Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012 Lot JointVenture	Dec. 31, 2011 Lot
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	50,300	48,200
Cash deposited related to lots	$ 224,900	$ 202,300
Letters of credit related to lots	3,700	3,200
Finished lots committed to purchase under specific performance obligations	96	92
Aggregate investment	87,800
Number of Joint Ventures	4
Expected production of finished lots	6,500
Total lots not under contract with NVR under the joint venture	2,700
Number of Joint Ventures NVR is Not Primary Beneficiary	3
Investments in unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$ 74,000