Balance Sheet Components (Components of Content Library ) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
Total content library, gross	$ 3,987,374	$ 3,151,439
Accumulated amortization	(1,615,931)	(1,184,796)
Total content library, net	2,371,443	1,966,643
Current content library, net	1,223,638	919,709
Non-current content library, net	1,147,805	1,046,934
Streaming [Member]
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
Total content library, gross	3,434,683	2,552,284
Accumulated amortization	(1,091,253)	(632,270)
Total content library, net	2,343,430	1,920,014
Current content library, net	1,223,638	919,709
Non-current content library, net	1,119,792	1,000,305
DVD [Member]
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
Total content library, gross	552,691	599,155
Accumulated amortization	(524,678)	(552,526)
Total content library, net	28,013	46,629
Current content library, net	0	0
Non-current content library, net	$ 28,013	$ 46,629