Balance Sheet Components (Components of Content Library ) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Total content library, gross	$ 5,376,681	$ 5,001,524
Accumulated amortization	(2,408,502)	(2,127,354)
Total content library, net	2,968,179	2,874,170
Current content library, net	1,391,505	1,368,162
Non-current content library, net	$ 1,576,674	$ 1,506,008

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts paid for streaming content and DVDs which met the criteria for capitalization, net of related accumulated amortization, which is expected to be used beyond one year.

No definition available.

Name:	nflx_ContentLibraryNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	nflx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant