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Note 18 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Oct. 30, 2012 | Oct. 31, 2012 | Oct. 31, 2012
Loss Contingency, Fine Assessed (in Dollars) | $ 120,000 |  |
Consent Decree, Termination Period | 3 years |  |
Number of Projects During Period |  | 2 |
Potential Class, Number of Homes |  |  | 1,065

X
- Definition Minimum number of years of consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hov_ConsentDecreeTerminationPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | hov_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The value (monetary amount) of the penalties assessed related to a consent decree from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hov_LossContingencyFineAssessed
Namespace Prefix: | hov_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of communities where notices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were received concerning alleged violations of stormwater discharge permits. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hov_NumberOfProjectsDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | hov_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of homes in the potential class related to class action law suit filed against Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. and K. Hovnanian Venture I, L.L.C. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | hov_PotentialClassNumberOfHomes
Namespace Prefix: | hov_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration