Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	62,500
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 335,100
Letters of credit related to lots	1,700
Contract with Land Owners [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Lots controlled by NVR	6,400
Contract land deposits	2,800
Letters of credit related to land contract	4,000
Refundable deposits and letters of credit	$ 5,500
Development Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Voting rights description	NVR has no voting rights in any of the development entities