| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 23, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | New Home Co Inc. |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001574596 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 23, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36283 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 27-0560089 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6730 N Scottsdale Rd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 290 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Scottsdale |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85253 |
| City Area Code | (602) |
| Local Phone Number | 767-1426 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | NWHM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
