New Valley LLC Douglas Elliman Realty LLC (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash	$ 351,902	$ 219,551	$ 405,855	$ 240,923
Other current assets	5,976		5,721
Property, plant and equipment, net	58,181		57,153
Other non-current assets	57,911		55,894
Other current liabilities	12,281		16,891
Other long-term liabilities	1,523		1,857
Income tax expense	(335)	(3,492)
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] | New Valley LLC [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash	75,033		78,015
Other current assets	7,246		8,543
Property, plant and equipment, net	15,554		15,796
Trademarks	21,663		21,663
Goodwill	38,528		38,523
Other intangible assets, net	841		897
Other non-current assets	2,735		3,182
Notes payable - current	422		466
Other current liabilities	56,068		22,065
Notes payable - long term	309		334
Other long-term liabilities	9,566		9,614
Members' equity	95,235		134,140
Revenues	74,537	71,175
Costs and expenses	73,614	69,226
Depreciation expense	973	815
Amortization expense	56	60
Interest expense, net	142	742
Interest expense, net	0	23
Income tax expense	(59)	54
Net income	$ 95	$ 1,739