Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Lot	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014 Development Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%
Power of developer's equity holders to direct operating activities of the development entity	100.00%
Voting rights description			NVR has no voting rights in any of the development entities
Lots controlled by NVR	59,400
Contract land deposits	$ 303,933	$ 296,646
Letters of credit related to lots	$ 2,429	$ 2,459