Debt (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Repurchase Agreement Maturities
2012	$ 421
2013	520
2014	672
2015	0
2016	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 1,613

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due within one year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

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Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due within the fifth year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsDueInFiveYears
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due within the fourth year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsDueInFourYears
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due within the third year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsDueInThreeYears
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due within the second year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsDueInTwoYears
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of outstanding debt due after the fifth year of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsDueThereafter
Namespace Prefix:	nvr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Carrying value as of the balance sheet of the outstanding debt borrowings.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_DebtBorrowingsOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	nvr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration