Summary of Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure
Revenues	$ 638,260	$ 633,197	$ 621,708	$ 613,037	$ 651,581	$ 627,596	$ 616,288	$ 606,802	$ 2,506,202	$ 2,502,267	$ 2,312,512
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 651,181	$ 66,125	$ 220,463	$ (114,163)	$ 230,742	$ 198,870	$ 165,651	$ 84,593	$ 823,606	$ 679,856	$ 783,388
Net income per common share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.44	$ 0.35	$ 1.17	$ (0.61)	$ 1.22	$ 1.05	$ 0.88	$ 0.45	$ 4.36	$ 3.61	$ 4.18
Net income per common share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.43	$ 0.35	$ 1.16	$ (0.61)	$ 1.22	$ 1.05	$ 0.87	$ 0.45	$ 4.34	$ 3.59	$ 4.15
Vornado Realty L.P.
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure
Revenues	$ 638,260	$ 633,197	$ 621,708	$ 613,037	$ 651,581	$ 627,596	$ 616,288	$ 606,802	$ 2,506,202	$ 2,502,267	$ 2,312,512
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 693,377	$ 70,442	$ 234,945	$ (121,698)	$ 245,735	$ 211,526	$ 175,800	$ 89,868	$ 877,066	$ 722,929	$ 830,951
Net income per Class A unit - Basic	$ 3.44	$ 0.35	$ 1.17	$ (0.61)	$ 1.22	$ 1.05	$ 0.88	$ 0.45	$ 4.36	$ 3.61	$ 4.17
Net income per Class A unit - Diluted	$ 3.43	$ 0.35	$ 1.16	$ (0.61)	$ 1.21	$ 1.05	$ 0.87	$ 0.44	$ 4.32	$ 3.57	$ 4.14