Balance Sheet Components - Components of Content Library (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Total content library, gross	$ 8,013,370	$ 6,474,688
Accumulated amortization	(3,374,507)	(2,677,196)
Total content library, net	4,638,863	3,797,492
Current content library, net	2,006,981	1,706,421
Non-current content library, net	$ 2,631,882	$ 2,091,071

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