Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Income (Loss) for Purposes of Determining Basic and Diluted EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 19,264	$ 23,175	$ 41,848	$ 66,528
Income attributed to participating securities	(1,496)	(750)	(4,480)	(2,167)
Income attributed to participating securities	(1,496)	(750)	(4,480)	(2,167)
Net income available to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	17,768	22,425	37,368	64,361
Net income available to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 17,768	$ 22,425	$ 37,368	$ 64,361