Shareholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Sep. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock Number Of Shares Par Value And Other Disclosures
Common shares of beneficial interest: outstanding shares		189,100,876				189,100,876	188,576,853
Class A units outstanding held by third parties		$ 1,273,018				$ 1,273,018	$ 1,223,793
Dividends paid on common shares						475,961	474,751	$ 547,831
Dividends per common share		$ 0.63	$ 0.63	$ 0.63	$ 0.63
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures
Preferred share / unit issuance cost (Series J redemption)						(7,408)	0	0
Class A
Common Stock Number Of Shares Par Value And Other Disclosures
Class A units outstanding held by third parties		$ 1,273,018				$ 1,273,018	$ 1,223,793
Outstanding Partnership Units held by Third Parties		12,197,162				12,197,162	12,242,820
Redeemable Series J
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures
Preferred Stock Dividend Rate Percentage	6.875%
Preferred Stock Redemption Price Per Share	$ 25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount	$ 246,250
Preferred share / unit issuance cost (Series J redemption)						$ (7,408)
Vornado Realty L.P.
Common Stock Number Of Shares Par Value And Other Disclosures
Class A units outstanding held by third parties		$ 1,273,018				1,273,018	$ 1,223,793
Dividends paid on common shares						475,961	474,751	547,831
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures
Preferred share / unit issuance cost (Series J redemption)						$ (7,408)	$ 0	$ 0
Vornado Realty L.P. | Class A
Common Stock Number Of Shares Par Value And Other Disclosures
Common shares of beneficial interest: outstanding shares		189,100,876				189,100,876
Dividends per common share		$ 0.63	$ 0.63	$ 0.63	$ 0.63
Outstanding Partnership Units held by Third Parties		12,197,162				12,197,162	12,242,820