Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Lot	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Lot	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Lot
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%		10.00%
Power of developer's equity holders to direct operating activities of the development entity	100.00%		100.00%
Lots controlled by NVR	55,500		55,500		53,200
Cash deposited related to lots	$ 268,900		$ 268,900		$ 256,600
Letters of credit related to lots	750		750		3,300
Contract land deposit asset impairment valuation allowance	61,200		61,200		65,000
Pre-tax recovery related to impairment of contract land deposits	$ 3,000	$ 100	$ 4,000	$ 1,200