Segment Information, Nature of Operations, and Certain Concentrations - Profits (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Pre-tax compensation expense reversal attributable to an adjustment of the option forfeiture rates	$ 7,900

Increase decrease in share-based compensation expense due to change in estimated forfeiture rate.

No definition available.

Name:	nvr_IncreaseDecreaseInShareBasedCompensationExpenseDueToChangeInEstimatedForfeitureRate
Namespace Prefix:	nvr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration