Debt (Convertible and Exchangeable) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Convertible Senior Debentures [Member] \| Convertible Senior Debenture 3.63% Due 2026 [Member]
Principal Amount of Debt Component	$ 179,052		$ 179,052		$ 179,052
Unamortized discount	(1,098)		(1,098)		(2,553)
Carrying amount of debt component	177,954		177,954		176,499
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component	9,604		9,604		9,604
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	532.00%		532.00%		532.00%
Debt Instrument Maturity	11/11		11/11
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Per Share	$ 148.46		$ 148.46
Number Of Shares On Which Aggregate Consideration To Be Delivered Upon Conversion Is Determined	1,206		1,206
Coupon Interest Of Debt (Discount) Premium	1,622	3,842	3,245	7,805
Discount Amortization Original Of Debt (Discount) Premium	200	447	396	903
Discount Amortization ASC470-20 Of Debt (Discount) Premium	533	1,198	1,059	2,416
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	2,355	5,487	4,700	11,124
Convertible Senior Debentures [Member] \| Convertible Senior Debenture 2.85% Due 2027 [Member]
Principal Amount of Debt Component	10,233		10,233		10,233
Unamortized discount	(193)		(193)		(319)
Carrying amount of debt component	10,040		10,040		9,914
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component	956		956		956
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	545.00%		545.00%		545.00%
Debt Instrument Maturity	04/12		04/12
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Per Share	$ 157.18		$ 157.18
Number Of Shares On Which Aggregate Consideration To Be Delivered Upon Conversion Is Determined	65		65
Coupon Interest Of Debt (Discount) Premium	72	160	145	320
Discount Amortization Original Of Debt (Discount) Premium	11	23	22	46
Discount Amortization ASC470-20 Of Debt (Discount) Premium	52	107	104	215
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	135	290	271	581
Exchangeable Senior Debentures [Member] \| Exchangeable Senior Debenture 3.88% Due 2025 [Member]
Principal Amount of Debt Component	499,982		499,982		499,982
Unamortized discount	(5,579)		(5,579)		(8,982)
Carrying amount of debt component	494,403		494,403		491,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component	32,301		32,301		32,301
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	532.00%		532.00%		532.00%
Debt Instrument Maturity	04/12		04/12
Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Per Share	$ 87.17		$ 87.17
Number Of Shares On Which Aggregate Consideration To Be Delivered Upon Conversion Is Determined	5,736		5,736
Coupon Interest Of Debt (Discount) Premium	4,844	4,844	9,688	9,688
Discount Amortization Original Of Debt (Discount) Premium	404	384	803	762
Discount Amortization ASC470-20 Of Debt (Discount) Premium	1,309	1,241	2,600	2,466
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)	$ 6,557	$ 6,469	$ 13,091	$ 12,916

The component of interest expense representing the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the related debt instruments. Excludes amortization of financing costs. Alternate caption: Noncash Interest Expense.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
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-Publisher SEC
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- Definition

The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
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- Definition

The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

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-Publisher AICPA
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- Definition

This element represents the Principal amount of the debt component of the convertible and exchangeable senior debentures

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Coupon Interest Of Debt Discount Premium

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- Definition

The number of equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive if the debt was converted to equity.

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- Definition

Debt Instrument Maturity Date (String)

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- Definition

Discount Amortization ASC470-20 Of Debt (Discount) Premium

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- Definition

Discount Amortization Original Of Debt (Discount) Premium

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Namespace Prefix:	vno
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares on which the aggregate consideration to be delivered upon conversion is determined

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Namespace Prefix:	vno
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Period Type:	instant