Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) Lot	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 392,503	$ 411,150
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	79,100
Contract land deposits in cash under Lot Purchase Agreements	$ 380,900
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	8,400
Contract land deposits in cash	$ 11,600
Letters of credit related to land contract	200
Refundable deposits and letters of credit	$ 5,500