Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) in Debt due to Conversion of Convertible Debt and Tangible Equity for Common Stock	$ (9,402)	$ (55,308)
(Decrease) increase in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	(1,501)	871
Decrease in future land purchase rights	0	(11,651)
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	0	11,651
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity: [Abstract]
Interest payments	48,944	60,145
Income tax payments	121	518
Tax refunds received	$ 3,925	$ 2,564