New Valley LLC Investment in Escena (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ 40,928	$ 37,967	$ 74,374	$ 69,443
Escena [Member] | New Valley LLC [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	11,245		11,245		11,245
Building and building improvements	1,525		1,525		1,525
Other	1,294		1,294		1,208
Total Investment in Escena before depreciation	14,064		14,064		13,978
Less accumulated depreciation	(858)		(858)		(698)
Investment in Escena, net	13,206		13,206		13,280
Operating income (loss)	$ (123)	$ (184)	$ 487	$ 283