Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013 Lot Joint_Ventures	Sep. 30, 2012
Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 11,000	$ 11,000	$ 1,000
Aggregate investment		85,400
Number of joint ventures NVR is not primary beneficiary		2
Expected production of finished lots		7,300
Number of joint ventures		3
Other Assets [Member]
Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Aggregate investment		$ 78,600
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