Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 South Edge	Mar. 31, 2013 Inspirada	May 03, 2012 Inspirada	Mar. 31, 2013 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%	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	0		696,000						700,000
Payment to settle repayment guarantee obligation	500,000
Other income recorded on settlement of guarantee obligation	$ 200,000