Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity:
Decrease in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	$ (2,916)	$ (1,617)
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(1)	(2,376)
Land acquisitions for debt	12,904	20,207
Non-cash capital expenditure	674	0
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity:
Interest payments	99,434	100,040
Income tax payments	474	$ 174
Non-cash seller financing	7,800
Lot takedowns	$ 5,100