Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 Lot	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 Lot	Sep. 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	56,000		56,000		53,200
Cash deposited related to lots	$ 279,500		$ 279,500		$ 256,600
Letters of credit related to lots	2,200		2,200		3,300
Contract land deposit asset impairment valuation allowance	61,000		61,000		65,000
Pre-tax recovery related to impairment of contract land deposits	600		4,600	200
Pre-tax charges related to impairment of contract land deposits		$ 900