Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 25,707	$ 16,110	$ 74,437	$ 57,035
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)	2,501	(33,796)	(2,953)	(17,379)
Net unrealized (gains) losses reclassified into net income	(88)	13,032	4,068	193
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale	2,413	(20,764)	1,115	(17,186)
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
Change in net unrealized gains	0	0	0	1,190
Net unrealized losses reclassified into net income	0	0	0	1,624
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	0	0	0	2,814
Net change in forward contracts	9	15	27	47
Net change in pension-related amounts
Net loss arising during the year	0	0	0	1,607
Amortization of loss	445	229	1,335	750
Net change in pension-related amounts	445	229	1,335	2,357
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,867	(20,520)	2,477	(11,968)
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	(1,033)	1,728	1,212	(4,875)
Net unrealized (gains) losses reclassified into net income on investment securities	36	(5,389)	(1,672)	(80)
Change in unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	0	0	0	(484)
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	0	0	0	(672)
Forward contracts	(4)	(6)	(11)	(19)
Pension-related amounts	(183)	(95)	(549)	(975)
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,184)	(3,762)	(1,020)	(7,105)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,683	(24,282)	1,457	(19,073)
Comprehensive income (loss)	27,390	(8,172)	75,894	37,962
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest	(2,532)	(3,644)	(7,909)	(5,741)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 24,858	$ (11,816)	$ 67,985	$ 32,221