Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Investment Holdings [Table] Summary of Investment Holdings [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] Stock dividend paid to company stockholders Common Stock Dividends Percentage Common Stock Dividends Percentage Fair market value of embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative, Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Company's recurring financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Unobservable inputs related to the valuations of the Level 3 assets and liabilities Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense using estimated annual effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Impact of discrete items, net Impact of Discrete Item Net Impact of Discrete Item Net Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] As Previously Reported Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Revision Restatement Adjustment [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adoption of Equity Method [Member] Adoption of Equity Method [Member] Adoption of Equity Method [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total liabilities Liabilities Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders' deficiency Liabilities and Equity Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses Operating Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Equity in (losses) earnings from investments Equity Income (Loss) on Long-Term Investments Equity Income (Loss) on Long-Term Investments Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax expense Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Sale of investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Maturities of investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities Purchase of investment securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale or liquidation of long-term investments Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Purchase of long-term investments Payments to Acquire Long-term Investments Investments in real estate ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Distributions from investments in real estate ventures Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies Increase Decrease In Cash Surrender Value Of Life Insurance Policies Increase decrease in cash surrender value of life insurance policies. Increase in restricted assets Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Proceeds from sale of fixed assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Pay downs of investment securities Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Investments in real estate held for sale Payments to Acquire Held-for-sale Real Estate Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Repayments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Borrowings under revolver Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments on revolver Repayments of Lines of Credit Dividends and distributions on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Contributions from non-controlling interest Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to non-controlling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from exercise of Vector options Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Tax benefit of options exercised Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible asset associated with benefit under the MSA Master Settlement Agreement Intangible Asset [Member] Master Settlement Agreement Intangible Asset [Member] Trademark - Douglas Elliman Trademarks [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill Indefinite life intangibles: Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangibles with a finite life, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Interest and dividend income Interest Income, Other Gain on long-term investment Gain (Loss) on Investments Impairment of long-term investments Impairment of Long Term Investments Impairment of Long Term Investments Other expense Other Income (Loss) Other Income (Loss) Other income, net Other Income Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Investment Securities Available for Sale Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Tax portion of revenues and cost of goods sold Excise and Sales Taxes Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Douglas Elliman [Member] Douglas Elliman [Member] Douglas Elliman [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Douglas Elliman Lease Extension [Member] Douglas Elliman Lease Extension [Member] Douglas Elliman Lease Extension [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Axis] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Domain] Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Possible increase in lease commitments 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Possible increase in lease commitments 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Possible increase in lease commitments 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Possible increase in lease commitments 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Possible increase in lease commitments 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Possible increase in lease commitments, thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income attributed to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic and Diluted Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic and Diluted Net income available to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic and Diluted Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Parent/Issuer [Member] Parent Company [Member] Subsidiary Guarantors [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Non-Guarantors [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidating Adjustments [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Investments in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Capital contributions received Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Intercompany dividends paid Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Real Estate [Abstract] Investment Holdings [Table] Investment Holdings [Table] New Valley LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Escena Escena [Member] Escena [Member] Sagaponack Sagaponack [Member] Sagaponack [Member] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Real estate held for sale, net Real Estate Held-for-sale Land and land improvements Investment Land And Land Improvements Land And Land Improvements Building and building improvements Investment Building and Building Improvements Other Real Estate Investments, Other Total investment in Escena before depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Less accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Assets of Escena, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Mutual funds invested in fixed income securities Mutual Funds Invested in Fixed Income Securities [Member] Mutual Funds Invested in Fixed Income Securities [Member] Marketable debt securities Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Long-term Investments [Abstract] Long-term investments Schedule Of Long Term Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long Term Investments [Table Text Block] Cost method investments Schedule of Cost Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Non-controlling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Net income Total other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Distributions and dividends on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Stock-based compensation Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital Amortization Of Deferred Compensation Adjustment to additional paid in capital, Amortization of deferred compensation Contributions from non-controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Distributions to non-controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Ending Balance Ending Balance (in shares) Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Notes Payable, Long-Term Debt and Other Obligations Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Tobacco [Member] Tobacco [Member] E-Cigarettes [Member] E-Cigarettes [Member] E-Cigarettes [Member] Real Estate [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Litigation Settlement Expense [Member] Litigation Settlement Expense [Member] Litigation Settlement Expense [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Restructuring Charges [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenue, Net Equity income (loss) from real estate ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Capital expenditures Expenses: Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Litigation settlement and judgment expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Management fee expense Service Management Costs Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Operating income Other income (expenses): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Change in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) Impairment of investment securities available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Equity income in consolidated subsidiaries Equity Income In Consolidated Subsidiaries Equity Income In Consolidated Subsidiaries Management fee income Management Fees Revenue Income before provision for income taxes Income tax benefit (expense) Net income attributed to non-controlling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Fair Value by Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Assets And Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Stock price (dollars per share) Fair Value Inputs, Stock Price Fair Value Inputs, Stock Price Volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt Embedded Derivative Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Current and Non Current Embedded Derivative Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability Current and Non Current Assumed annual stock dividend Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Annual Stock Dividend Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Annual Stock Dividend Assumed annual cash dividend (dollars per share) Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Annual Cash Dividend Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Annual Cash Dividend Convertible trading price Fair Value Inputs, Convertible Stock Price, Percent Fair Value Inputs, Convertible Stock Price, Percent Implied credit spread Fair Value Inputs, Implied Credit Spread Fair Value Inputs, Implied Credit Spread Schedule of impacts of application of new ASU New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table Text Block] Net income for purposes of determining basic and diluted EPS Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Basic and diluted EPS calculation shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Outstanding shares not included in the computation of diluted EPS Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of other income (loss), net Schedule of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Income (Loss), Net [Table Text Block] Schedule of other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of goodwill and other intangible assets, net Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Income tax expense (benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] New Valley LLC Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Tobacco Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Real estate Real Estate Revenue, Net E-Cigarettes Other Revenue, Net Total revenues Cost of sales: Cost of Goods Sold [Abstract] Tobacco Cost of Goods Sold Real estate Cost of Real Estate Revenue E-Cigarettes Other Cost of Operating Revenue Total cost of sales Equity in (losses) earnings from real estate ventures Per basic common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Per diluted common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cash distributions and dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Liggett and Vector Tobacco [Member] Liggett and Vector Tobacco [Member] Liggett and Vector Tobacco [Member] Liggett [Member] Liggett [Member] Liggett [Member] Liggett Only Cases [Member] Liggett Only Cases [Member] Liggett Only Cases [Member] Vector Tobacco [Member] Vector Tobacco [Member] Vector Tobacco [Member] Liggett Vector Brands [Member] Liggett Vector Brands [Member] Liggett Vector Brands [Member] Phillip Morris [Member] Phillip Morris [Member] Phillip Morris [Member] Engle Progeny Cases [Member] Engle Progeny Cases [Member] Engle Progeny Cases [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Irimi and Cohen [Member] Irimi and Cohen [Member] Irimi and Cohen [Member] Engle Progency Cases Excluding Lukacs [Member] Engle Progency Cases Excluding Lukacs [Member] Engle Progency Cases Excluding Lukacs [Member] Engle Case Class Action [Member] Engle Case Class Action [Member] Engle Case Class Action [Member] Parsons v. AC & S Inc. [Member] Parsons v. AC & S Inc. [Member] Parsons v. AC & S Inc. [Member] Lukacs v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Lukacs case [Member] Lukacs case [Member] Campbell v R J Reynolds [Member] Campbell v R J Reynolds [Member] Campbell v R J Reynolds [Member] Douglas v R J Reynolds [Member] Douglas v R J Reynolds [Member] Douglas v R J Reynolds [Member] Clay v R J Reynolds [Member] Clay v R J Reynolds [Member] Clay v R J Reynolds [Member] Putney v R J Reynolds [Member] Putney v R J Reynolds [Member] Putney v R J Reynolds [Member] Tullo v R J Reynolds [Member] Tullo v R J Reynolds [Member] Tullo v R J Reynolds [Member] Ward v R J Reynolds [Member] Ward v R J Reynolds [Member] Ward v R J Reynolds [Member] Calloway v RJ Reynolds [Member] Calloway v RJ Reynolds [Member] Calloway v RJ Reynolds [Member] Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Buchanan v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Cohen v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Cohen v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Cohen v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Rizzuto v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Lukacs, Campbell, Douglas, Clay, Tullo, Ward Rizzuto, Lambert and Buchanan [Member] Lukacs, Campbell, Douglas, Clay, Tullo, Ward Rizzuto, Lambert and Buchanan [Member] Lukacs, Campbell, Douglas, Clay, Tullo, Ward Rizzuto, Lambert and Buchanan [Member] Putney, Calloway, Cohen, Irimi, Lambert, Boatright and Caprio [Member] Putney, Calloway, Cohen, Irimi, Lambert, Boatright and Caprio [Member] Putney, Calloway, Cohen, Irimi, Lambert, Boatright and Caprio [Member] Irimi v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Irimi v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Irimi v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Lambert v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Lambert v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Lambert v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Boatright v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Boatright v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Boatright v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Caprio v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Caprio v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Caprio v. R.J. Reynolds [Member] Tobacco Litigation Personal Injury Cases [Member] Tobacco Litigation Personal Injury Cases [Member] Tobacco Litigation Personal Injury Cases [Member] Department of Justice Lawsuit [Member] Department of Justice Lawsuit [Member] Department of Justice Lawsuit [Member] Kentucky and Indiana Cases [Member] Kentucky and Indiana Cases [Member] Kentucky and Indiana Cases [Member] Missouri and New Mexico Cases [Member] Missouri and New Mexico Cases [Member] Missouri and New Mexico Cases [Member] Attorneys' Fees and Costs [Member] Attorneys' Fees and Costs [Member] Attorneys' Fees and Costs [Member] Cases Settled without Litigation [Member] Cases Settled without Litigation [Member] Cases Settled without Litigation [Member] State Cases [Member] State Cases [Member] State Cases [Member] Additional Synergy Exposure Cases [Member] Additional Synergy Exposure Cases [Member] Additional Synergy Exposure Cases [Member] Individual Actions [Member] Individual Actions [Member] Individual Actions [Member] Other Individual Actions [Member] Other Individual Actions [Member] Other Individual Actions [Member] Joint and Several Judgment [Member] Joint and Several Judgment [Member] Joint and Several Judgment [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Class Actions [Member] Class Actions [Member] Class Actions [Member] Health Care Cost Recovery Actions [Member] Health Care Cost Recovery Actions [Member] Health Care Cost Recovery Actions [Member] Gross Versus Net Dispute [Member] Gross Versus Net Dispute [Member] Gross Versus Net Dispute [Member] Master Settlement Agreement [Member] Master Settlement Agreement [Member] Master Settlement Agreement [Member] Damages From Cigarette Smoking MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements [Member] Damages From Cigarette Smoking MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements [Member] Damages From Cigarette Smoking MSA and Other State Settlement Agreements [Member] Minnesota Settlement [Member] Minnesota Settlement [Member] Minnesota Settlement [Member] Florida Settlement [Member] Florida Settlement [Member] Florida Settlement [Member] NPM Adjustment [Member] NPM Adjustment [Member] NPM Adjustment [Member] Cases Ending in Mistrial [Member] Cases Ending in Mistrial [Member] Cases Ending in Mistrial [Member] Economic Damages [Member] Economic Damages [Member] Economic Damages [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Florida [Member] FLORIDA New York [Member] NEW YORK Maryland [Member] MARYLAND Louisiana [Member] LOUISIANA West Virginia [Member] WEST VIRGINIA Missouri [Member] MISSOURI Ohio [Member] OHIO Mississippi [Member] MISSISSIPPI Loss Contingency By Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Loss Contingency By Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Loss Contingency By Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Loss Contingency Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Loss Contingency Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Loss Contingency Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Non-Current Liabilities [Member] Non-Current Liabilities [Member] Non-Current Liabilities [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Legal expenses and other litigation costs Legal Fees Bonds Bonds Required To Prevent Collection While Verdict On Appeal Bonds Required To Prevent Collection While Verdict On Appeal Bond cap Bond Cap On Bonds Required To Prevent Collection While Verdict Is On Appeal Bond Cap On Bonds Required To Prevent Collection While Verdict Is On Appeal Number of cases settled and dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Number of plaintiff verdicts Plaintiffs Verdicts Plaintiffs Verdicts Number of defense verdicts Defense Verdicts Defense Verdicts Cases with punitive damages Loss Contingency, Cases Including Punitive Damages, Number Loss Contingency, Cases Including Punitive Damages, Number Amount of litigation settlement Litigation Settlement, Amount Cases pending Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Cases dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number Cases settled Loss Contingency, Claims Settled, Number Number of cases declined for review by supreme court Loss Contingency, Number of Cases Declined for Review by Supreme Court Loss Contingency, Number of Cases Declined for Review by Supreme Court Damages paid Litigation Award Paid Litigation Award Paid Punitive damages Punitive Damages Awarded Punitive Damages Awarded Punitive damages paid Punitive Damages Paid Punitive Damages Paid Minimum loss exposure Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Maximum loss exposure Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Required reporting period Required Reporting Period Required Reporting Period Settlement consideration paid in lump sum Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Paid Lump Sum Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Paid Lump Sum Settlement consideration paid in equal monthly installments over next 15 years Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration, Paid in Equal Installments over Term Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration, Paid in Equal Installments over Term Settlement consideration installment payments term Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Installment Payments Term Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Installment Payments Term Litigation settlement and judgement expense, amount discounted Litigation Settlement Expense Amount Discounted Litigation Settlement Expense Amount Discounted Discount rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Expected payments yearly for 2014 through 2017 Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Expected Yearly Next Five Years Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Consideration Expected Yearly Next Five Years Over turned judgment Loss Contingency Over Turned Judgment Loss Contingency Over Turned Judgment Amounts expensed or accrued Loss Contingency Accrual Claims scheduled for trial Loss Contingency, Claims Scheduled For Trial Loss Contingency, Claims Scheduled For Trial Number of plaintiffs in each trial Number of Plaintiffs in Each Trial Number of Plaintiffs in Each Trial Damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Number of States Number of States Number of States Number of brand name sponsorships allowed Brand Name Sponsorships Allowed, Number Brand Name Sponsorships Allowed, Number Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Brand name sponsorship period Brand Name Sponsorship Period Brand Name Sponsorship Period Annual payment requirement Loss Contingency Master Settlement Agreement Annual Payment Loss Contingency Master Settlement Agreement Annual Payment MSA payment obligations MSA Payment Obligations MSA Payment Obligations Total cigarettes sold Percentage of Cigarettes Sold in the United States Percentage of Cigarettes Sold in the United States Aggregate number of settling states Loss Contingency, Aggregate Number of Settling States Loss Contingency, Aggregate Number of Settling States Courts that decided the issue Number of Courts that Decided the Issue Number of Courts that Ruled Settling states Number of Settling States Number of Settling States Reduction of any Potential 2003 NPM Adjustment Percentage of Reduction of any Potential NPM Adjustment Percentage of Reduction of any Potential NPM Adjustment Number of settling states with diligent enforcement not contested Loss Contingency, Number of Settling States With Diligent Enforcement Not Contested Loss Contingency, Number of Settling States With Diligent Enforcement Not Contested Combined Allocable Share, Diligent Enforcement not Contested Combined Allocable Share, Diligent Enforcement not Contested Combined Allocable Share, Diligent Enforcement not Contested Non-settling states Loss Contingency, Number of Non-Settling States Loss Contingency, Number of Non-Settling States Non-settling states that did not diligently enforce escrow statutes Loss Contingency, Number of Non-Settling States that Did not Diligently Enforce Escrow Statutes Loss Contingency, Number of Non-Settling States that Did not Diligently Enforce Escrow Statutes Reduction in recovery Loss Contingency, Reduction in Recovery Loss Contingency, Reduction in Recovery Amount remaining in disputed payment accounts Amount Remaining in Disputed Payment Accounts Amount Remaining in Disputed Payment Accounts Number of states not included in settlement agreement Loss Contingency, Number of States Not Included in Settlement Agreement Loss Contingency, Number of States Not Included in Settlement Agreement Years annual payments required Term Annual Payments Required Term Annual Payments Required Years annual payments required that are subject to inflation adjustment Annual Payments Term Required, Subject to Inflation Adjustment Annual Payments Term Required, Subject to Inflation Adjustment Settlement adjustment credit Loss Contingency, Settlement Adjustment Credit Loss Contingency, Settlement Adjustment Credit Percentage of Total Cigarettes Sold That Exceeds Market Share Exemption Percentage of Total Cigarettes Sold That Exceeds Market Share Exemption Percentage of Total Cigarettes Sold That Exceeds Market Share Exemption Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement, Current Settlement Accrual, Master Settlement Agreement, Current Settlement Accrual, Master Settlement Agreement, Current Litigation Accruals, Current Litigation Accruals, Current Litigation Accruals, Current Total, Current Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Current Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Current Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement, Non-Current Settlement Accrual, Master Settlement Agreement, Non-Current Settlement Accrual, Master Settlement Agreement, Non-Current Litigation Accruals, Non-Current Litigation Accruals, Non-Current Litigation Accruals, Non-Current Total, Non-Current Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Non-Current Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value, Non-Current Expenses Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision NPM Settlement Adjustment NPM Settlement Adjustment NPM Settlement Adjustment Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Change in MSA obligations capitalized as inventory Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Reclassification to non-current liabilities Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Reclassification of Balance Sheet Account Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Reclassification of Balance Sheet Account Interest on withholding Loss Contingency, Carrying Value, Interest on Withholding Loss Contingency, Carrying Value, Interest on Withholding Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement, Current Litigation Accruals, Current Total, Current Payments due under Master Settlement Agreement, Non-Current Litigation Accruals, Non-Current Total, Non-Current Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Financial information for the company's operations before 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Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost — benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories [Table] Inventories [Table] Inventories [Table] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] Leaf tobacco [Member] Leaf tobacco [Member] Leaf tobacco [Member] Other raw materials [Member] Raw Materials [Member] Work-in-Process [Member] Work-in-Process [Member] Work-in-Process [Member] Finished goods [Member] Finished Goods [Member] Finished Goods [Member] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term 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Investment securities available for sale Available-for-sale Securities, Current Accounts receivable - trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Income taxes receivable, net Income Taxes Receivable, Current Restricted assets Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term investments Cost Method And Equity Method Investments Cost Method And Equity Method Investments Investments in real estate ventures Real Estate Investments, Unconsolidated Real Estate and Other Joint Ventures Restricted assets Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Prepaid pension costs Prepaid Pension Costs Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of 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[Abstract] Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 123,792,329 shares issued and outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Vector Group Ltd. stockholders' deficiency Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders' deficiency Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet 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facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Term loan under credit facility Term Loan Under Credit Facility [Member] Term Loan Under Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility [Member] Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations Long-term Debt, Gross Less: Debt issuance costs Deferred Finance Costs, Net Total notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations Long-term Debt Less: Current maturities Amount due after one year Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Fair value of the derivatives embedded Premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Converted amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Convertible principal balance Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount Note conversion (in shares) Stock Issued During 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Consolidated Subsidiaries Intercompany payables Due to Related Parties, Current Litigation accruals and current payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement Settlement Accrual Including Payments Due Under Master Settlement Agreement, Current Settlement Accrual Including Payments Due Under Master Settlement Agreement, Current Other liabilities, primarily litigation accruals and payments due under the Master Settlement Agreement Other Liabilities Including Payments Due Under Master Settlement Agreement Other Liabilities Including Payments Due Under Master Settlement Agreement Notes payable, long-term debt and other obligations Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of conversion rates for all convertible debt outstanding Schedule of Common Stock Per Principal Amount Due [Table Text Block] Schedule of Common Stock Per Principal Amount Due [Table Text Block] Schedule of non-cash interest expense - Vector Schedule Of Non Cash Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Non Cash Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of fair value of notes payable and long-term debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Investments and Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Long-term investments Securities Investment [Member] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Axis] Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment, Category [Domain] Real estate partnership Real Estate Investment [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Equity Method Investments [Member] Equity Method Investments [Member] Reinsurance Company [Member] Reinsurance Company [Member] Reinsurance Company [Member] Indian Creek Investors LP [Member] Indian Creek Investors LP [Member] Indian Creek Investors LP [Member] Boyar Value Fund [Member] Boyar Value Fund [Member] Boyar Value Fund [Member] Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services [Member] Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services [Member] Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services [Member] Castle Brands [Member] Castle Brands [Member] Castle Brands [Member] Investments accounted at cost Cost Method Investments Investments accounted for under the equity method Equity Method Investments Cost method investments, fair value disclosure Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Contributions to acquire interest Cost Method Investments, Contributions to Acquire Interest Cost Method Investments, Contributions to Acquire Interest Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Quoted market value Equity Method Investment, Quoted Market Value Distributions of equity method investment Equity Method Investments, Distributions Equity Method Investments, Distributions Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] 7.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2021 [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Subsidiary guarantors, percentage ownership Subsidiary Guarantors, Percentage Ownership Subsidiary Guarantors, Percentage Ownership Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Covenant, Indenture Threshold for Earnings for Payment of Dividends Debt Instrument, Covenant, Indenture Threshold for Earnings for Payment of Dividends Debt Instrument, Covenant, Indenture Threshold for Earnings for Payment of Dividends Covenant, Leverage Ratio Requirement Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio Requirement Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio Requirement Covenant, Secured Leverage Ratio Requirement Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secured Leverage Ratio Requirement Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secured Leverage Ratio Requirement Long-Term Investments Cost and Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Equity securities Index-linked U.S. bonds Commodity Index Linked Notes [Member] Fixed income securities Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] 5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2020 Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Money market funds Money Market Funds Fair Value Disclosure Money Market Funds Fair Value Disclosure Certificates of deposit Certificates Of Deposit Fair Value Disclosure Certificates Of Deposit Fair Value Disclosure Bonds Bonds Available for Sale Fair Value Disclosure Bonds Available for Sale Fair Value Disclosure Investment securities available for sale Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term investments, fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Real estate held for sale, fair value Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure Nonrecurring nonfinancial assets subject to fair value measurements Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Gain (loss) on long-term investments Gain (Loss) on Long-Term Investment Gain (Loss) on Long-Term Investment Gain (loss) on real estate Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Gain (Loss) on Real Estate Other nonrecurring expense Other Nonrecurring Expense Impairment charge Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of real estate Impairment of Real Estate Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Cases Pending by State Loss Contingency Cases Pending by State [Table Text Block] Loss Contingency Cases Pending by State [Table Text Block] Schedule of Judgments Entered Schedule of Judgments Entered [Table Text Block] Schedule of Judgments Entered [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss Contingencies Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of Equity Method Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Distributions and Dividends on Common Stock Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Derivatives Embedded within Convertible Debt Derivatives, Embedded Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Investment in Real Estate Ventures Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Tobacco [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee severance and benefits Employee Severance [Member] Lease termination costs Contract Termination [Member] Other restructuring expenses Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrual balance as of January 1, 2016 Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges Utilized Payments for Restructuring March 31, 2016 Weighted-average shares for basic EPS Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Plus incremental shares related to stock options and non-vested restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Contingently Issuable Shares Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Convertible Debt [Member] 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Note due 2014 - Vector Variable Interest 7.50% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member] Variable Interest 7 Point 50 Percent Senior Convertible Debentures [Member] Variable Interest 7 Point 50 Percent Senior Convertible Debentures Conversion price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Investments in real estate ventures Investments In Nonconsolidated Real Estate Businesses [Table Text Block] Investments In Nonconsolidated Real Estate Businesses [Table Text Block] Schedule of consolidated real estate investments Schedule of Consolidated Real Estate Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Consolidated Real Estate Investments [Table Text Block] Investment in Escena Investment in Consolidated Real Estate Business [Table Text Block] Investment in Consolidated Real Estate Business [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturity Dates of Fixed Income Securities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Realized Gains (Losses) Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Weighted-average shares of non-vested restricted stock Restricted Stock [Member] Weighted-average number of shares issuable upon conversion of debt Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted-average expense per share (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Expense Of Non Vested Restricted Stock Weighted Average Expense Of Non Vested Restricted Stock Weighted-average conversion price (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Conversion Price Of Debt Securities Weighted Average Conversion Price Of Debt Securities Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] Condominium and Mixed Use Development [Member] Condominium and Mixed Use Development [Member] Condominium and Mixed Use Development [Member] 10 Madison Square Park West (1107 Broadway) 10 Madison Square Park West (f/k/a 1107 Broadway) [Member] 10 Madison Square Park West (f/k/a 1107 Broadway) [Member] The Marquand The Marquand (11 East 68th Street) [Member] The Marquand (11 East 68th Street) [Member] 11 Beach Street Eleven Beach Street [Member] Eleven Beach Street [Member] 20 Times Square (701 Seventh Avenue) 20 Times Square (f/k/a 701 Seventh Avenue) [Member] 20 Times Square (f/k/a 701 Seventh Avenue) [Member] 111 Murray Street One One One Murray Street [Member] One One One Murray Street [Member] 160 Leroy Street One Six Zero Leroy Street [Member] 160 Leroy Street [Member] 215 Chrystie Street Two One Five Chrystie Street [Member] 215 Chrystie Street [Member] The Dutch (25-19 43rd Avenue) The Dutch (25-19 43rd Avenue) [Member] The Dutch (25-19 43rd Avenue) [Member] Queens Plaza (23-10 Queens Plaza South) Queens Plaza (23-10 Queens Plaza South) [Member] Queens Plaza (23-10 Queens Plaza South) [Member] 87 Park (8701 Collins Avenue) Eighty-Seven Park (8701 Collins Avenue) [Member] 87 Park (8701 Collins Avenue) [Member] 125 Greenwich Street 125 Greenwich Street [Member] 125 Greenwich Street [Member] West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard) West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard) [Member] West Hollywood Edition (9040 Sunset Boulevard) [Member] 76 Eleventh Avenue Seven Six Eleventh Avenue [Member] 76 Eleventh Avenue [Member] Monad Terrace Monad Terrace [Member] Monad Terrace [Member] Takanasee Takanasee [Member] Takanasee [Member] Apartment Buildings Apartment Buildings [Member] Apartment Buildings [Member] Maryland Portfolio Maryland Portfolio [Member] Maryland Portfolio [Member] ST Portfolio ST Portfolio [Member] ST Portfolio [Member] Hotels Hotels [Member] Hotels [Member] Park Lane Hotel Park Lane Hotel [Member] Park Lane Hotel [Member] Hotel Taiwana Hotel Taiwana [Member] Hotel Taiwana [Member] Coral Beach and Tennis Club Coral Beach and Tennis Club [Member] Coral Beach and Tennis Club [Member] Commercial Commercial [Member] Commercial [Member] The Plaza at Harmon Meadow The Plaza at Harmon Meadow [Member] The Plaza at Harmon Meadow [Member] Other Other Investments [Member] Insurance consulting company Insurance Consulting Company [Member] Insurance Consulting Company [Member] Chelsea Eleven LLC Chelsea Eleven LLC [Member] Chelsea Eleven LLC [Member] 20 Times Square, 160 Leroy Street, West Hollywood Edition, and Monad Terrace 20 Times Square, 160 Leroy Street, West Hollywood Edition, and Monad Terrace [Member] 20 Times Square, 160 Leroy Street, West Hollywood Edition, and Monad Terrace [Member] 215 Chrystie Street and the Dutch 215 Chrystie Street and the Dutch [Member] 215 Chrystie Street and the Dutch [Member] Harmon Meadow Harmon Meadow [Member] Harmon Meadow [Member] Commercial real estate Commercial Real Estate [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Number of units in real estate property sold Number of Units in Real Estate Property Sold Number of Units in Real Estate Property Sold Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses Maximum exposure to loss as a result of this investment Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Proceeds from commissions received Proceeds from Commissions Received Investments in consolidated real estate businesses Investments in Consolidated Real Estate Businesses Investments in Consolidated Real Estate Businesses Amortization of debt discount, net Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Non-cash Interest Expense Other Noncash Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]