Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 3,664	$ (4,225)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale:
Change in net unrealized losses	(692)	(176)
Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income (loss)	595	(111)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale	(97)	(287)
Net change in forward contracts	0	1
Net change in pension-related amounts
Amortization of loss	442	488
Net change in pension-related amounts	442	488
Other comprehensive income	345	202
Income tax effect on:
Change in net unrealized losses on investment securities	189	76
Net unrealized losses (gains) reclassified into net income (loss) on investment securities	(163)	45
Forward contracts	0	(1)
Pension-related amounts	(121)	(198)
Income tax provision on other comprehensive income	(95)	(78)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	250	124
Comprehensive income (loss)	3,914	(4,101)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributed to non-controlling interest	3,547	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 7,461	$ (4,103)