Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 3,529	$ (1,681)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized gains	5,994	14,038
Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income	53	(5,406)
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale	6,047	8,632
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
Change in net unrealized gains	3,332	958
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income	0	0
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	3,332	958
Net change in forward contracts	17	15
Net change in pension-related amounts	148	351
Other comprehensive income	9,544	9,956
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized gains on investment securities	(2,973)	(5,700)
Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income on investment securities	(22)	2,195
Change in unrealized gains on long-term investments	(1,370)	(389)
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income on long-term investments	0	0
Forward contracts	(6)	(6)
Pension-related amounts	135	(142)
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income	(4,236)	(4,042)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,308	5,914
Comprehensive income	8,837	4,233
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest	(949)	0
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 7,888	$ 4,233