Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011 JointVenture Lot	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010 JointVenture Lot
Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Aggregate investment	$ 89,500		$ 37,200
Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Textual) [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%
Lots controlled by NVR	48,200
Cash deposited related to lots	202,300
Letters of credit related to lots	3,200
Finished lots committed to purchase under specific performance obligations	92		43
Investment in an unconsolidated joint venture		61,250
Interest in an unconsolidated joint venture		50.00%
Total lots under contract with NVR under the joint venture	2,800
Lots controlled under an unconsolidated joint venture	5,500
Total lots under not under contract with NVR under the joint venture	2,700
Parcels of land from entities controlled by a joint venture investment	9
Number of Joint Ventures	4		3
Expected production of finished lots	6,700
Number of Joint Ventures NVR is Not Primary Beneficiary	3		2
Additional funding commitments in the aggregate	5,000		5,000
Finished lots expected under unconsolidated joint ventures			1100
NVRM - Other assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Aggregate investment	$ 75,300