Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cash Land Acquisitions	$ 0	$ 7,813
Contribution of Pre-Owned Net Assets for Investment in Unconsolidated REIT	0	(19,670)
Decrease in debt related to conversion of Mandatory Convertible Subordinated Notes and Tangible Equity Units for common stock	(9,402)	(55,308)
(Decrease) increase in obligations related to land not owned under option agreements	(1,883)	640
Decrease in future land purchase rights	0	(11,651)
Contribution of future land purchase rights to unconsolidated entities	0	11,651
Supplemental disclosure of cash activity: [Abstract]
Interest payments	92,742	109,691
Income tax payments	133	751
Tax refunds received	$ 3,925	$ 2,565