Earnings Per Share Basic Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 7,904	$ 12,466	$ 17,607	$ 21,221	$ 12,215	$ 14,190	$ 7,917	$ 2,534	$ 59,198	$ 36,856	$ 37,300
Income attributable to participating securities									(1,752)	(1,024)	(1,023)
Net income available to common stockholders attributed to Vector Group Ltd.									$ 57,446	$ 35,832	$ 36,277