Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2011 Lot JointVenture Land	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010 Lot
Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Textuals) [Abstract]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%
Power of developer's equity holders to direct operating activities of the development entity	100.00%
Finished lots committed to purchase under specific performance obligations	45		43
Investment in an unconsolidated joint venture		$ 61,250
Interest in an unconsolidated joint venture		50.00%
Parcels of land from entities controlled by a joint venture investment	9
Lots controlled under an unconsolidated joint venture	5,600
Total lots under contract with NVR under the joint venture	2,881
Number of Joint Ventures	4
Expected production of finished lots	6,500
Number of Joint Ventures NVR is Not Primary Beneficiary	3
Additional funding commitments in the aggregate	5,000
Aggregate investment	$ 76,100