New Valley LLC Douglas Elliman Realty (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash	$ 405,855	$ 240,923	$ 299,825	$ 209,454
Other current assets	5,721	4,257
Property, plant and equipment, net	57,153	56,556
Other assets	55,894	43,347
Other current liabilities	16,891	16,504
Other long-term liabilities	1,857	1,667
Income tax expense	23,095	48,137	31,486
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] | New Valley LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash	78,015	57,450
Other current assets	8,543	3,293
Property, plant and equipment, net	15,796	14,595
Trademarks	21,663	21,663
Goodwill	38,523	38,742
Other intangible assets, net	897	827
Other assets	3,182	3,096
Notes payable - current	466	602
Other current liabilities	22,065	18,734
Notes payable - long term	334	1,104
Other long-term liabilities	9,614	9,490
Members' equity	134,140	109,736
Revenues	378,175	346,309	348,136
Costs and expenses	346,617	315,318	303,358
Depreciation expense	3,422	3,439	3,682
Amortization expense	242	253	329
Other income	1,829	2,007	2,440
Interest expense, net	62	136	552
Income tax expense	780	946	1,329
Net income	$ 28,881	$ 28,224	$ 41,326