Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
(Decrease) increase in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$ (154)	$ (602)	$ (25,277)
(Decrease) increase in future land purchase rights	0	(11,651)	11,651
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	0	11,651	0
Increase in repayment guarantee obligation	0	0	15,670
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(9,402)	(55,308)	0
Contribution of pre-owned net assets for investment in unconsolidated entity	0	(19,670)	0
Non-cash land acquisitions	11,000	7,813	770
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans	68	0	101
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest payments	102,716	126,313	116,049
Income tax payments	403	831	405
Tax refunds received	$ 6,730	$ 2,568	$ 5,823