Segment Information (Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total unique subscribers at end of period	25,269	16,933
Revenues	$ 821,839	$ 553,219	$ 2,329,002	$ 1,566,703
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses	625,725	425,707	1,753,096	1,197,555
Contribution profit	196,114	127,512	575,906	369,148
Other operating expenses	99,272	58,011	261,710	163,960
Operating income	96,842	69,501	314,196	205,188
Other income (expense)	(3,219)	(4,092)	(11,509)	(12,051)
Provision for income taxes	31,163	27,442	111,780	79,379
Net income	62,460	37,967	190,907	113,758
Domestic [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Streaming subscriptions	21,448
DVD subscriptions	13,928
Total unique subscribers at end of period	23,789	16,800
Revenues	799,152	553,219	2,275,140	1,566,703
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses	579,720	423,013	1,655,828	1,194,861
Contribution profit	219,432	130,206	619,312	371,842
Other operating expenses	99,272	58,011	261,710	163,960
Operating income	120,160	72,195	357,602	207,882
International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total unique subscribers at end of period	1,480	133
Revenues	22,687		53,862
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses	46,005	2,694	97,268	2,694
Contribution profit	$ (23,318)	$ (2,694)	$ (43,406)	$ (2,694)