Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Stock dividend paid to company stockholders				5.00%
Real estate revenue	$ 108,044	$ 5,767
Cost of real estate	67,324	4,221
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses	65,477	25,896
Total current liabilities	344,415		405,110
Intangible assets. net	9,382		11,919
Fair market value of embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs	193,975		112,062
Minimum [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair market value of embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs	191,682		110,758
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair market value of embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs	196,319		113,392
New Valley LLC [Member] | Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Goodwill	(454)
Total current liabilities	(105)
Intangible assets. net	559
Prior Period Reclassifications [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Real estate revenue		5,767
Cost of real estate		4,221
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses		$ (1,546)