Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity

	Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
Decrease in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$	(1,717	)	$	(154	)	$	(602	)
Decrease in future land purchase rights	—			—			(11,651		)
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	—			—			11,651
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(2,376		)	(9,402		)	(55,308		)
Contribution of Pre-Owned net assets for investment in unconsolidated entity	—			—			(19,670		)
Sale of interest in REIT for shares of AMH	26,040			—			—
Purchase of AMH shares in exchange for interest in REIT	(26,040		)	—			—
Non-cash land acquisitions	20,274			11,000			7,813
Issuance of stock under deferred bonus stock plans	103			68			—
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest payments	117,501			102,716			126,313
Income tax payments	212			403			831
Tax refunds received	33,271			6,730			2,568