| Document and Entity Information Document | Feb. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000048039 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | HOLLYFRONTIER CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-03876 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 75-1056913 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2828 N. Harwood, Suite 1300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75201 |
| City Area Code | 214 |
| Local Phone Number | 871-3555 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | HFC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
