Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Income (Loss) for Purposes of Determining Basic and Diluted EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 25,774	$ 39,307	$ 22,543	$ 54,260
Income attributed to participating securities, basic	(707)	(2,027)	(1,268)	(4,029)
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd., basic	25,067	37,280	21,275	50,231
Income attributed to participating securities, diluted	(707)	(2,027)	(1,268)	(4,029)
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd., diluted	24,692	37,280	21,275	48,985
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt | 5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Income attributable to Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes	$ (375)	0	$ 0	0
Interest rate	5.50%		5.50%
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt | 7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Income attributable to Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,246)
Interest rate	7.50%		7.50%