Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 19,705	$ (36,891)	$ 36,265	$ (25,061)
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized gains	19,184	11,848	22,292	28,752
Net unrealized (losses) gains reclassified into net income	(33)	99	38	(5,110)
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale	19,151	11,947	22,330	23,642
Net unrealized (losses) gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains	(4,694)	1,754	3,920	1,170
Net unrealized (losses) gains reclassified into net income	0	0	0	0
Net unrealized (losses) gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	(4,694)	1,754	3,920	1,170
Net change in forward contracts	16	16	48	47
Net change in pension-related amounts	147	350	442	1,052
Other comprehensive income	14,620	14,067	26,740	25,911
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized gains on investment securities	(7,438)	(4,810)	(9,218)	(11,673)
Net unrealized (losses) gains reclassified into net income on investment securities	13	(41)	(16)	2,074
Change in unrealized (losses) gains on long-term investments	1,933	(712)	(1,621)	(475)
Net unrealized (losses) gains reclassified into net income on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	0	0	0	0
Forward contracts	(8)	(7)	(20)	(19)
Pension-related amounts	(105)	(142)	(31)	(427)
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income	(5,605)	(5,712)	(10,906)	(10,520)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	9,015	8,355	15,834	15,391
Comprehensive income (loss)	28,720	(28,536)	52,099	(9,670)
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest	(4,826)	0	(10,881)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 23,894	$ (28,536)	$ 41,218	$ (9,670)