Cleveland Medical Mart Development Project (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Development And Project Management Expenses	$ 226,619	$ 145,824	$ 0

Expenses related to development, leasing, marketing and and property management services related to a project.

No definition available.

Name:	vno_DevelopmentAndProjectManagementExpenses
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration