Interest - Schedule of Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs [Roll Forward]
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of period	$ 41,922	$ 46,510	$ 38,190	$ 45,973
Interest incurred	29,177	32,190	57,595	64,715
Capitalized interest impaired	0	(25)	0	(53)
Interest expense not qualified for capitalization and included as other expense	16,246	18,797	32,457	37,914
Capitalized interest amortized to house construction and land sales expenses	(9,352)	(12,636)	(17,827)	(25,479)
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of period	$ 45,501	$ 47,242	$ 45,501	$ 47,242