Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 38,692	$ 30,622	$ 75,020
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains	49,150	(13,267)	23,573
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income	(5,152)	(1,640)	(23,257)
Net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities available for sale	43,998	(14,907)	316
Net unrealized gains (losses) on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	98	1,353	(3,596)
Net change in forward contracts	62	64	65
Net change in pension-related amounts	11,612	2,394	(10,399)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	55,770	(11,096)	(13,614)
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	(19,955)	5,387	(9,789)
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income on investment securities	2,092	665	9,442
Change in unrealized long-term investments	(40)	(549)	1,453
Forward contracts	(25)	(26)	(26)
Pension-related amounts	(4,714)	(972)	4,401
Income tax benefit (provision) on other comprehensive income (loss)	(22,642)	4,505	5,481
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	33,128	(6,591)	(8,133)
Comprehensive income	71,820	24,031	66,887
Comprehensive loss attributed to non-controlling interest	252	0	0
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 72,072	$ 24,031	$ 66,887