| Document And Entity Information | Oct. 13, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | The New Home Company Inc. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Oct. 13, 2020 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-36283 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 27-0560089 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 85 Enterprise, Suite 450 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Aliso Viejo |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 92656 |
| City Area Code | 949 |
| Local Phone Number | 382-7800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001574596 |
| CommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NWHM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| SeriesAJuniorParticipatingPreferredSharePurchaseRights Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Series A Junior Participating Preferred Share Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
