Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basic Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 7,925	$ 13,511	$ 10,505	$ 11,830
Income attributed to participating securities	(231)	(374)	(309)	(328)
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd. available to common stockholders	$ 7,694	$ 13,137	$ 10,196	$ 11,502