Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - Income (Loss), Impairments From, and Equity In Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Settlement of Unconsolidated JV Debt Obligation			$ 15,862	$ 0
(Decrease) increase in future land purchase rights			(11,651)	17,220
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entity activity	48	63	(25)	464
Impairment of unconsolidated entity investment	0	0	0	(92)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated entities - continuing operations	48	63	(25)	372
Loss from unconsolidated entity activity	(1)	(1)	(1)	(18)
Impairment of unconsolidated entity investment	0	(163)	(36)	(495)
Beazer's estimate of its maximum exposure to our repayment guarantees	696		696		17,916
Discontinued Operations
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities - discontinued operations	(1)	(164)	(37)	(513)
South Edge
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Settlement of Unconsolidated JV Debt Obligation			15,900
Inspirada
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
(Decrease) increase in future land purchase rights			$ 11,700