Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012 Joint_Ventures Lot	Dec. 31, 2011 Joint_Ventures
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
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	53,200
Cash deposited related to lots	$ 256,600
Letters of credit related to lots	3,300
Aggregate investment	82,900	89,500
Number of joint ventures NVR is not primary beneficiary	3
Expected production of finished lots	7,400
Additional funding commitments in the aggregate	5,000	5,000
Number of joint ventures	4	4
Finished lots expected under joint ventures		6700
Other assets [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Aggregate investment	$ 74,000
Number of joint ventures NVR is not primary beneficiary	3
Not under contract with NVR [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total lots not under contract with NVR under the joint venture	2,800