alon Assets compared to our common stock of $697 and $764 was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	(b)	Dividends
	Common Stock Dividends. On March 14, 2014, we paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share on common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2014.
	Preferred Stock Dividends. We issued 738 shares of common stock for payment of the quarterly 8.5% preferred stock dividend to preferred stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	(c)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table displays the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges				Postretirement Benefit Plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(18,248	)		$	(19,267	)		$	(37,515	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	14,333				—				14,333
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,050				—				5,050
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	19,383				—				19,383
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	1,135			$	(19,267	)		$	(18,132	)

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the average number of participating shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of SARs, granted restricted stock units, convertible debt and warrants using the treasury stock method and the dilutive effect of convertible preferred shares using the if-converted method.
	The calculation of earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (shares in thousands, per share value in dollars):
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income available to stockholders	$	785	$	54,184
	Less: preferred stock dividends	15		758
	Net income available to common stockholders	770		53,426
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	68,617		61,957
	Dilutive SARs, RSUs, convertible debt, warrants and convertible preferred stock	450		5,659
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding assuming dilution	69,067		67,616
	Earnings per share – basic	$	0.01	$	0.86
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	0.01	$	0.8
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we have excluded 101 common stock equivalents from the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding as the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the weighted average number of diluted shares includes all potentially dilutive securities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	(a)	Commitments
	In the normal course of business, we have long-term commitments to purchase, at market prices, utilities such as natural gas, electricity and water for use by our refineries, terminals, pipelines and retail locations. We are also party to various refined product and crude oil supply and exchange agreements. These agreements are typically short-term in nature or provide terms for cancellation.
	(b)	Contingencies
	We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	One of our subsidiaries is a party to a lawsuit alleging breach of contract pertaining to an asphalt supply agreement. We believe that we have valid counterclaims as well as affirmative defenses that will preclude recovery. Attempts to reach a commercial arrangement to resolve the dispute have been unsuccessful to this point. A pre-trial ruling by the trial court is currently being appealed and therefore the matter is not scheduled for trial. Due to the uncertainties of litigation, we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of this lawsuit.
	(c)	Environmental
	We are subject to loss contingencies pursuant to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern the discharge of materials into the environment and may require us to incur future obligations to investigate the effects of the release or disposal of certain petroleum, chemical, and mineral substances at various sites; to remediate or restore these sites and to compensate others for damage to property and natural resources. These contingent obligations relate to sites that we own and are associated with past or present operations. We are currently participating in environmental investigations, assessments and cleanups pertaining to our refineries, service stations, pipelines and terminals. We may be involved in additional future environmental investigations, assessments and cleanups. The magnitude of future costs are unknown and will depend on factors such as the nature and contamination at many sites, the timing, extent and method of the remedial actions which may be required, and the determination of our liability in proportion to other responsible parties.
	Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefit are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures of a non-capital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Substantially all amounts accrued are expected to be paid out over the next 15 years. The level of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations cannot be determined with any degree of reliability.
	We have accrued environmental remediation obligations of $56,941 ($12,898 current liability and $44,043 non-current liability) at March 31, 2014, and $58,382 ($12,898 current liability and $45,484 non-current liability) at December 31, 2013.
	We have an indemnification agreement with a prior owner for remediation expenses at the Bakersfield refinery. We are required to make indemnification claims to the prior owner by March 15, 2015. We have recorded current receivables of $9,100 and $9,100 and non-current receivables of $779 and $1,774 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We have an indemnification agreement with a prior owner for part of the remediation expenses at certain West Coast assets. We have recorded current receivables of $418 and $418 and non-current receivables of $2,358 and $2,499 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Repayment of Senior Secured Notes
	In May 2014, we redeemed $40,000 of the principal balance on the Senior Secured Notes due October 2014, reducing the principal balance to approximately $35,600.
	Dividend Declared
	On April 30, 2014, our board of directors declared the regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share payable on our common stock, payable on June 16, 2014, to holders of record at the close of business on May 30, 2014.
	Partnership Distribution
	On May 1, 2014, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a cash distribution to the Partnership’s common unitholders of approximately $43,125, or $0.69 per common unit. The cash distribution will be paid on May 21, 2014 to unitholders of record at the close of business on May 14, 2014. The total cash distribution payable to non-affiliated common unitholders will be approximately $7,935.

Segment_Data_Tables

Segment Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Data [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Segment data as of and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:
		Refining and		Asphalt			Retail			Corporate			Consolidated
		Marketing											Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Net sales to external customers	$	1,365,826	$	96,171		$	221,248		$	—		$	1,683,245
	Intersegment sales/purchases	139,092		(16,983		)	(122,109		)	—			—
	Depreciation and amortization	25,368		1,200			2,714			596			29,878
	Operating income (loss)	40,004		(3,205		)	2,933			(772		)	38,960
	Total assets	2,010,694		107,995			204,088			22,947			2,345,724
	Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	27,043		1,718			3,381			865			33,007
		Refining and		Asphalt			Retail			Corporate			Consolidated
		Marketing											Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Net sales to external customers	$	1,272,226	$	154,865		$	224,105		$	—		$	1,651,196
	Intersegment sales/purchases	141,899		(16,559		)	(125,340		)	—			—
	Depreciation and amortization	26,505		1,549			2,268			841			31,163
	Operating income (loss)	126,708		(4,401		)	4,540			(1,016		)	125,831
	Total assets	2,001,498		129,941			203,508			20,775			2,355,722
	Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	11,185		1,792			640			13			13,630

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by input level, in the consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Level 1				Level 2		Level 3		Total
	As of March 31, 2014
	Liabilities:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	$	2,295			$	—	$	—	$	2,295
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	—				1,644		—		1,644
	Fair value hedges	—				5,946		—		5,946
	As of December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	$	335			$	—	$	—	$	335
	Liabilities:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	—				15,328		11,569		26,897
	Fair value hedges	—				3,339		—		3,339
	RINs obligation	—				334		—		334
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table presents the changes in fair value of our level 3 assets and liabilities (all related to commodity price swap contracts) for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			For the Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	(11,569	)
	Change in fair value of level 3 trades open at the beginning of the period		—
	Fair value of trades entered into during the period		—
	Fair value of reclassification from level 3 to level 2		11,569
	Settlement value of contractual maturities - Recognized in cost of sales		—
	Balance at end of period		$	—

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The following table presents the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of financial position:
		As of March 31, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet						Balance Sheet
		Location		Fair Value				Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	Accounts receivable		$	706			Accrued liabilities		$	3,001
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	Accounts receivable		(790		)				—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			$	(84	)				$	3,001
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	Accounts receivable		$	1,544			Other non-current liabilities		$	2,398
	Fair value hedges			—				Other non-current liabilities		5,946
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			1,544						8,344
	Total derivatives			$	1,460					$	11,345
		As of December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet						Balance Sheet
		Location		Fair Value				Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	Accounts receivable		$	1,533			Accrued liabilities		$	1,198
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			$	1,533					$	1,198
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Commodity contracts (swaps)			$	—			Accrued liabilities		$	15,328
	Commodity contracts (swaps)			—				Other non-current liabilities		11,569
	Fair value hedges			—				Other non-current liabilities		3,339
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			—						30,236
	Total derivatives			$	1,533					$	31,434
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		Gain (Loss) Recognized				Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)					Gain (Loss) Reclassified
			in OCI									from Accumulated OCI into
												Income (Ineffective
												Portion and Amount
												Excluded from
												Effectiveness Testing)
							Location		Amount			Location		Amount
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Commodity contracts (swaps)		$	31,857			Cost of sales		$	(8,275	)			$	—
	Total derivatives		$	31,857					$	(8,275	)			$	—
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Commodity contracts (swaps)		$	9,405			Cost of sales		$	(24	)			$	—
	Total derivatives		$	9,405					$	(24	)			$	—
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	'
	Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:
				Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
				For the Three Months Ended
				March 31,
		Location		2014				2013
	Fair value hedges	Cost of sales		$	(2,607	)		$	(2,819	)
	Total derivatives			$	(2,607	)		$	(2,819	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
				Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
				For the Three Months Ended
				March 31,
		Location		2014				2013
	Commodity contracts (futures & forwards)	Cost of sales		$	(985	)		$	7,987
	Commodity contracts (swaps)	Cost of sales		2,037				—
	Total derivatives			$	1,052			$	7,987
Summary of Offsetting Derivative Instruments by Type	'
	The following table presents offsetting information regarding our derivatives by type of transaction as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position				Net Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position			Gross Amounts Not offset in the Statement of Financial Position					Net Amount
													Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Pledged
	As of March 31, 2014
	Commodity Derivative Assets:
	Futures & forwards	$	1,297			$	(591	)		$	706		$	(706	)	$	—	$	—
	Swaps	1,544				(790		)		754			(754		)	—		—
	Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
	Futures & forwards	$	3,592			$	(591	)		$	3,001		$	(706	)	$	—	$	2,295
	Swaps	3,188				(790		)		2,398			(754		)	—		1,644
	Fair value hedges	5,946				—				5,946			—			—		5,946
	As of December 31, 2013
	Commodity Derivative Assets:
	Futures & forwards	$	2,287			$	(754	)		$	1,533		$	(1,198	)	$	—	$	335
	Commodity Derivative Liabilities:
	Futures & forwards	$	1,952			$	(754	)		$	1,198		$	(1,198	)	$	—	$	—
	Swaps	26,897				—				26,897			—			—		26,897
	Fair value hedges	3,339				—				3,339			—			—		3,339

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory	'
	Carrying value of inventories consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Crude oil, refined products, asphalt and blendstocks	$	45,764	$	34,326
	Crude oil inventory consigned to others	49,925		44,081
	Materials and supplies	21,954		21,685
	Store merchandise	22,459		20,526
	Store fuel	8,245		8,152
	Total inventories	$	148,347	$	128,770

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'
	Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Refining facilities	$	1,771,926		$	1,804,445
	Pipelines and terminals	43,445			43,445
	Retail	187,037			184,858
	Other	16,046			15,326
	Property, plant and equipment, gross	2,018,454			2,048,074
	Accumulated depreciation	(632,687		)	(618,732		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	1,385,767		$	1,429,342

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table provides a summary of changes to our goodwill balance by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Refining and Marketing			Retail		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	55,754		$	50,189	$	105,943
	Disposition of assets with allocated goodwill	(4,030		)	—		(4,030		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	51,724		$	50,189	$	101,913

Additional_Financial_Informati1

Additional Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Additional Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Assets	'
	Other Assets, Net
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Deferred turnaround and catalyst cost	$	22,427	$	12,271
	Environmental receivables	3,137		4,273
	Deferred debt issuance costs	13,271		12,602
	Intangible assets, net	8,053		7,497
	Receivable from supply agreements	26,179		26,179
	Other, net	20,585		19,388
	Total other assets	$	93,652	$	82,210
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-Current Liabilities
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued Liabilities:
	Taxes other than income taxes, primarily excise taxes	$	30,597	$	37,645
	Employee costs	14,549		13,793
	Commodity contracts	3,001		16,526
	Accrued finance charges	5,787		8,733
	Environmental accrual (Note 16)	12,898		12,898
	Other	28,706		31,263
	Total accrued liabilities	$	95,538	$	120,858
	Other Non-Current Liabilities:
	Pension and other postemployment benefit liabilities, net	$	40,587	$	40,351
	Environmental accrual (Note 16)	44,043		45,484
	Asset retirement obligations	11,894		12,468
	Consignment inventory obligations	72,987		67,889
	Commodity contracts	2,398		11,569
	Other	10,243		11,713
	Total other non-current liabilities	$	182,152	$	189,474

Postretirement_Benefits_Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our benefit plans were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	856		$	1,116
	Interest cost	1,238			1,100
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,370		)	(1,157		)
	Amortization of net loss	596			1,005
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,320		$	2,064

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt	'
	Debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Term loan credit facilities	$	268,832	$	244,322
	Revolving credit facility	100,000		100,000
	Senior secured notes	73,988		73,706
	Convertible senior notes	122,336		121,090
	Retail credit facilities	118,589		73,130
	Total debt	683,745		612,248
	Less: Current portion	88,208		83,174
	Total long-term debt	$	595,537	$	529,074

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	'
	Changes to equity during the three months ended March 31, 2014 are presented below:
			Total Stockholders’ Equity				Non-controlling Interest				Total Equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	597,959			$	27,445			$	625,404
	Other comprehensive income		19,383				687				20,070
	Stock compensation		1,635				(69		)		1,566
	Dividends of common stock on preferred stock		(3		)		—				(3		)
	Distributions to non-controlling interest in the Partnership		—				(2,070		)		(2,070		)
	Dividends		(4,102		)		(135		)		(4,237		)
	Net income		785				7,590				8,375
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	615,657			$	33,448			$	649,105
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table displays the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
		Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges				Postretirement Benefit Plans				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(18,248	)		$	(19,267	)		$	(37,515	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	14,333				—				14,333
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,050				—				5,050
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	19,383				—				19,383
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	1,135			$	(19,267	)		$	(18,132	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method	'
	The calculation of earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (shares in thousands, per share value in dollars):
		For the Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income available to stockholders	$	785	$	54,184
	Less: preferred stock dividends	15		758
	Net income available to common stockholders	770		53,426
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	68,617		61,957
	Dilutive SARs, RSUs, convertible debt, warrants and convertible preferred stock	450		5,659
	Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding assuming dilution	69,067		67,616
	Earnings per share – basic	$	0.01	$	0.86
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	0.01	$	0.8

Alon_USA_Partners_LP_Details

Alon USA Partners, LP (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 26, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering	11,500,000	'
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding	'	11,502,476
Distributions Made to Members or Limited Partners	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distribution Date	'	3-Mar-14
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid	'	$11,250
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Paid, Per Unit	'	$0.18
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	'	18.40%
Parent	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	'	81.60%
Non-affiliated Limited Common Unitholders	'	'
Distributions Made to Members or Limited Partners	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid	'	$2,070

Segment_Data_Details

Segment Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information	'		'		'
Net sales to external customers	$1,683,245	[1]	$1,651,196	[1]	'
Intersegment sales/purchases	0		0		'
Depreciation and amortization	29,878		31,163		'
Operating income (loss)	38,960		125,831		'
Total assets	2,345,724		2,355,722		2,245,140
Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	33,007		13,630		'
Refining and Marketing	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information	'		'		'
Net sales to external customers	1,365,826		1,272,226		'
Intersegment sales/purchases	139,092		141,899		'
Depreciation and amortization	25,368		26,505		'
Operating income (loss)	40,004		126,708		'
Total assets	2,010,694		2,001,498		'
Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	27,043		11,185		'
Asphalt	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information	'		'		'
Net sales to external customers	96,171		154,865		'
Intersegment sales/purchases	-16,983		-16,559		'
Depreciation and amortization	1,200		1,549		'
Operating income (loss)	-3,205		-4,401		'
Total assets	107,995		129,941		'
Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	1,718		1,792		'
Retail	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information	'		'		'
Net sales to external customers	221,248		224,105		'
Intersegment sales/purchases	-122,109		-125,340		'
Depreciation and amortization	2,714		2,268		'
Operating income (loss)	2,933		4,540		'
Total assets	204,088		203,508		'
Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	3,381		640		'
Corporate	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information	'		'		'
Net sales to external customers	0		0		'
Intersegment sales/purchases	0		0		'
Depreciation and amortization	596		841		'
Operating income (loss)	-772		-1,016		'
Total assets	22,947		20,775		'
Turnarounds, catalysts and capital expenditures	$865		$13		'
[1]	Includes excise taxes on sales by the retail segment of $17,810 and $17,305 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Data_Textuals_Details

Segment Data Textuals (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Integer
Number of Operating Segments	3
Production Transferred To Company Owned Retail Locations, Gasoline	56.00%
Production Transferred To Company Owned Retail Locations, Diesel	27.00%
Asphalt Terminal Locations	10
Branded License Location, Fuel	'
Number of Stores	639
Branded License Location, Non-fuel	'
Number of Stores	86
Company Owned	'
Number of Stores	296
Maximum	'
Throughput, Average	214,000
Fernley	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Wright Asphalt Products Company, LLC	'
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities:	'	'
RINs obligation	'	$334
Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative Assets	'	335
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	2,295	'
Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	1,644	26,897
Fair value hedges	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	5,946	3,339
Level 1	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
RINs obligation	'	0
Level 1 | Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative Assets	'	335
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	2,295	'
Level 1 | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Level 1 | Fair value hedges	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Level 2	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
RINs obligation	'	334
Level 2 | Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative Assets	'	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	0	'
Level 2 | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	1,644	15,328
Level 2 | Fair value hedges	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	5,946	3,339
Level 3	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
RINs obligation	'	0
Level 3 | Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Derivative Assets	'	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	0	'
Level 3 | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	0	11,569
Level 3 | Fair value hedges	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative Liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Unobserv

Fair Value Fair Value, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Schedule (Details) (Commodity contracts (swaps), USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Commodity contracts (swaps)	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
Balance at beginning of period	($11,569)
Change in fair value of level 3 trades open at the beginning of the period	0
Fair value of trades entered into during the period	0
Fair value of reclassification from level 3 to level 2	11,569
Settlement value of contractual maturities - Recognized in cost of sales	0
Balance at end of period	$0

Schedule_of_Derivative_Instrum

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	($84)	$1,533
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	3,001	1,198
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	1,544	0
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	8,344	30,236
Derivative Assets	1,460	1,533
Derivative Liabilities	11,345	31,434
Accounts Receivable | Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	706	1,533
Accounts Receivable | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	-790	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value	1,544	0
Accrued Liabilities | Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	3,001	1,198
Accrued Liabilities | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	'	15,328
Other Noncurrent Assets | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value	'	0
Other Noncurrent Assets | Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Fair Value Hedge Assets	0	0
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	2,398	11,569
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:	'	'
Fair Value Hedge Liabilities	$5,946	$3,339

Cash_Flow_Hedges_Included_in_A

Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$31,857	$9,405
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-8,275	-24
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	0	0
Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	31,857	9,405
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	0	0
Commodity contracts (swaps) | Cost of Sales	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	($8,275)	($24)

Fair_Value_Hedging_Instruments

Fair Value Hedging Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Gain (loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	($2,607)	($2,819)
Fair value hedges | Cost of Sales	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Gain (loss) on Fair Value Hedges Recognized in Earnings	($2,607)	($2,819)

Schedule_of_Derivative_Instrum1

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statements of Financial Performance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$1,052	$7,987
Commodity contracts (futures and forwards) | Cost of Sales	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	-985	7,987
Commodity contracts (swaps) | Cost of Sales	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$2,037	$0

Schedule_of_Offsetting_Derivat

Schedule of Offsetting Derivative Instruments by Type (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commodity contracts (futures and forwards)	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$1,297	$2,287
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-591	-754
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	706	1,533
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	-706	-1,198
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Derivative Asset, Net Amount	0	335
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	3,592	1,952
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-591	-754
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	3,001	1,198
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	-706	-1,198
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Derivative Liability, Net Amount	2,295	0
Commodity contracts (swaps)	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	1,544	'
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-790	'
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	754	'
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	-754	'
Cash Collateral Received	0	'
Derivative Asset, Net Amount	0	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	3,188	26,897
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	-790	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	2,398	26,897
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	-754	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Derivative Liability, Net Amount	1,644	26,897
Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	5,946	3,339
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position	0	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position	5,946	3,339
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Derivative Liability, Net Amount	$5,946	$3,339

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Compliance Program Costs	$8,013	'
Cash Flow Hedges - Commodity Derivatives:	'	'
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge	'21 months	'
Net gain (loss)	31,857	9,405
Gain (loss) frozen in AOCI as a result of cash flow hedge de-designation to be reclassified to earnings	-21,707	'
Amortization Of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Attributable To Discontinued Commodity Hedges	$8,275	'
Fair Value Hedging	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Nonmonetary Notional Amount	756,000	'
Cash Flow Hedging	'	'
Notional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Nonmonetary Notional Amount	5,220,000	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Crude oil, refined products, asphalt and blendstocks	$45,764	$34,326
Crude oil inventory consigned to others	49,925	44,081
Materials and supplies	21,954	21,685
Store merchandise	22,459	20,526
Store fuel	8,245	8,152
Total inventories	$148,347	$128,770

Inventories_Textuals_Details

Inventories Textuals (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value	$68,173	$61,199

Inventory_Financing_Agreements1

Inventory Financing Agreements Textuals (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Standby Letters of Credit	Consigned inventory	Consigned inventory	J.Aron	J.Aron	Standby Letters of Credit
				Forward Contracts	Forward Contracts
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	'	'	$200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Jul-16
Accounts payable	365,961	336,499	'	'	'	16,670	16,917	'
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Noncurrent	'	'	'	'	'	72,987	67,889	'
Receivable from supply agreements	26,179	26,179	'	'	'	26,179	26,179	'
Derivative Liabilities	$3,001	$16,526	'	$1,901	$539	'	'	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,018,454	$2,048,074
Accumulated depreciation	-632,687	-618,732
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,385,767	1,429,342
Refining facilities	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,771,926	1,804,445
Pipelines and terminals	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	43,445	43,445
Retail	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	187,037	184,858
Other	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$16,046	$15,326

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N3

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets	$40,000	$57
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	-4,030	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property	2,205	18
Willbridge Asphalt Terminal [Domain]	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property	2,166	'
Refining and Marketing	'	'
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	($4,030)	'

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance at December 31, 2013	$105,943
Disposition of assets with allocated goodwill	-4,030
Balance at March 31, 2014	101,913
Refining and Marketing	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	55,754
Disposition of assets with allocated goodwill	-4,030
Balance at March 31, 2014	51,724
Retail	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	50,189
Disposition of assets with allocated goodwill	0
Balance at March 31, 2014	$50,189

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets, Net:	'	'
Deferred turnaround and catalyst cost	$22,427	$12,271
Environmental receivables	3,137	4,273
Deferred debt issuance costs	13,271	12,602
Intangible assets, net	8,053	7,497
Receivable from supply agreements	26,179	26,179
Other, net	20,585	19,388
Total other assets	$93,652	$82,210

Accrued_Liabilities_and_Other_

Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities:	'	'
Taxes other than income taxes, primarily excise taxes	$30,597	$37,645
Employee costs	14,549	13,793
Commodity contracts	3,001	16,526
Accrued finance charges	5,787	8,733
Environmental accrual (Note 16)	12,898	12,898
Other	28,706	31,263
Total accrued liabilities	95,538	120,858
Other Non-Current Liabilities:	'	'
Pension and other postemployment benefit liabilities, net	40,587	40,351
Environmental accrual (Note 16)	44,043	45,484
Asset retirement obligations	11,894	12,468
Consignment inventory obligations	72,987	67,889
Commodity contracts	2,398	11,569
Other	10,243	11,713
Total other non-current liabilities	$182,152	$189,474

Postretirement_Benefits_Detail

Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'
Service cost	$856	$1,116
Interest cost	1,238	1,100
Expected return on plan assets	-1,370	-1,157
Amortization of net loss	596	1,005
Net periodic benefit cost	1,320	2,064
Postretirement Benefits (Textuals)	'	'
Number Of Benefit Plans	4	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$1,160	$915

Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt_Summ

Schedule of Long-Term Debt Summary (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Summary [Abstract]	'	'
Term loan credit facilities	$268,832	$244,322
Revolving credit facility	100,000	100,000
Senior secured notes	73,988	73,706
Convertible senior notes	122,336	121,090
Retail credit facilities	118,589	73,130
Total debt	683,745	612,248
Less: Current portion	88,208	83,174
Total long-term debt	$595,537	$529,074

Alon_Energy_Term_Loan_Details

Alon Energy Term Loan (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			Alon Energy Term Loan
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	$25,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	31-Mar-19
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	3.75%
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount, Shares	'	'	2,200,000
Term loan credit facilities	$268,832	$244,322	$25,000

Retail_Credit_Facilities_Detai

Retail Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Retail credit facilities	$118,589	'	$73,130
Repayments of Long-term Debt	75,166	2,377	'
Credit Agreement	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Dec-15	'	'
Retail credit facilities	'	'	72,689
Repayments of Long-term Debt	72,689	'	'
Alon Retail Credit Agreement	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	31-Mar-19	'	'
Retail credit facilities	118,167	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	110,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	10,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases	30,000	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	2.00%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	2.75%	'	'
Alon Brands, Inc.	'	'	'
Payments of Capital Distribution	$40,000	'	'

Indebtedness_Textuals_Details

Indebtedness Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
		Alon USA Energy Credit Facility	Alon USA Energy Credit Facility	Alon USA LP Credit Facility	Alon USA LP Credit Facility
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	$60,000	'	$240,000	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	'	56,827	56,827	103,363	109,772
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	'	'	$100,000	$100,000
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	'we were in compliance with these covenants	'	'	'	'

Senior_Secured_Notes_Details

Senior Secured Notes (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-14
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	Senior Secured Notes	Senior Secured Notes	Senior Secured Notes
					Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	Repayment of Senior Secured Notes
Early Repayment of Senior Debt	'	'	$40,000	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	13.50%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	'	'	31-Oct-14	'
Senior secured notes	$73,988	$73,706	'	'	'	$35,600

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
			Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	'	'	448,694	'	448,694	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$697	$764	$488	$517	'	$374	$374	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$11.47
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$4,905	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 4 months	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Schedule_of_Stockholders_Equit

Schedule of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Balance at December 31, 2013	$625,404	'
Other comprehensive income	20,070	5,907
Stock compensation	1,566	'
Dividends of common stock on preferred stock	-3	'
Distributions to non-controlling interest in the Partnership	-2,070	'
Dividends	-4,237	'
Net income	8,375	73,651
Balance at March 31, 2014	649,105	'
Parent	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	597,959	'
Other comprehensive income	19,383	'
Stock compensation	1,635	'
Dividends of common stock on preferred stock	-3	'
Distributions to non-controlling interest in the Partnership	0	'
Dividends	-4,102	'
Net income	785	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	615,657	'
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	27,445	'
Other comprehensive income	687	'
Stock compensation	-69	'
Dividends of common stock on preferred stock	0	'
Distributions to non-controlling interest in the Partnership	-2,070	'
Dividends	-135	'
Net income	7,590	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	$33,448	'

Common_Stock_Textuals_Details

Common Stock Textuals (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Conversion of Stock	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued	164,822	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$697	$764
Alon Assets	'	'
Conversion of Stock	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted	881.12	'
Conversion of Stock, Settlement Over 20 Quarters [Member]	'	'
Conversion of Stock	'	'
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued	1,754,889	'

Dividends_Details

Dividends (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Dividends, Common Stock	'	'
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year	14-Mar-14	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$0.06	$0.04
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year	28-Feb-14	'
Dividends, Preferred Stock	'	'
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	8.50%	'
Common Stock Dividends, Shares	738	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance at December 31, 2013	($37,515)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	14,333
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,050
Net current-period other comprehensive income	19,383
Balance at March 31, 2014	-18,132
Accumulated Net Gain from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-18,248
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	14,333
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,050
Net current-period other comprehensive income	19,383
Balance at March 31, 2014	1,135
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	-19,267
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income	0
Balance at March 31, 2014	($19,267)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income available to stockholders	$785	$54,184
Less: preferred stock dividends	15	758
Net income available to common stockholders	$770	$53,426
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding	68,617	61,957
Dilutive SARs, RSUs, convertible debt, warrants and convertible preferred stock	450	5,659
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding assuming dilution	69,067	67,616
Earnings per share, basic	$0.01	$0.86
Earnings per share, diluted	$0.01	$0.80
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	101	'

Remediation_Obligations_Detail

Remediation Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Environmental Loss Contingencies, Time Frame of Disbursements	'15 years	'
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current	$12,898	$12,898
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent	44,043	45,484
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies	$56,941	$58,382

Remediation_Receivables_Detail

Remediation Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Bakersfield	'	'
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Current	$9,100	$9,100
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Noncurrent	779	1,774
Paramount	'	'
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Current	418	418
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Noncurrent	$2,358	$2,499

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	1-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	1-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-14
			Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	Dividend Declared	Cash Distribution	Non-affiliated Limited Common Unitholders	Non-affiliated Limited Common Unitholders	Senior Secured Notes	Senior Secured Notes
							Cash Distribution	Repayment of Senior Secured Notes	Repayment of Senior Secured Notes
Subsequent Events	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Early Repayment of Senior Debt	'	'	$40,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31-Oct-14	'
Senior secured notes	73,988	73,706	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,600
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Day, Month and Year	'	'	'	30-Apr-14	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	'	'	'	$0.06	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	14-Mar-14	'	'	16-Jun-14	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year	28-Feb-14	'	'	30-May-14	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Declaration Date	'	'	'	'	1-May-14	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Declared	'	'	'	'	43,125	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distributions Declared, Per Unit	'	'	'	'	$0.69	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Distribution Date	3-Mar-14	'	'	'	21-May-14	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Date of Record	'	'	'	'	14-May-14	'	'	'	'
Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Paid	$11,250	'	'	'	'	$2,070	$7,935	'	'