Note 2 - Computation of Loss Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Net loss attributable to The New Home Company Inc.	$ (8,476)	$ (1,987)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	19,951,825	19,986,394
Stock options and unvested restricted stock units (in shares)	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	19,951,825	19,986,394
Basic loss per share attributable to The New Home Company Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ (0.42)	$ (0.10)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.42)	$ (0.10)
Antidilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock units not included in diluted loss per share (in shares)	1,785,826	1,451,485