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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net income attributed to Vector Group Ltd.	$ 38,139	$ 36,008	$ 60,682	$ 90,268
Income attributed to participating securities, basic	(708)	(2,023)	(1,976)	(6,052)
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd., basic	37,431	33,985	58,706	84,216
Income attributed to participating securities, diluted	(708)	(2,023)	(1,976)	(6,052)
Net income applicable to common shares attributed to Vector Group Ltd., diluted	37,431	33,985	58,706	82,970
Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debt | 7.5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Income attributable to Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,246)
Interest rate	7.50%		7.50%