Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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%
Lots controlled by NVR	60,900
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 306,200
Letters of credit related to lots	2,400
Contract with Land Owners [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Lots controlled by NVR	4,900
Contract land deposits	3,500
Letters of credit related to land contract	4,000
Refundable deposits and letters of credit	$ 7,300
Development Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Voting rights description	NVR has no voting rights in any of the development entities