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Contracts Land Deposits (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Lot
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Lot
Contract Land Deposits (Textual) [Abstract]      
Lots controlled by NVR 48,400   48,200
Cash deposited related to lots $ 209,400   $ 202,300
Letters of credit related to lots 3,400   3,200
Pre-tax recovery of contract land deposits 1,000    
Pre-tax charges related to impairment of contract land deposits   1,300  
Contract land deposit asset impairment valuation allowance $ 69,100   $ 70,300