Excess Reorganization Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Excess Reorganization Value [Abstract]

Excess Reorganization Value

6. Excess Reorganization Value

Reorganization value in excess of identifiable assets (“excess reorganization value”) is an indefinite life intangible asset that was created upon NVR’s emergence from bankruptcy on September 30, 1993. Based on the allocation of the reorganization value, the portion of the reorganization value which was not attributed to specific tangible or intangible assets has been reported as excess reorganization value, which is treated similarly to goodwill. Excess reorganization value is not subject to amortization. Rather, excess reorganization value is subject to an impairment assessment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Because excess reorganization value was based on the reorganization value of NVR’s entire enterprise upon bankruptcy emergence, the impairment assessment is conducted on an enterprise basis based on the comparison of NVR’s total equity compared to the market value of NVR’s outstanding publicly-traded common stock. The Company completed the annual assessment of impairment during the first quarter of 2011 and determined that there was no impairment of excess reorganization value.