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Contingencies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Warranty reserves
Changes in warranty reserves are as follows for the periods presented:
 
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Balance at beginning of period
$
18,091

 
$
39,131

 
$
27,681

Accruals for warranties issued (a)
13,755

 
14,215

 
13,835

Changes in liability related to warranties existing in prior periods (b)
(2,401
)
 
4,807

 
53,109

Payments made (b)
(14,114
)
 
(40,062
)
 
(55,494
)
Balance at end of period
$
15,331

 
$
18,091

 
$
39,131


(a) Accruals for warranties issued are a function of the number of home closings in the period, the selling prices of the homes closed and the rates of accrual per home estimated as a percentage of the selling price of the home.
(b) Changes in liability related to warranties existing and payments made in all periods are elevated in 2017 and 2016 due to charges and subsequent payments related to water intrusion issues in certain of our communities located in Florida (refer to separate discussion below).