Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 20,478	$ 25,707	$ 47,799	$ 74,437
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)	638	2,501	(2,581)	(2,953)
Net unrealized (gains) losses reclassified into net income	(43)	(88)	(104)	4,068
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available for sale	595	2,413	(2,685)	1,115
Net change in forward contracts	0	9	2	27
Net change in pension-related amounts
Amortization of loss	489	445	1,466	1,335
Net change in pension-related amounts	489	445	1,466	1,335
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,084	2,867	(1,217)	2,477
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities	(258)	(1,033)	1,053	1,212
Net unrealized (gains) losses reclassified into net income on investment securities	17	36	42	(1,672)
Forward contracts	0	(4)	0	(11)
Pension-related amounts	(199)	(183)	(595)	(549)
Income tax (provision) benefit on other comprehensive income (loss)	(440)	(1,184)	500	(1,020)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	644	1,683	(717)	1,457
Comprehensive income	21,122	27,390	47,082	75,894
Comprehensive income attributed to non-controlling interest	(1,214)	(2,532)	(5,951)	(7,909)
Comprehensive income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 19,908	$ 24,858	$ 41,131	$ 67,985