Inventory - Summary of Interests in Lot Option Agreements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	$ 25,022		$ 24,923
Remaining obligations	206,904		198,498
Land not owned under option agreements	8,375		12,420
Consolidated VIEs
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	4,899		7,203
Remaining obligations	2,650		3,346
Land not owned under option agreements	7,549		10,549
Other consolidated lot option agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	190	[1]	430	[1]
Remaining obligations	636	[1]	1,441	[1]
Land not owned under option agreements	826	[1]	1,871	[1]
Unconsolidated lot option agreements
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Deposits and non-refundable preacquisition costs incurred	19,933		17,290
Remaining obligations	203,618		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.