Inventory - Summary of Interests in Lot Option Agreements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	$ 24,923		$ 20,097
Remaining obligations	198,498		225,230
Land not owned under option agreements	12,420		11,753
Consolidated VIEs
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	7,203		6,201
Remaining obligations	3,346		1,214
Land not owned under option agreements	10,549		7,415
Other Consolidated Lot Option Agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	430	[1]	164	[1]
Remaining obligations	1,441	[1]	4,175	[1]
Land not owned under option agreements	1,871	[1]	4,338	[1]
Unconsolidated Lot Option Agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	17,290		13,732
Remaining obligations	193,711		219,841
Land not owned under option agreements	$ 0		$ 0

[1] Represents lot option agreements with non-VIE entities that we have deemed to be “financing arrangements” pursuant to ASC 470-40, Product Financing Arrangements.