Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy [Text Block]	Redeemable partnership units on our consolidated balance sheets are comprised primarily of Class A units that are held by third parties and are recorded at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to “partners' capital” on our consolidated balance sheets. Redeemable partnership units exclude our Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units, as they are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities and Equity, because of their possible settlement by issuing a variable number of Vornado common shares.
Fair Value Measurement Policy [Policy Text Block]	In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret Level 2 and 3 inputs in determining the fair value of our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, our fair value estimates, which are made at the end of each reporting period, may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of these assets. Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets consist of (i) marketable securities, (ii) Real Estate Fund investments, (iii) the assets in our deferred compensation plan (for which there is a corresponding liability on our consolidated balance sheet), (iv) interest rate swaps and (v) mandatorily redeemable instruments (Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units). Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on our consolidated balance sheets consist primarily of real estate assets and our investment in Toys that were written-down to estimated fair value at December 31, 2013. The fair value of our real estate assets was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including (i) discounted cash flow analysis, which considers, among other things, leasing assumptions, growth rates, discount rates and terminal capitalization rates, (ii) income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates, and (iii) comparable sales activity. In determining the fair value of our investment in Toys, we considered, among other inputs, a December 31, 2013 third-party valuation of Toys and Toys' historical results, financial forecasts and business outlook. Our determination of the fair value of our investment in Toys included consideration of the following widely-used valuation methodologies: (i) market multiple methodology, that considered comparable publicly traded retail companies and a range of EBITDA multiples from 5.75x to 6.5x, (ii) comparable sales transactions methodology, that considered sales of retailers ranging in size from $150 million to $3 billion, (iii) a discounted cash flow methodology, that utilized five-year financial projections and assumed a terminal EBITDA multiple of 5.75x, a 10% discount rate and a 38% tax rate, and (iv) a Black-Scholes valuation analysis, that assumed one, two and three year time-to-expiration periods and 24% to 29% volatility factors. Generally, we consider a number of valuation techniques when measuring fair values but in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Financial Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash equivalents (primarily money market funds, which invest in obligations of the United States government), mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable and our secured and unsecured debt. Estimates of the fair value of these instruments are determined by the standard practice of modeling the contractual cash flows required under the instrument and discounting them back to their present value at the appropriate current risk adjusted interest rate, which is provided by a third-party specialist. For floating rate debt, we use forward rates derived from observable market yield curves to project the expected cash flows we would be required to make under the instrument. The fair value of cash equivalents and borrowings under our revolving credit facility is classified as Level 1, and the fair value of our mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable is classified as Level 3. The fair value of our secured and unsecured debt are classified as Level 2.

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Policy [Text Block]

Redeemable partnership units on our consolidated balance sheets are comprised primarily of Class A units that are held by third parties and are recorded at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to “partners' capital” on our consolidated balance sheets.

Redeemable partnership units exclude our Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units, as they are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities and Equity, because of their possible settlement by issuing a variable number of Vornado common shares.

Fair Value Measurement Policy [Policy Text Block]

In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret Level 2 and 3 inputs in determining the fair value of our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, our fair value estimates, which are made at the end of each reporting period, may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of these assets.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets consist of (i) marketable securities, (ii) Real Estate Fund investments, (iii) the assets in our deferred compensation plan (for which there is a corresponding liability on our consolidated balance sheet), (iv) interest rate swaps and (v) mandatorily redeemable instruments (Series G-1 through G-4 convertible preferred units and Series D-13 cumulative redeemable preferred units).

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on our consolidated balance sheets consist primarily of real estate assets and our investment in Toys that were written-down to estimated fair value at December 31, 2013. The fair value of our real estate assets was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including (i) discounted cash flow analysis, which considers, among other things, leasing assumptions, growth rates, discount rates and terminal capitalization rates, (ii) income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates, and (iii) comparable sales activity. In determining the fair value of our investment in Toys, we considered, among other inputs, a December 31, 2013 third-party valuation of Toys and Toys' historical results, financial forecasts and business outlook. Our determination of the fair value of our investment in Toys included consideration of the following widely-used valuation methodologies: (i) market multiple methodology, that considered comparable publicly traded retail companies and a range of EBITDA multiples from 5.75x to 6.5x, (ii) comparable sales transactions methodology, that considered sales of retailers ranging in size from $150 million to $3 billion, (iii) a discounted cash flow methodology, that utilized five-year financial projections and assumed a terminal EBITDA multiple of 5.75x, a 10% discount rate and a 38% tax rate, and (iv) a Black-Scholes valuation analysis, that assumed one, two and three year time-to-expiration periods and 24% to 29% volatility factors. Generally, we consider a number of valuation techniques when measuring fair values but in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate.

Financial Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value

Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash equivalents (primarily money market funds, which invest in obligations of the United States government), mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable and our secured and unsecured debt. Estimates of the fair value of these instruments are determined by the standard practice of modeling the contractual cash flows required under the instrument and discounting them back to their present value at the appropriate current risk adjusted interest rate, which is provided by a third-party specialist. For floating rate debt, we use forward rates derived from observable market yield curves to project the expected cash flows we would be required to make under the instrument. The fair value of cash equivalents and borrowings under our revolving credit facility is classified as Level 1, and the fair value of our mortgage and mezzanine loans receivable is classified as Level 3. The fair value of our secured and unsecured debt are classified as Level 2.