Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 South Edge	Dec. 31, 2012 Inspirada	May 03, 2012 Inspirada	Dec. 31, 2012 the REIT	May 03, 2012 the REIT home	Sep. 30, 2012 Other Liabilities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Beazer homes' ownership interest in guarantor subsidiaries (less than 10% in Inspirada Builders LLC)	100.00%					10.00%	15.14%	23.50%
Settlement of unconsolidated entity debt obligation	$ 500,000	$ 15,862,000		$ 15,900,000
Decrease in future land purchase rights	0	(11,651,000)			11,700,000
Equity Method Investments								300,000
Number of pre-owned homes owned								190
Number of Pre-owned homes owned and leased								187
Repayment guarantee included in Other Liabilities	0		696,000						700,000
Payment to settle repayment guarantee obligation	500,000
Other income recorded on settlement of guarantee obligation	$ 200,000