| Document And Entity Information | Dec. 09, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Dec. 9, 2020 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 1-8551 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 22-1851059 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 90 Matawan Road |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Fifth Floor |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Matawan |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 07747 |
| City Area Code | 732 |
| Local Phone Number | 747-7800 |
| 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 | 0000357294 |
| ClassACommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | HOV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| PreferredStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
| SeriesAPreferredStock7625 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.625% Series A Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | HOVNP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
