Disclosures about reportable segments (Schedule of Capital Expenditures and Depreciation by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	$ 2,147	$ 1,901	$ 6,254	$ 5,374
Bowen Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	60	41	161	170
Citrus Groves Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	519	488	1,562	1,463
Sugarcane Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,049	787	2,969	2,061
Cattle Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	265	258	801	781
Land leasing and rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	104	45	321	135
All Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	1,997	1,619	5,814	4,610
Non - Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization	$ 150	$ 282	$ 440	$ 764