Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
(Decrease) increase in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$ (602)	$ (25,277)	$ 4,310
(Decrease) increase in future land purchase rights	(11,651)	11,651	0
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	11,651	0	0
Increase in repayment guarantee obligation	0	15,670	0
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(55,308)	0	0
Contribution of pre-owned net assets for investment in unconsolidated entity	(19,670)	0	0
Non-cash land acquisitions	7,813	770	515
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans	0	101	2,337
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest payments	126,313	116,049	113,885
Income tax payments	831	405	655
Tax refunds received	$ 2,568	$ 5,823	$ 135,803