Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2011 South Edge	Dec. 31, 2013 Inspirada	May 03, 2012 Inspirada	Dec. 31, 2013 the REIT	May 03, 2012 the REIT home
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Beazer homes' ownership interest in guarantor subsidiaries (less than 10% in Inspirada Builders LLC)	100.00%					10.00%	15.00%	23.50%
Settlement of unconsolidated entity debt obligation	$ 0	$ 500,000		$ 15,900,000
Decrease in future land purchase rights					11,700,000
Joint Venture Obligation	6,700,000
Equity Method Investments								300,000
Number of pre-owned homes owned								190
Number of Pre-owned homes owned and leased								187
Payment to settle repayment guarantee obligation			500,000
Other income recorded on settlement of guarantee obligation			$ 200,000