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Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
--- | --- | --- | ---
Total risk related to lot options |  |  |
Contract land deposits | $ 202,263 | $ 174,303 |
Contract land deposit reserve | (70,333) | (73,517) | (94,940)
Contract land deposits, net | 131,930 | 100,786 |
Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit | 3,228 | 6,610 |
Contingent specific performance obligations | 8,526 | 1,944 |
Total risk of loss | $ 143,684 | $ 109,340 |

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- Definition Contingent obligations in the form of letters of credit. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | nvr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Contingent specific performance obligations. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | nvr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The gross amount as of the balance sheet date of deposits paid to secure the right to purchase finished lots under fixed price purchase agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | nvr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Quantifies the entity's maximum exposure to loss related to contract land deposits. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | nvr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The net change during the reporting period in the reserve account established to account for expected but unspecified losses related to contract land deposits. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | nvr_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
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- Definition Carrying value of amounts transferred to third parties for security purposes that are expected to be returned or applied towards payment in the future. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
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