Interest - Schedule of Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs [Roll Forward]
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of period	$ 45,973	$ 36,884	$ 38,338
Interest incurred	124,918	130,818	127,316
Capitalized interest impaired	(275)	(1,907)	(2,313)
Interest expense not qualified for capitalization and included as other expense	(71,474)	(73,440)	(74,214)
Capitalized interest amortized to house construction and land sales expenses	(60,952)	(46,382)	(52,243)
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of period	$ 38,190	$ 45,973	$ 36,884