Contract Land Deposits (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Contract Land Deposits (Textuals) [Abstract]
Lots controlled by NVR	49,100		49,100		50,400
Cash deposited related to lots	$ 197,300		$ 197,300		$ 174,300
Letters of credit related to lots	3,100		3,100		6,600
Pre-tax impairment (recovery) of contract land deposits	2,700	970	4,100	(950)
Valuation allowance of contract land deposits assets	$ 68,100		$ 68,100		$ 73,500