New Valley LLC Summarized Financial Information (Details) (Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member], New Valley LLC [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] \| New Valley LLC [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 74,537
Costs and expenses	73,614
Depreciation expense	973
Amortization expense	56
Other income	142
Interest expense, net	0
Income tax benefit	(59)
Net income	$ 95

The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

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The expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of nonproduction tangible assets over their useful lives.

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