Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%
Lots controlled by NVR	63,900
Contract land deposits in cash	347,000
Letters of credit related to lots	2,400
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	5,000
Contract land deposits	3,200
Letters of credit related to land contract	2,500
Refundable deposits and letters of credit	3,100