Mortgage Loans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule of other mortgage loans and real estate owned
Other mortgage loans	$ 44.9	$ 42.8
Real estate owned	1.3	0.9
Other mortgage loans and real estate owned	$ 46.2	$ 43.7

Total other mortgage loans and real estate owned, before loss reserves.

No definition available.

Name:	dhi_OtherMortgageLoansAndRealEstateOwned
Namespace Prefix:	dhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant