Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 1,009,026us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 564,740us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 694,541us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of deferred financing costs)	583,408	561,998	557,888
Net gains on sale of real estate	(507,192)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties	(414,502)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties	(245,799)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfProperties
Return of capital from Real Estate Fund investments	215,676	56,664	63,762
Net realized and unrealized gains on Real Estate Fund investments	(150,139)	(85,771)	(55,361)
Distributions of income from partially owned entities	96,286	54,030	226,172
Straight-lining of rental income	(82,800)us-gaap_StraightLineRent	(69,391)us-gaap_StraightLineRent	(69,648)us-gaap_StraightLineRent
Equity in net loss (income) of partially owned entities, including Toys R Us	58,131	338,785	(423,126)
Amortization of below-market leases, net	(46,786)	(52,876)	(54,359)
Other non-cash adjustments	37,303us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense	41,663us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense	52,082us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense
Impairment losses and tenant buy-outs	26,518us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges	37,170us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges	133,977us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Net gain on disposition of wholly owned and partially owned assets	(13,568)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets	(3,407)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets	(13,347)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets
Defeasance cost in connection with the refinancing of mortgage notes payable	5,589vno_DefeasanceCosts	0vno_DefeasanceCosts	0vno_DefeasanceCosts
Losses from the disposition of investment in J.C. Penney	0	72,974	300,752
Gain on sale of Canadian Trade Shows	0	0	(31,105)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Real Estate Fund investments	(3,392)vno_RealEstateFundInvestments	(37,817)vno_RealEstateFundInvestments	(262,537)vno_RealEstateFundInvestments
Tenant and other receivables, net	(8,282)	83,897	(23,271)
Prepaid assets	(8,786)	(2,207)	(10,549)
Other assets	(123,435)	(50,856)	(46,573)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	44,628	(41,729)	21,595
Other liabilities	3,125	(12,576)	9,955
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,135,310	1,040,789	825,049
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Development costs and construction in progress	(544,187)	(469,417)	(156,873)
Additions to real estate	(279,206)us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements	(260,343)us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements	(205,652)us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements
Proceeds from sales of real estate and related investments	388,776	1,027,608	445,683
Acquisitions of real estate and other	(211,354)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate	(193,417)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate	(673,684)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate
Investments in partially owned entities	(120,639)	(230,300)	(134,994)
Restricted cash	99,464	(26,892)	(75,138)
Proceeds from sales and repayments of mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable and other	96,913	50,569	38,483
Investments in mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable and other	(30,175)	(390)	(94,094)
Distributions of capital from partially owned entities	25,943	290,404	144,502
Proceeds from sales of, and return of investment in, marketable securities	0	378,709	60,258
Proceeds from the sale of LNR	0	240,474	0
Funding of J.C. Penney derivative collateral; and settlement of derivative in 2013	0vno_PaymentsToFundDerivativeCollateral	(186,079)vno_PaymentsToFundDerivativeCollateral	(191,330)vno_PaymentsToFundDerivativeCollateral
Return of J.C. Penney derivative collateral	0vno_ReturnOfDerivativeCollateral	101,150vno_ReturnOfDerivativeCollateral	134,950vno_ReturnOfDerivativeCollateral
Proceeds from the sale of Canadian Trade Shows	0	0	52,504
Proceeds from the repayment of loan to officer	0	0	13,123
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(574,465)	722,076	(642,262)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings	2,428,285	2,262,245	3,593,000
Repayments of borrowings	(1,312,258)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt	(3,580,100)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt	(2,747,694)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Dividends paid on common shares	(547,831)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock	(545,913)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock	(699,318)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(220,895)	(215,247)	(104,448)
Purchase of marketable securities in connection with the defeasance of mortgage notes payable	(198,884)	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred shares	(81,468)	(83,188)	(73,976)
Debt issuance and other costs	(58,336)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts	(19,883)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts	(39,073)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	30,295	43,964	213,132
Proceeds received from exercise of employee share options	19,245	7,765	11,853
Repurchase of shares related to stock compensation agreements and related tax withholdings	(3,811)	(443)	(30,168)
Purchases of outstanding preferred units and shares	0	(299,400)	(243,300)
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares	0	290,306	290,971
Net Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	54,342	(2,139,894)	170,979
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	615,187	(377,029)	353,766
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	583,290	960,319	606,553
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,198,477	583,290	960,319
Supplemental Disclosure Of Cash Flow Information:
Cash payments for interest (net of amounts capitalized of $53,139, $42,303, and $16,801	443,538us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	465,260us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	491,869us-gaap_InterestPaidNet
Cash payments for income taxes	11,696us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid	9,023us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid	21,709us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Adjustments to carry redeemable Class A units at redemption value	(315,276)	(108,252)	(52,117)
Marketable securities transferred in connection with the defeasance of mortgage notes payable	198,884	0	0
Defeasance of mortgage notes payable	(193,406)vno_MortgageLoanDefeasance	0vno_MortgageLoanDefeasance	0vno_MortgageLoanDefeasance
Write-off of fully depreciated assets	(121,673)	(77,106)	(177,367)
Accrued capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	100,528	72,042	80,350
Elimination of a mortgage and mezzanine loan asset and liability	59,375vno_MortgageAndMezzanineLoanEliminated	0vno_MortgageAndMezzanineLoanEliminated	0vno_MortgageAndMezzanineLoanEliminated
Transfer of interest in Real Estate Fund to an unconsolidated joint venture	(58,564)	0	0
Transfer of noncontrolling interest in Real Estate Fund	(33,028)vno_TransferOfNoncontrollingInterest	0vno_TransferOfNoncontrollingInterest	0vno_TransferOfNoncontrollingInterest
Beverly Connection seller financing	13,620	0	0
Financing assumed in acquisitions	0us-gaap_LoansAssumed1	79,253us-gaap_LoansAssumed1	0us-gaap_LoansAssumed1
Financings transferred in dispositions	0us-gaap_TransferMortgagePayable	0us-gaap_TransferMortgagePayable	(163,144)us-gaap_TransferMortgagePayable
L.A. Mart seller financing	0	0	35,000
Marriott Marquis Times Square - retail and signage capital lease:
Asset (included in development costs and construction in progress)	0vno_CapitalLeaseAssetAcquired	0vno_CapitalLeaseAssetAcquired	240,000vno_CapitalLeaseAssetAcquired
Liability (included in other liabilities)	0us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred	0us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred	(240,000)us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred
Increase in assets and liabilities resulting from the consolidation of partially owned entities:
Real Estate, net	0	0	342,919
Notes and mortgages payable	0	0	334,225
Decrease in assets and liabilities resulting from deconsolidation of discontinued operations and /or investments that were previously consolidated:
Real estate, Net	0vno_RealEstateNetDeconsolidated	(852,166)vno_RealEstateNetDeconsolidated	0vno_RealEstateNetDeconsolidated
Notes and Mortgages Payable	0	(322,903)	0
Acquisitions [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Like-kind exchange of real estate	606,816	66,076	230,913
Dispositions [Member]
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Like-kind exchange of real estate	$ (630,352)	$ (128,767)	$ (230,913)

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Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit.

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-Paragraph 26

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Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities, including discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 26

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Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 28

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The amount of debt that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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The amount of fixed assets that an Entity acquires in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

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Amount of noncash consideration received for selling an asset or business through a noncash (or part noncash) transaction.

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Other income (expense) included in net income that results in no cash inflows or outflows in the period. Includes noncash adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities that are not separately disclosed.

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The amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt securities, and OTTI losses on debt securities when the entity intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additionally, this item includes OTTI losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting.

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- Definition

The cash outflow for acquisition of or capital improvements to properties held for investment (operating, managed, leased) or for use.

+ References

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The cash outflow from construction costs to date on capital projects that have not been completed and assets being constructed that are not ready to be placed into service.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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The cash outflow to reacquire preferred stock during the period.

+ References

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The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.

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Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to common shareholders of the parent entity.

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Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends provided by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to noncontrolling interests.

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Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to preferred shareholders of the parent entity.

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The cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence.

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The cash outflow to acquire an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among myriad other features and characteristics.

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The cash outflow from the acquisition of a piece of land, anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, structures on it and so forth; includes real estate intended to generate income for the owner; excludes real estate acquired for use by the owner.

+ References

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The cash inflow associated with principal collections from a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Definition

The cash inflow from the sale of an investment interest in a joint venture that the reporting entity has not previously accounted for using consolidation or the equity method of accounting.

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- Definition

The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

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Proceeds from issuance of capital stock which provides for a specific dividend that is paid to the shareholders before any dividends to common stockholders and which takes precedence over common stockholders in the event of liquidation.

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Amount of cash inflow from a noncontrolling interest. Includes, but is not limited to, purchase of additional shares or other increase in noncontrolling interest ownership.

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of marketable securities (held-to-maturity or available-for-sale) during the period.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (a),(b)

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- Definition

The cash inflow from disposal of asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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- Definition

Cash received from the sale of real estate that is held for investment, that is, it is part of an investing activity during the period.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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- Definition

The cash inflow from a loan, supported by a promissory note, granted to related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth.

+ References

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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

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-Subparagraph (b)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Financing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Difference between actual rental income due and rental income recognized on a straight-line basis.

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The fair value of transfer of mortgage payable in noncash investing or financing activities.

+ References

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The non-cash increase in total real estate during the period due to acquisition of properties that are accounted as capital leases

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of noncash expense related to the legal defeasance of a mortgage loan payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This item represents disclosure of the amount of capital distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the non-cash increase (decrease) in real estate, net due to like-kind exchange

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_ExchangeOfRealEstate
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	vno_IncreaseInAssetsAndLiabilitiesResultingFromConsolidationOfInvestmentPreviouslyAccountedForOnEquityMethodAbstract
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash outflow relating to purchase of marketable securities in connection with the legal defeasance of mortgage notes payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_MarketableSecuritiesPurchasedInConnectionWithLegalDefeasance
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The value of mortgages and mezzanine loans receivable eliminated in non- cash investing or financing transaction.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_MortgageAndMezzanineLoanEliminated
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount represents carrying value of the mortgage loan that was legally defeased.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the realized and unrealized gains included in the earnings resulting from assets that are measured at fair value, that relate to the real estate funds assets.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_NetRealizedAndUnrealizedGainOnRealEstateFundInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The decrease in the carrying value of mortgages payable due to deconsolidation in the current period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash outflow to fund the collateral for the derivative position in equity securities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_PaymentsToFundDerivativeCollateral
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the cash outflow associated with the Real Estate Fund's investments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_RealEstateFundInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The decrease in the carrying value of real estate, net due to deconsolidation in the current period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_RealEstateNetDeconsolidated
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	vno_RealEstatePropertyRetailAndSignageCapitalLeaseAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

No authoritative reference available.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenueAdjustedForDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase (decrease) in retained earnings associated with the repurchase of shares related to stock compensation arrangements and associated employee tax withholdings.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_RepurchaseOfSharesRelatedToStockCompensationArrangementsAndRelatedTaxWithholdings
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the cash inflow from the return of capital from the real estate funds investments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The cash inflow from the refund of the collateral for the derivative position in equity securities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Mortgage loan provided by the seller of the property to the buyer as seller financing

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The amount represents the non-cash transfer of our equity interest in a consolidated entity to an investment in unconsolidated joint venture.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The amount represents the value of marketable securities transferred in connection with the legal defeasance of mortgage loan payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_TransferOfMarketableSecuritiesInConnectionWithLegalDefeasanceOfMortgageLoan
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount represents the non-cash distribution and the transfer of noncontrolling interest partners equity interest in a consolidated subsidiary upon deconsolidation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the decrease in assets due to the write off of fully depreciated assets

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	vno_WriteOffOfFullyAmortizedAndDepreciatedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	vno_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	vno_LikeKindExchangeTransactionTypeAxis=vno_LikeKindPropertiesAcquiredMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	vno_LikeKindExchangeTransactionTypeAxis=vno_LikeKindPropertiesSoldMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: