Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 13, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 80,000	$ 0
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	12,928	0
Less: accumulated amortization on amortizable intangibles	(1,568)	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	11,360	0
Amortization expense	1,568	0	0
Rental expense	6,523	4,100	4,313
Amortization of other intangibles	15
Amortization expense, 2014	5,089
Amortization expense, 2015	3,024
Amortization expense, 2016	1,500
Amortization expense, 2017	875
Amortization expense, 2018	748
Amortization expense, thereafter	124
Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member] | New Valley LLC [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	431	897		12,928
Amortization expense	213	242	253
Favorable leases
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	9,598	0
Other intangibles
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	3,330	0
Backlog Intangible Asset
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	1,356
Rental expense	197
Intangible asset associated with benefit under the Master Settlement Agreement
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 107,511	$ 107,511