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Contingencies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Warranty reserves
Changes in our warranty reserves are as follows for the periods presented:
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
$
16,084

 
$
11,663

 
$
15,477

Accruals for warranties issued (a)
10,356

 
6,087

 
5,897

Changes in liability related to warranties existing in prior periods (b)
30,482

 
9,836

 
(2,856
)
Payments made (b)
(29,241
)
 
(11,502
)
 
(6,855
)
Balance at end of period
$
27,681

 
$
16,084

 
$
11,663


(a) Accruals for warranties issued is a function of the number of home closings in the period, the average selling prices of the homes closed and the rates of accrual per home estimated as a percentage of the selling price of the home. The increase in the amount of accrual in the current fiscal year compared to the comparable prior year periods is mainly due to an increase in the average selling prices of homes closed, as well as increases in certain divisions' accrual rates.
(b) Changes in liability related to warranties existing in prior periods and payments made increased in the current period primarily due to charges and subsequent payments related to water intrusion issues in certain of our communities located in Florida. Refer to separate discussion below.