Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$ 640	$ (16,306)
(Decrease) increase in future land purchase rights	(11,651)	17,220
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	11,651	0
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(55,308)	0
Contribution of pre-owned net assets for investment in unconsolidated entity	(19,670)	0
Non-cash land acquisitions	7,813	770
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans	0	65
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity: [Abstract]
Interest payments	109,691	106,609
Income tax payments	751	521
Tax refunds received	$ 2,565	$ 3,982