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Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) (USD $)
 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Nov. 02, 2011
Feb. 14, 2011
Apr. 30, 2014
Oct. 31, 2013
Oct. 31, 2014
Oct. 31, 2013
Oct. 31, 2012
Jan. 10, 2014
Apr. 11, 2012
Nov. 05, 2014
Sep. 16, 2013
Aug. 08, 2005
Feb. 27, 2006
Jun. 12, 2006
Jun. 02, 2013
Apr. 30, 2012
Oct. 31, 2014
Feb. 15, 2014
Oct. 20, 2009
Oct. 02, 2012
Nov. 03, 2003
Mar. 18, 2004
May 03, 2004
Nov. 30, 2004
May 31, 2011
Feb. 09, 2014
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                   7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage                
Debt Covenant Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Minimum         2.0hov_DebtCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum                       2.0hov_DebtCovenantFixedChargeCoverageRatioMinimum                  
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage         7.625%us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage 100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage                                                  
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)     $ (1,155,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt $ (760,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt $ (1,155,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt $ (760,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt $ (29,066,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt                                      
Tangible Equity Units, Rate   7.25%hov_TangibleEquityUnitsRate     7.25%hov_TangibleEquityUnitsRate                       7.25%hov_TangibleEquityUnitsRate                  
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)   286,200,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt                                                
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)   60,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount         33,200,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount                                      
Cash Paid in Debt Exchange (in Dollars) 14,200,000hov_CashPaidInDebtExchange                                                  
Interest Paid in Debt Exchange (in Dollars) 3,300,000hov_InterestPaidInDebtExchange                                                  
Debt Issuance Cost (in Dollars) 4,700,000us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCosts                                                  
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures (in Dollars)       51,438,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures 63,883,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures 51,438,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures                     63,883,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures                  
Senior Exchangeable Notes Exchanged for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)       18,305hov_SeniorExchangeableNotesExchangedForClassACommonStock   18,305hov_SeniorExchangeableNotesExchangedForClassACommonStock                                        
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage               107.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         107.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= hov_RedemptionWithNetCashProceedsFromCertainEquityOfferingsMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Redemption With Net Cash Proceeds From Certain Equity Offerings [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         109.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed               35.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage               100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed         35.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         105.438%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_FirstLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed         35.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         106.844%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SecondLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage               103.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         103.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_FirstLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         104.563%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SecondLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage               101.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         101.813%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_FirstLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         102.281%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
= us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SecondLienNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage               100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Common Class A [Member] | Common Stock [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in Shares)             25,000,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
/ us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis
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= us-gaap_CommonStockMember		   25,000,000us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
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Subsequent Event [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                   8.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                   250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
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Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)                   245,700,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis
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Net of Discount [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                     770,900,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
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Portion Redeeemed [Member] | Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)                                       159,800,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
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Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)                                       181,800,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
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Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		     5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The502021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                     5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars) 141,800,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
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Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
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/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		     2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                     2.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars) 53,200,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                  
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 6.5% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                         6.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SixPointFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		          
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                         215,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SixPointFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		          
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 6.375% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                           6.375%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SixPointThreeSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		        
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                           150,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SixPointThreeSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandFourteenMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		        
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 9.125 % Senior Notes Due 2009 [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                             9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_NinePointOneTwoFivePercentSEniorNotesDueTwoThousandNineNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		      
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                             150,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_NinePointOneTwoFivePercentSEniorNotesDueTwoThousandNineNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		      
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                               6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		    
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                               200,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		    
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                     6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                     41,600,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage                       6.46%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                            
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage                     100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                            
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                         7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                          
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                         300,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                          
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage                         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                          
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                           8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                        
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                           250,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                        
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage                           100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                        
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 10.625% Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                     10.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 10.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                     785,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		           12,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		  
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)             (87,000,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                      
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)                                       637,200,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)                                       691,300,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_TenPointSixTwoFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 11.5% Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                     11.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_ElevenPointFivePercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		              
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 18% Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                     18.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_EighteenPercentSeniorNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		              
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage   11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)   155,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage   100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 8% Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage   8.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_EightPercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwelveMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)   24,600,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_EightPercentSeniorNotesDueTwoThousandTwelveMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)   44,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_EightPointEightSevenFiveSeniorSubordinatedNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                                
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member] | Secured Group [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures (in Dollars)         59,100,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMemberAnd502021NotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= hov_SecuredGroupMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                       59,100,000us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMemberAnd502021NotesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= hov_SecuredGroupMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 2.0% 2021 Notes Member and 5.0% 2021 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount (in Dollars)         120,400,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMemberAnd502021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                       120,400,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The202021NotesMemberAnd502021NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                     7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		     7.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                       577,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                     9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		     9.125%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                       220,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		            
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | Restricted Cash [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities (in Dollars)       5,200,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= hov_RestrictedCashMember
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 5,600,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= hov_RestrictedCashMember
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		 5,200,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= hov_RestrictedCashMember
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                     5,600,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis
= hov_RestrictedCashMember
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Senior Secured Notes [Member] | The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount (in Dollars)         673,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                       673,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Cash Collateral for Borrowed Securities (in Dollars)         168,600,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                       168,600,000us-gaap_CashCollateralForBorrowedSecurities
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                  
Senior Secured Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)             9,300,000us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorSecuredNotesMember		                                      
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage   8.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_EightPointEightSevenFiveSeniorSubordinatedNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember		                                                
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | 7.75% Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage   7.75%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SevenPointSevenFivePercentSeniorSubordinatedNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember		                                                
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)   29,200,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SevenPointSevenFivePercentSeniorSubordinatedNotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorSubordinatedNotesMember		                                                
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                     6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2016 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                   6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)             21,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)             7,800,000hov_DebtInstrumentExchangedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                   7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)             61,100,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)             4,000,000hov_DebtInstrumentExchangedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 8.625% 2017 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		   8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		               8.625%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)             37,400,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Debt Instrument, Exchanged Face Amount (in Dollars)             18,300,000hov_DebtInstrumentExchangedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		   18,300,000hov_DebtInstrumentExchangedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The86252017NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                  
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 11.875% 2015 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                   11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)             2,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The118752015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		 7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                     7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                  
Unsecured Senior Notes Excluding Senior Amortizing Notes And Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars) 195,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                                  
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)             48,400,000us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)                 75,400,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)             72,200,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_UnsecuredSeniorNotesExcludingSeniorAmortizingNotesAndSeniorExchangeableNotesMember		                                      
Senior Notes [Member] | The 6.25% 2015 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                                   6.25%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)         (1,200,000)us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                          
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)                                                   21,400,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The6252015NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.5% 2016 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                 7.50%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount (in Dollars)                 4,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The752016NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                  
Senior Notes [Member] | The 7.0% 2019 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage               7.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                    
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)               150,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                    
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt (in Dollars)               147,800,000us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The702019NotesMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                                    
Senior Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Collateral (in Dollars)         92,100,000hov_DebtCollateral
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                       92,100,000hov_DebtCollateral
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember		                  
First Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_FirstLienNotesMember		                                          
Second Lien Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage         100.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SecondLienNotesMember		                                          
Exchangeable Note Units [Member] | The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage                                       6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Debt Instrument, Face Amount (in Dollars)                                       100,000,000us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage                                       5.17%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Note Units Number                                       100,000hov_NoteUnitsNumber
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Note Units Stated Amount (in Dollars per Item)                                       1,000hov_NoteUnitsStatedAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Note Units Initial Principal Amount Exchangeable Note (in Dollars per Item)                                       768.51hov_NoteUnitsInitialPrincipalAmountExchangeableNote
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Note Units Principal Amount At Maturity (in Dollars per Item)                                       1,000hov_NoteUnitsPrincipalAmountAtMaturity
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Note Units Initial Principal Amount Senior Amortizing Note (in Dollars per Item)                                       231.49hov_NoteUnitsInitialPrincipalAmountSeniorAmortizingNote
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Convertible Debt Shares Issued Upon Conversion (in Dollars per Item)                                       185.5288hov_ConvertibleDebtSharesIssuedUponConversion
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Share Price For Exchangeable Note Conversion (in Dollars per Item)                                       5.39hov_SharePriceForExchangeableNoteConversion
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		            
Senior Exchangeable Notes Exchanged for Class A Common Stock (in Shares)         18,305hov_SeniorExchangeableNotesExchangedForClassACommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		                       18,305hov_SeniorExchangeableNotesExchangedForClassACommonStock
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		                  
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued (in Shares)         3,400,000us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		                                          
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member] | The 11.0% 2017 Amortizing Note [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage       11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The1102017AmortizingNoteMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		 11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The1102017AmortizingNoteMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		 11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The1102017AmortizingNoteMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		                     11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The1102017AmortizingNoteMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		     11.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The1102017AmortizingNoteMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		            
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Interest (in Dollars)         30.00us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		                   39.83us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		                      
Senior Amortizing Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Amount (in Dollars)                               3,100,000us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		                    
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt (in Dollars)             200,000us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_SeniorAmortizingNotesMember		                                      
Additional and Make-Whole Amount [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage 1.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_AdditionalAndMakeWholeAmountMember		                                                  
11.875% Notes Supplemental Indenture [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 11.875%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_ElevenPointEightSevenFivePercentNotesSupplementalIndentureMember		                                                  
The 7.25% 2020 Notes and 9.125% 2020 Notes [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount (in Dollars)                                 $ 3,300,000us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The7252020NotesAnd91252020NotesMember		                  
The 6.00% Exchangeable Note Units [Member]                                                    
Note 9 - Senior Secured, Senior, Senior Amortizing, Senior Exchangeable and Senior Subordinated Amortizing Notes (Details) [Line Items]                                                    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage         6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember		                       6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= hov_The600ExchangeableNoteUnitsMember