v3.2.0.727
Segment Information - Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income (Details)
subscription in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
USD ($)
subscription
Jun. 30, 2014
USD ($)
subscription
Jun. 30, 2015
USD ($)
subscription
Jun. 30, 2014
USD ($)
subscription
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total memberships at end of period | subscription [1] 0 0 0 0  
Revenues $ 1,644,694 $ 1,340,407 $ 3,217,823 $ 2,610,496  
Cost of revenues 1,121,752 914,848 2,168,153 1,784,034  
Marketing 197,140 120,763 391,817 257,861  
Contribution profit (loss) 325,802 304,796 657,853 568,601  
Other operating expenses 250,967 175,196 485,562 341,406  
Operating income 74,835 129,600 172,291 227,195  
Other income (expense) (34,345) (12,228) (93,375) (20,879)  
Provision for income taxes 14,155 46,354 28,885 82,183  
Net income 26,335 71,018 50,031 124,133  
Amortization of content library 843,413 $ 655,960 1,614,116 $ 1,272,816  
Total content library, net $ 6,151,713   $ 6,151,713   $ 4,899,028
Domestic Streaming [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total memberships at end of period | subscription [1] 42,300 36,244 42,300 36,244  
Revenues $ 1,025,913 $ 838,225 $ 2,010,445 $ 1,636,842  
Cost of revenues 612,691 546,223 1,195,220 1,063,317  
Marketing 73,427 64,727 162,978 144,985  
Contribution profit (loss) 339,795 227,275 652,247 428,540  
Amortization of content library 462,228 $ 409,896 894,217 $ 796,211  
Total content library, net $ 4,213,101   $ 4,213,101   3,476,226
International Streaming [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total memberships at end of period | subscription [1] 23,251 13,801 23,251 13,801  
Revenues $ 454,763 $ 307,461 $ 870,160 $ 574,579  
Cost of revenues 422,966 266,697 798,244 511,964  
Marketing 123,713 56,036 228,839 112,876  
Contribution profit (loss) (91,916) (15,272) (156,923) (50,261)  
Amortization of content library 360,372 $ 229,141 677,901 $ 443,561  
Total content library, net $ 1,910,847   $ 1,910,847   1,392,701
Domestic DVD [Member]          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Total memberships at end of period | subscription [1] 5,314 6,261 5,314 6,261  
Revenues $ 164,018 $ 194,721 $ 337,218 $ 399,075  
Cost of revenues 86,095 101,928 174,689 208,753  
Marketing 0 0 0 0  
Contribution profit (loss) 77,923 92,793 162,529 190,322  
Amortization of content library 20,813 $ 16,923 41,998 $ 33,044  
Total content library, net $ 27,765   $ 27,765   $ 30,101
[1] A membership (also referred to as a subscription or member) is defined as the right to receive either the Netflix streaming service or Netflix DVD service. Memberships are assigned to territories based on the geographic location used at time of sign up as determined by the Company's internal systems, which utilize industry standard geo-location technology. The Company offers free-trial memberships to new and certain rejoining members. For inclusion in the definition of a membership in the above metrics, a method of payment is required to be provided even during the free-trial period. Total memberships therefore include those who are on a free-trial and have provided a method of payment. A membership is canceled and ceases to be reflected in the above metrics as of the effective cancellation date. Voluntary cancellations become effective at the end of the prepaid membership period, while involuntary cancellation of the service, as a result of a failed method of payment, becomes effective immediately.