Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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	62,800
Contract land deposits in cash	348,400
Letters of credit related to lots	1,700
Development Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Voting rights description	NVR has no voting rights in any of the development entities
Contract on Raw Ground with Land Owners [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Lots controlled by NVR	5,700
Contract land deposits	2,300
Letters of credit related to land contract	3,000
Refundable deposits and letters of credit	2,600