Inventory - Summary of Interests in Lot Option Agreements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	$ 24,392		$ 24,923
Remaining obligations	213,026		198,498
Land not owned under option agreements	9,205		12,420
Consolidated VIEs
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	5,289		7,203
Remaining obligations	2,650		3,346
Land not owned under option agreements	7,939		10,549
Other consolidated lot option agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	291	[1]	430	[1]
Remaining obligations	975	[1]	1,441	[1]
Land not owned under option agreements	1,266	[1]	1,871	[1]
Unconsolidated lot option agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	18,812		17,290
Remaining obligations	209,401		193,711
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.