Area of a real estate property.

No definition available.

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- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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- Definition

This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

+ References

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- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 159

-Paragraph 18

-Subparagraph f

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph a (1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 9

-Article 5

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 19

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.12)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 11

-Article 7

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- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 20, 22

-Article 5

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- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

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- Definition

Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 27

-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A3

-Appendix A

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 20

-Article 7

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- Definition

The number of units in a real estate property owned as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Gross amount at which land and buildings and improvements are carried at the end of the period for each property.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph c

-Subparagraph Schedule III

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 28

-Article 12

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 970

-SubTopic 360

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6590653&loc=d3e638233-123024

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 205

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule III)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6882300&loc=d3e5864-122674

+ Details

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- Definition

The carrying amount of investments in unconsolidated real estate and other joint ventures not separately presented. This includes direct and indirect investments.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4568447-111683

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

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-Paragraph 25

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A3

-Appendix A

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4I

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4590271-111686

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- Definition

The reporting entity's maximum amount of exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the Variable Interest Entity (VIE).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph b

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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)

-Paragraph C6

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- Definition

Number of Stories in Real Estate Property

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Real Estate Investments, Unconsolidated Real Estate and Other Joint Ventures, Additional Investment To Be Made

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Term of Development

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New Valley LLC (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended																														3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Douglas Elliman Realty Formerly Prudential [Member] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Sesto Holdings S r. l. [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Sesto Holdings S r. l. [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 1107 Broadway [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 1107 Broadway [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Lofts 21 LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Lofts 21 LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Hotel Taiwana LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Hotel Taiwana LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Hotel Taiwana LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 HFZ East 68th Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 HFZ East 68th Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 11 Beach Street Investor LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 11 Beach Street Investor LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 NV Maryland LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 NV Maryland LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 NV 701 Seventh Avenue LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 NV 701 Seventh Avenue LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Queens Plaza [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Queens Plaza [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Chrystie Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Chrystie Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Leroy Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Leroy Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 101 Murray Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	May 31, 2013 101 Murray Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member] units story sqft	Dec. 31, 2012 101 Murray Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 New Valley Oaktree Chelsea Eleven LLC [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Indian Creek [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Indian Creek [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 Indian Creek [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Subsequent Event [Member] 101 Murray Street [Member] New Valley LLC [Member] story units	Mar. 31, 2013 London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Indian Creek [Member] New Valley LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments in non-consolidated real estate businesses	$ 142,878		$ 119,219	$ 142,878	$ 119,219	$ 69,974		$ 69,974		$ 65,171		$ 5,037	$ 5,037	$ 6,579	$ 5,566	$ 900	$ 900	$ 6,313		$ 2,658	$ 7,000	$ 7,000	$ 10,508	$ 9,642	$ 4,206	$ 4,615	$ 9,888	$ 9,307	$ 7,350	$ 7,350	$ 1,992	$ 1,973	$ 1,150	$ 0	$ 11,981		$ 0				$ 7,616
Equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses						6,815	4,929	7,438	6,373																													451	2,118
Distributions from non-consolidated real estate businesses	0	6,221				1,311	564	2,636	2,889																														8,439	3,080		767
Number of units in real estate property																																				150							605
Ownership percentage										50.00%	20.00%																									25.00%					80.00%		18.00%
Maximum exposure to loss as a result of this investment																																						0
Additional real estate investment to be made																		567	3,088																11,981								7,275
Land and building																																									9,719
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity																																									8,400
Basis spread on variable rate																																												2.50%
Line of credit																																									3,570
Minority interest	1,147		0																																						1,147
Equity interest	$ (129,502)		$ (79,252)																																						$ 4,576
Number of stories in real estate property																																				15							47
Area of real estate property																																				31,000
Term of development																																											30 months
Interest Rate																																			12.00%