Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Net Income (Loss) for Purposes of Determining Diluted EPS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 14,879	$ (36,891)	$ 25,384	$ (25,061)
Expense attributed to participating securities	(423)	0	(739)	0
Net income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd. available to common stockholders	$ 14,456	$ (36,891)	$ 24,645	$ (25,061)