Interest - Schedule of Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs [Roll Forward]
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of period	$ 38,190	$ 45,973
Interest incurred	28,418	32,525
Capitalized interest impaired	0	(28)
Interest expense not qualified for capitalization and included as other expense	16,211	19,117
Capitalized interest amortized to house construction and land sales expenses	(8,475)	(12,843)
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of period	$ 41,922	$ 46,510