XML 31 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Notes Payable, Long Term Debt and Other Obligations - Other Schedules (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives $ 32,071us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium $ 21,482us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium $ 10,684us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 112,062us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities 172,128us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities 133,500us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives (19,409)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet (18,935)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet 7,476us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 169,386us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities 112,062us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities 172,128us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (19,401)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature (14,896)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature (7,332)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
Ending balance of unamortized discount 236,190us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount    
Convertible Debt [Member]      
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 201,075us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
273,323us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
175,688us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Decrease in unamortized discount due to conversion   (35,870)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(46,754)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Issuance of convertible notes - embedded derivative     98,204vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDebtDiscountFromIssuanceOfDebt
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Increase of convertible notes - beneficial conversion feature     64,201vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Amortization of embedded derivatives (32,071)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(21,482)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(10,684)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (19,401)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(14,896)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(7,332)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of unamortized discount 245,465us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
201,075us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
273,323us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Convertible Debt [Member] | 6.75% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives 6,097us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
5,914us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
2,842us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Convertible Debt [Member] | 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes due 2014 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives 13,570us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
11,799us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
7,416us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 25,944us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Ending balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
25,944us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
 
Convertible Debt [Member] | 3.875% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
155us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
57us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Convertible Debt [Member] | 7.5% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives 5,553us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
3,614us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
369us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Convertible Debt [Member] | 5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2020 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest expense associated with embedded derivatives 6,851us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Ending balance of unamortized discount 98,831us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
 
Interest Rate Risk [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 19,409us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
18,935us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
(7,476)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
Interest Rate Risk [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 6.75% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 3,212us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
5,075us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
5,247us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 6,607us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
11,682us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
16,929us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Decrease in derivative due to conversion (2,511)vgr_DecreaseInDerivativeDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives (3,212)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(5,075)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(5,247)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 884us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
6,607us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
11,682us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 19,312us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
30,383us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
35,704us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Decrease in unamortized discount due to conversion (7,898)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Amortization of embedded derivatives (6,097)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(5,914)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(2,842)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (5,317)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(5,157)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(2,479)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
19,312us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
30,383us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Interest Rate Risk [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes due 2014 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 8,990us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
9,625us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
9,940us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 12,521us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
22,146us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
32,086us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Decrease in derivative due to conversion (3,531)vgr_DecreaseInDerivativeDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives (8,990)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(9,625)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(9,940)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
12,521us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
22,146us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 25,945us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
45,038us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
57,036us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
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Decrease in unamortized discount due to conversion (3,989)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Amortization of embedded derivatives (13,570)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(11,799)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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(7,416)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (8,386)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest6Point75PercentSeniorConvertibleExchangeNotesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(7,294)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(4,582)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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Ending balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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25,945us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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45,038us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Interest Rate Risk [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 3.875% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(1,417)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(22,281)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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39,714us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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84,485us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Decrease in derivative due to conversion   (41,131)vgr_DecreaseInDerivativeDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(67,052)vgr_DecreaseInDerivativeDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives 0us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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1,417us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
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22,281us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
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0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
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39,714us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
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= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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36,107us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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82,948us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Decrease in unamortized discount due to conversion   (35,870)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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(46,754)vgr_DecreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToConversionOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Amortization of embedded derivatives 0vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(155)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(57)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 0vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest3Point875PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(82)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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(30)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Ending balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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36,107us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Interest Rate Risk [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 7.5% Senior Convertible Debentures [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 5,296us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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5,652us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
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(382)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 92,934us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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98,586us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
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0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Increase from issuance     98,204vgr_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilityFromIssuanceRetirementOfDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives (5,296)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(5,652)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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382us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 87,638us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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92,934us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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98,586us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 155,818us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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161,795us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Issuance of convertible notes - embedded derivative     98,204vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDebtDiscountFromIssuanceOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Increase of convertible notes - beneficial conversion feature     64,201vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Amortization of embedded derivatives (5,553)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(3,614)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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(369)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (3,631)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
(2,363)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_VariableInterest7Point50PercentSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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(241)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Ending balance of unamortized discount 146,634us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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155,818us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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161,795us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Interest Rate Risk [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | 5.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due 2020 [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Gain (loss) on changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible debt 1,911us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Fair Value Of Derivatives [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of derivative liability fair value 0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Increase from issuance 82,775vgr_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeLiabilityFromIssuanceRetirementOfDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
(Gain) loss from changes in fair value of embedded derivatives (1,911)us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of derivative liability fair value 80,864us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Unamortized Debt Discount [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance of unamortized discount 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Issuance of convertible notes - embedded derivative 82,775vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDebtDiscountFromIssuanceOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Increase of convertible notes - beneficial conversion feature 24,974vgr_IncreaseInUnamortizedDiscountDueToBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
   
Amortization of embedded derivatives (6,851)vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0vgr_AmortizationOfEmbeddedDerivatives
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (2,067)vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
0vgr_AmortizationOfBeneficialConversionFeature
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
Ending balance of unamortized discount $ 98,831us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
$ 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember
$ 0us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= vgr_FivePointFivePercentVariableSeniorConvertibleDebenturesMember
/ us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis
= us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember