Related Party Transactions - Narrative Part 2 (Details) $ in Millions			1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 21, 2012	Jan. 02, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2013	May. 31, 2012	May. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009 item	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 item	Dec. 31, 2009 item	Dec. 31, 2008 item	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Additional paid-in capital difference, net of deferred taxes | $												$ 8
EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement Renewal Option Term	6 years
103 degree orbital location member
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to the related party | $								$ 23
Net book value of asset | $								20
Capital distribution | $								$ 3
EchoStar | Certain Sports Related Programming Broadcast Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term						10 years
EchoStar | EchoStar VIII
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notice period for termination of agreement				30 days
EchoStar | EchoStar XVI
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term from commencement of service date	4 years						10 years
Agreement Renewal Option Term	6 years
Additional term of renewal option	5 years
EchoStar | Telesat Transponder Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party										15 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services							32			32
EchoStar | DISH Nimiq 5 Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term										10 years
Number of DBS transponders currently used							32			32
EchoStar | QuetzSat-1 Lease Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term with third party											10 years
Number of DBS transponders available to receive services											32
Number of DBS transponders currently used											24
Number of transponders subleased									5
EchoStar | 103 degree orbital location member
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreement term					10 years
Agreement term from commencement of service date			10 years
EchoStar | TT&C Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity		60 days
EchoStar | 2012 Broadcast Agreement [Member] | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Required notice period for termination by the reporting entity		60 days