Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
Decrease in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$ (1,486)	$ (1,501)
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(2,376)	(9,402)
Land acquisitions for debt	16,833	0
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest payments	60,396	48,944
Income tax payments	91	121
Tax refunds received	$ 0	$ 3,925