Balance Sheet Components (Components Of Content Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Current content liabilities	$ 1,366,847	$ 935,036
Non-current content liabilities	1,076,622	739,628
Total content liabilities	$ 2,443,469	$ 1,674,664

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of content liabilities incurred and payable to vendors for content received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

No definition available.

Name:	nflx_ContentAccountsPayableCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	nflx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant