Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (4,584)	$ 60,233
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Additions to streaming content library	(764,893)	(192,307)
Change in streaming content liabilities	397,553	84,048
Amortization of streaming content library	339,736	85,937
Amortization of DVD content library	20,046	26,990
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles	11,331	9,826
Stock-based compensation expense	19,332	12,264
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(3,755)	(15,654)
Other non-cash items	(1,519)	(925)
Deferred taxes	(10,843)	(4,982)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid content	2,994	(12,380)
Other current assets	11,741	9,498
Accounts payable	(1,756)	15,232
Accrued expenses	1,783	20,293
Deferred revenue	1,806	15,862
Other non-current assets and liabilities	137	2,388
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,109	116,323
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of DVD content library	(13,528)	(22,119)
Purchases of short-term investments	(299,467)	(52,266)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	172,335	14,961
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	8,275	650
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,766)	(16,320)
Other assets	1,334	1,419
Net cash used in investing activities	(135,817)	(73,675)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	1,224	6,762
Financing costs	388	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	(108,643)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,755	15,654
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	(559)	(501)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,032	(86,728)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	615	0
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(112,061)	(44,080)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	508,053	194,499
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 395,992	$ 150,419