Expected production of finished lots from joint ventures.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Lots not under contract with the Company held under the joint venture at a geographic location.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nvr_JointVentureLotsNotUnderContractWithCompany
Namespace Prefix:	nvr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	nvr_JointVenturesLineItems
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of joint ventures.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nvr_NumberOfJointVentures
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Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of joint ventures the Company is deemed not the primary beneficiary.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nvr_NumberOfJointVenturesCompanyIsNotPrimaryBeneficiary
Namespace Prefix:	nvr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the investment in or advances to an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013 Lot Joint_Ventures	Jun. 30, 2012
Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 11,000	$ 11,000	$ 1,000
Aggregate investment		90,800
Number of joint ventures NVR is not primary beneficiary		2
Expected production of finished lots		7,500
Number of joint ventures		3
Other Assets [Member]
Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Aggregate investment		$ 84,500
Number of joint ventures NVR is not primary beneficiary		2
Not under Contract with NVR [Member]
Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Total lots not under contract with NVR under the joint venture		2,700