Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests / Redeemable Partnership Units (Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Rollforward
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance	$ 783,562	$ 984,937
Net income	210,872	25,672	$ 10,910
Other comprehensive loss	(3,235)	(836)	642
Distributions	(34,607)	(31,828)
Special distribution declared on December 18, 2019 (see Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity/Partners' Capital)	(25,912)	0
Other, net	40,295	20,749
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance	888,915	783,562	$ 984,937
Class A
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Rollforward
Redemption of Class A units for Vornado common shares, at redemption value	(11,250)	(17,068)
Adjustments to carry redeemable Class A units at redemption value	$ (70,810)	$ (198,064)

Decrease in noncontrolling interest (for example, but not limited to, redeeming or purchasing the interests of noncontrolling shareholders, issuance of shares (interests) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to the parent entity for other than cash, and a buyback of shares (interest) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary from the noncontrolling interests).

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Amount after tax of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.

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