Interest - Schedule of Capitalized Interest (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Real Estate Inventory, Capitalized Interest Costs [Roll Forward]
Capitalized interest in inventory, beginning of period	$ 45,501	$ 47,242	$ 38,190	$ 45,973
Interest incurred	28,766	31,235	86,361	95,950
Capitalized interest impaired	0	(222)	0	(275)
Interest expense not qualified for capitalization and included as other expense	14,252	17,233	46,709	55,147
Capitalized interest amortized to house construction and land sales expenses	(9,996)	(15,649)	(27,823)	(41,128)
Capitalized interest in inventory, end of period	$ 50,019	$ 45,373	$ 50,019	$ 45,373