Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Lot	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 411,150	$ 385,534
Variable Interest Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum range of deposits required under the purchase agreements	10.00%
Lots controlled by NVR | Lot	73,200
Contract land deposits in cash under Lot Purchase Agreements	$ 396,200
Letters of credit related to lots	$ 2,400
Contract on Raw Ground with Landowners [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Lots controlled by NVR | Lot	9,600
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 14,900
Refundable deposits	$ 1,400