Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,216	$ 3,529
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains	(9,918)	5,994
Net unrealized gains reclassified into net income	13,029	53
Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale	3,111	6,047
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method:
Net unrealized gains on long-term investments accounted for under the equity method	14	3,332
Net change in forward contracts	16	17
Amortization of gain	267	148
Net change in pension-related amounts	267	148
Other comprehensive income	3,408	9,544
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities	4,101	(2,973)
Net unrealized losses reclassified into net income on investment securities	(5,387)	(22)
Change in unrealized losses on long-term investments	(6)	(1,370)
Forward contracts	(6)	(6)
Pension-related amounts	(111)	135
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income	(1,409)	(4,236)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,999	5,308
Comprehensive income	23,215	8,837
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest	(260)	(949)
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 22,955	$ 7,888