New Valley LLC Investment in Escena (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ 37,366	$ 43,193	$ 40,928	$ 33,446	$ 36,023	$ 37,855	$ 37,967	$ 31,476	$ 154,933	$ 143,321	$ 111,313
Escena [Member] | New Valley LLC [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Land and land improvements	11,430				11,245				11,430	11,245
Building and building improvements	1,530				1,525				1,530	1,525
Other	1,374				1,208				1,374	1,208
Total Investment in Escena before depreciation	14,334				13,978				14,334	13,978
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,039)				(698)				(1,039)	(698)
Investment in Escena, net	13,295				13,280				13,295	13,280
Operating income (loss)									$ (628)	$ (503)	$ (631)