Note 2 - Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Net income (loss) attributable to The New Home Company Inc.	$ (24,293)	$ 1,572	$ (32,769)	$ (415)
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	18,341,549	20,070,914	19,146,687	20,028,600
Stock options and unvested restricted stock units (in shares)	0	24,619	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	18,341,549	20,095,533	19,146,687	20,028,600
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to The New Home Company Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ (1.32)	$ 0.08	$ (1.71)	$ (0.02)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to The New Home Company Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ (1.32)	$ 0.08	$ (1.71)	$ (0.02)
Antidilutive stock options and unvested restricted stock units not included in diluted earnings (loss) per share (in shares)	1,897,100	1,349,106	1,841,463	1,292,726