Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Textuals (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Jul. 23, 2014 Performance Shares [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Minimum [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2014 New Valley LLC [Member] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 New Valley LLC [Member] Douglas Elliman Realty LLC [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Goodwill adjustment													$ (454)
Current liabilities adjustment												16,434	(105)
Accounts payable adjustment												(16,434)
Intangible assets adjustment													559
Intangible assets, net	7,649		7,649		11,919
Stock dividend paid to company stockholders						5.00%
Fair market value of embedded derivatives at the midpoint of the inputs	183,470		183,470		112,062			181,403	110,758	185,583	113,392
Real estate revenue	153,748	6,425	415,280	19,298
Cost of real estate	96,442	5,844	261,531	16,080
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses	$ 69,431	$ 26,478	$ 200,431	$ 77,915
Common stock granted							1,050,000
Period of recognition							7 years