Netflix (NFLX) 10-Q 16 Oct 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NETFLIX INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,065,280
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	427,388,288

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,738,355	$ 1,409,432	$ 4,956,178	$ 4,019,928
Cost of revenues	1,173,958	954,394	3,342,111	2,738,428
Marketing	208,102	145,654	599,919	403,515
Technology and development	171,762	120,953	469,929	346,445
General and administrative	110,892	78,024	298,287	193,938
Operating income	73,641	110,407	245,932	337,602
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(35,333)	(13,486)	(97,287)	(36,866)
Interest and other income (expense)	3,930	616	(27,491)	3,117
Income before income taxes	42,238	97,537	121,154	303,853
Provision for income taxes	12,806	38,242	41,691	120,425
Net income	$ 29,432	$ 59,295	$ 79,463	$ 183,428
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ 0.44
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.14	$ 0.18	$ 0.42
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	426,869	421,194	425,289	419,972
Diluted (in shares)	437,606	432,742	435,849	431,683

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 29,432	$ 59,295	$ 79,463	$ 183,428
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	302	(4,354)	(33,628)	(1,975)
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(45), $(313), $113 and $28, respectively	(72)	(503)	184	45
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	230	(4,857)	(33,444)	(1,930)
Comprehensive income	$ 29,662	$ 54,438	$ 46,019	$ 181,498

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ (45)	$ (313)	$ 113	$ 28

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 29,432	$ 59,295	$ 79,463	$ 183,428
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Additions to streaming content library	(1,308,943)	(1,202,484)	(4,194,545)	(2,765,197)
Change in streaming content liabilities	104,684	346,752	922,163	467,355
Amortization of streaming content library	871,403	686,154	2,443,521	1,925,926
Amortization of DVD content library	18,589	18,269	60,587	51,313
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles	16,047	14,357	46,795	39,716
Stock-based compensation expense	32,834	29,878	88,865	84,988
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(37,726)	(21,060)	(106,154)	(68,420)
Other non-cash items	10,866	3,360	23,854	8,807
Deferred taxes	(29,417)	(7,892)	(70,691)	(37,564)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets	71,172	12,960	54,667	27,341
Accounts payable	6,762	13,003	2,584	32,729
Accrued expenses	10,883	(6,980)	88,429	51,586
Deferred revenue	27,985	11,626	55,153	37,189
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(20,540)	5,323	615	15,747
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(195,969)	(37,439)	(504,694)	54,944
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of DVD content library	(14,467)	(15,530)	(57,159)	(51,425)
Purchases of property and equipment	(37,820)	(21,032)	(78,394)	(54,235)
Other assets	(3,760)	341	(4,174)	1,765
Purchases of short-term investments	(66,444)	(123,883)	(225,333)	(355,337)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	43,887	107,568	144,247	340,278
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	31,125	32,125	82,182	127,229
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(47,479)	(20,411)	(138,631)	8,275
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	35,089	9,877	69,809	56,794
Proceeds from issuance of debt	0	0	1,500,000	400,000
Issuance costs	0	0	(17,629)	(7,080)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	37,726	21,060	106,154	68,420
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	(61)	(275)	(599)	(813)
Net cash provided by financing activities	72,754	30,662	1,657,735	517,321
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(7,741)	(3,839)	(12,581)	(2,288)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(178,435)	(31,027)	1,001,829	578,252
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,293,872	1,214,244	1,113,608	604,965
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,115,437	1,183,217	2,115,437	1,183,217
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable related to purchases of property and equipment	$ (9,790)	$ (1,362)	$ 2,362	$ 4,431

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,115,437	$ 1,113,608
Short-term investments	494,205	494,888
Current content library, net	2,695,184	2,125,702
Other current assets	264,887	206,271
Total current assets	5,569,713	3,940,469
Non-current content library, net	3,891,790	2,773,326
Property and equipment, net	181,268	149,875
Other non-current assets	273,496	192,981
Total assets	9,916,267	7,056,651
Current liabilities:
Current content liabilities	2,622,964	2,117,241
Accounts payable	209,365	201,581
Accrued expenses	179,350	69,746
Deferred revenue	329,739	274,586
Total current liabilities	3,341,418	2,663,154
Non-current content liabilities	1,966,854	1,575,832
Long-term debt	2,400,000	900,000
Other non-current liabilities	40,677	59,957
Total liabilities	$ 7,748,949	$ 5,198,943
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 4,990,000,000 and 160,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively; 427,388,288 and 422,910,887 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	$ 1,306,461	$ 1,042,870
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(37,890)	(4,446)
Retained earnings	898,747	819,284
Total stockholders’ equity	2,167,318	1,857,708
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 9,916,267	$ 7,056,651

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	4,990,000,000	160,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	427,388,288	422,910,887
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	427,388,288	422,910,887

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements of Netflix, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) and are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 29, 2015. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the streaming content library amortization policy; the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities; and the valuation of stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the assumptions, judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The interim financial information is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the information set forth herein. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. The Company has three reportable segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD. The majority of the Company’s revenues are generated in the United States, and substantially all of the Company’s long-lived tangible assets are held in the United States. The Company’s revenues are derived from monthly membership fees. There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Prior to January 1, 2015, the functional currency of certain of the Company's European entities was the British pound. The Company changed the functional currency of these entities to the euro effective January 1, 2015 following the redomiciliation of the European headquarters and the launch of the Netflix service in several significant European countries. The change in functional currency was applied prospectively from January 1, 2015. Monetary assets and liabilities have been remeasured to the euro at current exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities have been remeasured to the euro using the exchange rate effective for the period in which the balance arose. As a result of this change of functional currency, the Company recorded a $21.8 million cumulative translation adjustment included in other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. On July 14, 2015, the Company completed a seven -for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend. References made to outstanding shares or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this seven -for-one stock split. The number of authorized shares as reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was not affected by the stock split and accordingly has not been adjusted. See Notes 2 and 6 for additional information. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company changed the amortization method of certain content given changes in estimated viewing patterns of this content. The effect of this change in estimate was a $12.8 million decrease in operating income and an $8.0 million decrease in net income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. The effect on both basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share was a decrease of $0.02 , for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early adoption is permitted to the original effective date of December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the impact to be material. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016, at which time the Company will retrospectively reclassify approximately $30 million of debt issuance costs associated with the Company's long-term debt from other non-current assets to long-term debt. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract. The Company has elected to early adopt the ASU in the third quarter of 2015 and will apply the guidance prospectively to all future arrangements. The impact of the adoption of the ASU was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share In June 2015, the Company's Board of Directors declared a seven -for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend that was paid on July 14, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of July 2, 2015 ("Stock Split"). Outstanding share and per-share amounts disclosed as of September 30, 2015 and for all other comparative periods provided have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options. The computation of earnings per share, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split, are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 29,432 $ 59,295 $ 79,463 $ 183,428 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 426,869 421,194 425,289 419,972 Basic earnings per share $ 0.07 $ 0.14 $ 0.19 $ 0.44 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 29,432 $ 59,295 $ 79,463 $ 183,428 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 426,869 421,194 425,289 419,972 Employee stock options 10,737 11,548 10,560 11,711 Weighted-average number of shares 437,606 432,742 435,849 431,683 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.07 $ 0.14 $ 0.18 $ 0.42 Employee stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common stock were excluded from the diluted calculation as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands) Employee stock options 130 371 668 448

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Short-term Investments	Short-term Investments The Company’s investment policy is consistent with the definition of available-for-sale securities. The Company does not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. The Company’s policy is focused on preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, the Company may sell certain securities but the objectives are generally not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. The following tables summarize, by major security type, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy and where they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: As of September 30, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated (in thousands) Cash $ 2,008,627 $ — $ — $ 2,008,627 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 115,316 — — 115,316 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 251,192 406 (467 ) 251,131 Government securities 212,256 599 (9 ) 212,846 Certificate of deposits 3,600 — — 3,600 Agency securities 26,599 29 — 26,628 Total $ 2,617,590 $ 1,034 $ (476 ) $ 2,618,148 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value (in thousands) Cash $ 1,007,543 $ — $ — $ 1,007,543 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 111,759 — — 111,759 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 295,500 432 (199 ) 295,733 Government securities 168,749 120 (95 ) 168,774 Asset and mortgage-backed securities 112 — — 112 Certificate of deposits 3,600 — — 3,600 Agency securities 26,665 5 (1 ) 26,669 Total $ 1,613,928 $ 557 $ (295 ) $ 1,614,190 As of September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,115,437 $ 1,113,608 Short-term investments 494,205 494,888 Other non-current assets (1) 8,506 5,694 Total $ 2,618,148 $ 1,614,190 (1) Primarily restricted cash that is related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available-for-sale portfolio and cash equivalents is based on its assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation of such instrument at the measurement date. The fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash equivalents included in the Level 1 category is based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market. The fair value of available-for-sale securities included in the Level 2 category is based on observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These values were obtained from an independent pricing service and were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and may incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and price quotes from well-established independent pricing vendors and broker-dealers. The Company's procedures include controls to ensure that appropriate fair values are recorded, such as comparing prices obtained from multiple independent sources. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the fair value of the Company’s debt instruments. There were no investments in a material unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . In addition, there were no material gross realized gains or losses in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The estimated fair value of short-term investments by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: (in thousands) Due within one year $ 155,330 Due after one year and through five years 338,875 Total short-term investments $ 494,205

Balance Sheet Components

Balance Sheet Components	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	Balance Sheet Components Content Library Content library consisted of the following: As of September 30, December 31, (in thousands) Total content library, gross $ 11,133,463 $ 8,497,403 Accumulated amortization (4,546,489 ) (3,598,375 ) Total content library, net 6,586,974 4,899,028 Current content library, net 2,695,184 2,125,702 Non-current content library, net $ 3,891,790 $ 2,773,326 Content library includes costs capitalized for licensed streaming content, production of original content and DVD content. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following: As of September 30, December 31, Estimated Useful Lives (in thousands) Information technology assets $ 190,929 $ 189,274 3 years Furniture and fixtures 35,967 25,758 3 years Building 40,681 40,681 30 years Leasehold improvements 103,113 57,339 Over life of lease DVD operations equipment 89,132 89,144 5 years Capital work-in-progress 12,483 12,495 Property and equipment, gross 472,305 414,691 Less: Accumulated depreciation (291,037 ) (264,816 ) Property and equipment, net $ 181,268 $ 149,875 Leasehold improvements as of September 30, 2015 includes $44.3 million for the expansion of the Company's headquarters that were placed into service during the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had aggregate outstanding principal of $2.4 billion in long-term notes with varying maturities (the "Notes"). Each of the Notes were issued at par and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semi-annually at fixed rates. The following table provides a summary of the Company's long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: Level 2 Fair Value (1) as of Principal Amount at Par Issuance Date Maturity Interest Due Dates September 30, December 31, 2014 (in millions) (in millions) 5.375% Senior Notes $ 500.0 February 2013 2021 February 1 and August 1 $ 518.8 $ 520.0 5.750% Senior Notes 400.0 February 2014 2024 March 1 and September 1 408.0 416.0 5.50% Senior Notes (2) 700.0 February 2015 2022 April 15 and October 15 707.0 — 5.875% Senior Notes (2) 800.0 February 2015 2025 April 15 and October 15 822.0 — (1) Based on quoted market prices in less active markets. (2) The net proceeds to the Company for the 5.50% and 5.875% Senior Notes issued in the first quarter of 2015 were an aggregate $1,482.4 million . Debt issuance costs of $17.6 million were recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the term of the notes as "Interest expense" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Each of the Notes are repayable in whole or in part upon the occurrence of a change of control, at the option of the holders, at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal plus accrued interest. The Company may redeem the Notes prior to maturity in whole or in part at an amount equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and an applicable premium. The Notes include, among other terms and conditions, limitations on the Company's ability to create, incur or allow certain liens; enter into sale and lease-back transactions; create, assume, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness of certain of the Company's subsidiaries; and consolidate or merge with, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the Company's and its subsidiaries assets, to another person. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all related covenants.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Stock Split In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors adopted an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, to increase the number of shares of capital stock the Company is authorized to issue from 170,000,000 ( 160,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock), par value $0.001 to 5,000,000,000 ( 4,990,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock), par value $0.001 . This amendment to the Company's certificate of incorporation was approved by the Company's stockholders at the 2015 Annual Meeting held on June 9, 2015. On June 23, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors declared a seven -for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend that was paid on July 14, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of July 2, 2015. Outstanding share and per-share amounts disclosed as of September 30, 2015 and for all other comparative periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split. Stock Option Plan In June 2011, the Company adopted the 2011 Stock Plan. The 2011 Stock Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and for the grant of non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants. As of September 30, 2015 , 17.5 million shares were reserved for future grants under the 2011 Stock Plan. A summary of the activities related to the Company’s stock option plans, as adjusted for the Stock Split, is as follows: Options Outstanding Shares Number of Weighted- (per share) Weighted-Average Remaining Aggregate Balances as of December 31, 2014 20,025,208 22,845,417 $ 21.65 Granted (2,565,445 ) 2,565,445 75.55 Exercised (4,477,401 ) 15.45 Balances as of September 30, 2015 17,459,763 20,933,461 $ 29.58 6.32 $ 1,544,838 Vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2015 20,933,461 $ 29.58 6.32 $ 1,544,838 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the third quarter of 2015 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on the last trading day of the third quarter of 2015 . This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. A summary of the amounts related to option exercises, is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands) Total intrinsic value of options exercised $ 118,259 $ 60,337 $ 313,880 $ 208,057 Cash received from options exercised $ 35,089 $ 9,877 $ 69,809 $ 56,794 Stock-based Compensation The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value stock option grants using the lattice-binomial model and the valuation data, as adjusted for the Stock Split: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Dividend yield — % — % — % — % Expected volatility 45 % 43 % 36% - 45% 43% - 48% Risk-free interest rate 2.29 % 2.52 % 2.03% - 2.29% 2.52% - 2.83% Suboptimal exercise factor 2.48 2.68 - 4.57 2.47 -2.48 2.66 - 4.57 Valuation data: Weighted-average fair value (per share) $ 50.58 $ 33.85 $ 34.64 $ 31.03 Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) $ 32,834 $ 29,878 $ 88,865 $ 84,988 Total income tax benefit related to stock options (in thousands) $ 12,365 $ 11,438 $ 33,553 $ 32,562 The Company considers several factors in determining the suboptimal exercise factor, including the historical and estimated option exercise behavior and the employee groupings. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company bifurcated its option grants into two employee groupings (executive and non-executive) to determine the suboptimal exercise factor. Beginning on January 1, 2015, the Company began aggregating employee groupings for its determination of the suboptimal exercise factor as the previous bifurcation into two groupings did not have a material impact on the fair value of the options granted. Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company's computation of expected volatility was based on a blend of historical volatility of its common stock and implied volatility of tradable forward call options to purchase shares of its common stock, as low trade volume of its tradable forward call options prior to 2011 precluded sole reliance on implied volatility. Beginning on January 1, 2015, expected volatility is based solely on implied volatility. The Company believes that implied volatility of publicly traded options in its common stock is more reflective of market conditions, and given consistently high trade volumes of the options, can reasonably be expected to be a better indicator of expected volatility than historical volatility of its common stock. In valuing shares issued under the Company’s employee stock option plans, the Company bases the risk-free interest rate on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with terms similar to the contractual term of the options. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the option valuation model. The Company does not use a post-vesting termination rate as options are fully vested upon grant date.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balance of other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ (38,545 ) $ 425 $ (38,120 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 302 (59 ) 243 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (13 ) (13 ) Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income 302 (72 ) 230 Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (38,243 ) $ 353 $ (37,890 ) Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (4,615 ) $ 169 $ (4,446 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (33,628 ) 374 (33,254 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (190 ) (190 ) Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income (33,628 ) 184 (33,444 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (38,243 ) $ 353 $ (37,890 ) As discussed in Note 1, other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes the impact of the change in functional currency for certain of the Company's European entities. All amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss were related to realized gains on available-for-sale securities. These reclassifications impacted "Interest and other income (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 30% and 39% , respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were 34% and 40% , respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differed from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state taxes, foreign taxes and non-deductible expenses, partially offset by the California R&D credit. The decrease in the Company's effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to lower tax reserves on uncertain tax positions following an IRS Appeals settlement in the fourth quarter of 2014. Gross unrecognized tax benefits were $41.1 million and $34.8 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized by the Company, will result in a reduction of approximately $33.7 million to the provision for income taxes thereby favorably impacting the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits are primarily classified as “Accrued expenses” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015. The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the "Provision for income taxes" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2015 , the total amount of gross interest and penalties accrued was $0.5 million , and is primarily classified as “Accrued expenses” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred tax assets include $20.2 million and $13.4 million classified as “Other current assets” and $170.7 million and $106.9 million classified as “Other non-current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. In evaluating its ability to realize the net deferred tax assets, the Company considered all available positive and negative evidence, including its past operating results and the forecast of future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , it was considered more likely than not that all deferred tax assets would be realized. Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options are recorded in additional paid-in-capital. These benefits amounted to $37.7 million and $21.0 million , during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively and $105.6 million and $68.1 million , during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company files U.S. federal, state and foreign tax returns. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2010 through 2013. During the third quarter ending September 30, 2015, the Company reached a tentative settlement with the IRS and expects to reach a final settlement within the next twelve months, at which time the tax reserves on the related uncertain tax position will be adjusted. The Company has reclassified the tax reserves related to these years from "Other non-current liabilities" to "Accrued expenses" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The year 2014 remains subject to examination by the IRS. The Company is also currently under examination by the state of California for the years 2006 and 2007. The state of California has completed its Field Exam and has issued a Notice of Proposed Assessment primarily related to the Company's R&D Credits claimed in those years. The Company has filed a protest against the proposed assessment. During the third quarter ending September 30, 2015, the Company has reached a tentative settlement with the Franchise Tax Board for tax years 1997 - 2007 and expects to reach a final settlement within the next twelve months, at which time the tax reserves on the related uncertain tax position will be adjusted. The Company has reclassified the tax reserves related to these years from "Other non-current liabilities" to Accrued expenses" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The years 2008 through 2013 remain subject to examination by the state of California. The Company has no significant foreign jurisdiction audits underway. The years 2011 through 2014 remain subject to examination by foreign jurisdictions. Given the potential outcome of the current examinations, as well as the impact of the current examination on the potential expiration of the statute of limitations, it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change within the next twelve months. However, at this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible adjustments to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Streaming Content As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had $10.4 billion of obligations comprised of $2.6 billion included in "Current content liabilities" and $2.0 billion of "Non-current content liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and $5.8 billion of obligations that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2014 , the Company had $9.5 billion of obligations comprised of $2.1 billion included in "Current content liabilities" and $1.6 billion of "Non-current content liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and $5.8 billion of obligations that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expected timing of payments for these streaming content obligations is as follows: As of September 30, December 31, (in thousands) Less than one year $ 4,535,209 $ 3,747,648 Due after one year and through three years 4,888,130 4,495,103 Due after three years and through five years 908,111 1,164,308 Due after five years 46,768 44,053 Total streaming content obligations $ 10,378,218 $ 9,451,112 A streaming content obligation is incurred at the time the Company enters into an agreement to obtain future titles. Once a title becomes available, a content liability is generally recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain agreements include the obligation to license rights for unknown future titles, the ultimate quantity and/or fees for which are not yet determinable as of the reporting date. The Company does not include any estimated obligation for these future titles beyond the known minimum amount. However, the unknown obligations are expected to be significant and the expected timing of payments could range from less than one year to more than five years. The Company has entered into certain licenses with collective management organizations ("CMOs"), and is currently involved in negotiations with other CMOs, that hold certain rights to music and other entertainment works "publicly performed" in connection with streaming content into various territories. Accruals for estimated license fees are recorded and then adjusted based on any change in estimates. These amounts are included in the streaming content obligations. The results of these negotiations are uncertain and may be materially different from management's estimates. Legal Proceedings From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is subject to litigation matters and claims, including claims relating to employee relations, business practices and patent infringement. Litigation can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict and the Company's view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The Company records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An unfavorable outcome to any legal matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Company's operations or its financial position, liquidity or results of operations. On January 13, 2012, the first of three purported shareholder class action lawsuits was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. Two additional purported shareholder class action lawsuits were filed in the same court on January 27, 2012 and February 29, 2012 alleging substantially similar claims. These lawsuits were consolidated into In re Netflix, Inc., Securities Litigation , Case No. 3:12-cv-00225-SC, and the Court selected lead plaintiffs. On June 26, 2012, lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint which alleged violations of the federal securities laws. The Court dismissed the consolidated complaint with leave to amend on February 13, 2013. Lead plaintiffs filed a first amended consolidated complaint on March 22, 2013. The Court dismissed the first amended consolidated complaint with prejudice on August 20, 2013, and judgment was entered on September 27, 2013. Lead plaintiffs filed a motion to alter or amend the judgment and requested leave to file a second amended complaint on October 25, 2013. On January 17, 2014, the Court denied that motion. On February 18, 2014, lead plaintiffs appealed that decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable On November 23, 2011, the first of six purported shareholder derivative suits was filed in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County, against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. Five additional purported shareholder derivative suits were subsequently filed: two in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County on February 9, 2012 and May 2, 2012; and three in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on February 13, 2012, February 24, 2012 and April 2, 2012. The purported shareholder derivative suits filed in the Northern District of California have been voluntarily dismissed. On July 5, 2012, the purported shareholder derivative suits filed in Santa Clara County were consolidated into In re Netflix, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigation , Case No. 1-12-cv-218399, and lead counsel was appointed. A consolidated complaint was filed on December 4, 2012, with plaintiffs seeking compensatory damages and other relief. The consolidated complaint alleges, among other things, that certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties, issued false and misleading statements primarily regarding the Company's streaming business, violated accounting rules concerning segment reporting, violated provisions of the California Corporations Code, and wasted corporate assets. The consolidated complaint further alleges that the defendants caused the Company to buy back stock at artificially inflated prices to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders while contemporaneously selling personally held Company stock. The Company filed a demurrer to the consolidated complaint and a motion to stay the derivative litigation in favor of the related federal securities class action on February 4, 2013. On June 21, 2013, the Court granted the motion to stay the derivative litigation pending resolution of the related federal securities class action. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable. The Company is involved in other litigation matters not listed above but does not consider the matters to be material either individually or in the aggregate at this time. The Company's view of the matters not listed may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold. Indemnification In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements under which it has agreed to provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of the Company’s breach of such agreements and out of intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In these circumstances, payment may be conditional on the other party making a claim pursuant to the procedures specified in the particular contract. The Company's obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time or amount, and in some instances, the Company may have recourse against third parties for certain payments. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers that will require it, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. The terms of such obligations vary. It is not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. No amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification obligations.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD. Segment information is presented in the same manner that the Company’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM") reviews the operating results in assessing performance and allocating resources. The Company’s CODM reviews revenues and contribution profit (loss) for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit (loss) is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses directly incurred by the segment. The Company has aggregated the results of the International operating segments into one reportable segment because these operating segments share similar long-term economic and other qualitative characteristics. The Domestic and International streaming segments derive revenues from monthly membership fees for services consisting solely of streaming content. The Domestic DVD segment derives revenues from monthly membership fees for services consisting solely of DVD-by-mail. Revenues and the related payment card fees are attributed to the operating segment based on the nature of the underlying membership (streaming or DVD) and the geographic region from which the membership originates. There are no internal revenue transactions between the Company’s segments. Cost of revenues are primarily attributed to the operating segment based on the amounts directly incurred by the segment to obtain content and deliver it to the specific region. Content rights increasingly include multiple geographies as the Company aspires to obtain global content rights to support global expansion. The Company allocates this content between the International and Domestic segments based on estimated fair market value. Marketing expenses are primarily comprised of advertising expenses which are generally included in the segment in which the expenditures are directly incurred. The Company's long-lived tangible assets were located as follows: As of September 30, December 31, 2014 (in thousands) United States $ 168,569 $ 138,704 International 12,699 11,171 The following tables represent segment information for the periods ended September 30, 2015 : As of/ Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 43,181 25,987 5,060 — Revenues $ 1,063,961 $ 516,870 $ 157,524 $ 1,738,355 Cost of revenues 644,914 451,251 77,793 1,173,958 Marketing 74,835 133,267 — 208,102 Contribution profit (loss) $ 344,212 $ (67,648 ) $ 79,731 $ 356,295 Other operating expenses 282,654 Operating income 73,641 Other income (expense) (31,403 ) Provision for income taxes 12,806 Net income $ 29,432 As of/ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 43,181 25,987 5,060 — Revenues $ 3,074,406 $ 1,387,030 $ 494,742 $ 4,956,178 Cost of revenues 1,840,134 1,249,495 252,482 3,342,111 Marketing 237,813 362,106 — 599,919 Contribution profit (loss) $ 996,459 $ (224,571 ) $ 242,260 $ 1,014,148 Other operating expenses 768,216 Operating income 245,932 Other income (expense) (124,778 ) Provision for income taxes 41,691 Net income $ 79,463 The following tables represent segment information for the periods ended September 30, 2014 : As of/ Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 37,219 15,843 5,986 — Revenues $ 877,150 $ 345,685 $ 186,597 $ 1,409,432 Cost of revenues 565,251 291,942 97,201 954,394 Marketing 61,045 84,609 — 145,654 Contribution profit (loss) $ 250,854 $ (30,866 ) $ 89,396 $ 309,384 Other operating expenses 198,977 Operating income 110,407 Other income (expense) (12,870 ) Provision for income taxes 38,242 Net income $ 59,295 As of/ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 37,219 15,843 5,986 — Revenues $ 2,513,992 $ 920,264 $ 585,672 $ 4,019,928 Cost of revenues 1,628,568 803,906 305,954 2,738,428 Marketing 206,030 197,485 — 403,515 Contribution profit (loss) $ 679,394 $ (81,127 ) $ 279,718 $ 877,985 Other operating expenses 540,383 Operating income 337,602 Other income (expense) (33,749 ) Provision for income taxes 120,425 Net income $ 183,428 The following table represents the amortization of the content library: Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 493,025 $ 378,378 $ 18,589 $ 889,992 2014 433,266 252,888 18,269 704,423 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 1,387,242 1,056,279 60,587 2,504,108 2014 1,229,477 696,449 51,313 1,977,239 The following table represents total content library, net: Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) As of September 30, 2015 $ 4,367,750 $ 2,193,785 $ 25,439 $ 6,586,974 As of December 31, 2014 3,476,226 1,392,701 30,101 4,899,028 (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.

Basis of Presentation and Sum18

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the streaming content library amortization policy; the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities; and the valuation of stock-based compensation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the assumptions, judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 establishes principles for recognizing revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, in an amount that reflects the expected consideration received in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). Early adoption is permitted to the original effective date of December 15, 2016 (including interim reporting periods within those periods). The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements, but does not expect the impact to be material. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. It is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016, at which time the Company will retrospectively reclassify approximately $30 million of debt issuance costs associated with the Company's long-term debt from other non-current assets to long-term debt. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for a cloud computing arrangement as a service contract. The Company has elected to early adopt the ASU in the third quarter of 2015 and will apply the guidance prospectively to all future arrangements. The impact of the adoption of the ASU was not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Earnings per Share	The computation of earnings per share, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split, are as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 29,432 $ 59,295 $ 79,463 $ 183,428 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 426,869 421,194 425,289 419,972 Basic earnings per share $ 0.07 $ 0.14 $ 0.19 $ 0.44 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 29,432 $ 59,295 $ 79,463 $ 183,428 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 426,869 421,194 425,289 419,972 Employee stock options 10,737 11,548 10,560 11,711 Weighted-average number of shares 437,606 432,742 435,849 431,683 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.07 $ 0.14 $ 0.18 $ 0.42
Summary of Potential Common Shares Excluded from Diluted Calculation	The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands) Employee stock options 130 371 668 448

Short-term Investments (Tables)

Short-term Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Securities Reported at Fair Value	The following tables summarize, by major security type, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy and where they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: As of September 30, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated (in thousands) Cash $ 2,008,627 $ — $ — $ 2,008,627 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 115,316 — — 115,316 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 251,192 406 (467 ) 251,131 Government securities 212,256 599 (9 ) 212,846 Certificate of deposits 3,600 — — 3,600 Agency securities 26,599 29 — 26,628 Total $ 2,617,590 $ 1,034 $ (476 ) $ 2,618,148 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value (in thousands) Cash $ 1,007,543 $ — $ — $ 1,007,543 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 111,759 — — 111,759 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 295,500 432 (199 ) 295,733 Government securities 168,749 120 (95 ) 168,774 Asset and mortgage-backed securities 112 — — 112 Certificate of deposits 3,600 — — 3,600 Agency securities 26,665 5 (1 ) 26,669 Total $ 1,613,928 $ 557 $ (295 ) $ 1,614,190 As of September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,115,437 $ 1,113,608 Short-term investments 494,205 494,888 Other non-current assets (1) 8,506 5,694 Total $ 2,618,148 $ 1,614,190 (1) Primarily restricted cash that is related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements.
Estimated Fair Value of Short-Term Investments by Contractual Maturity	The estimated fair value of short-term investments by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: (in thousands) Due within one year $ 155,330 Due after one year and through five years 338,875 Total short-term investments $ 494,205

Balance Sheet Components (Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Content Library	Content library consisted of the following: As of September 30, December 31, (in thousands) Total content library, gross $ 11,133,463 $ 8,497,403 Accumulated amortization (4,546,489 ) (3,598,375 ) Total content library, net 6,586,974 4,899,028 Current content library, net 2,695,184 2,125,702 Non-current content library, net $ 3,891,790 $ 2,773,326
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following: As of September 30, December 31, Estimated Useful Lives (in thousands) Information technology assets $ 190,929 $ 189,274 3 years Furniture and fixtures 35,967 25,758 3 years Building 40,681 40,681 30 years Leasehold improvements 103,113 57,339 Over life of lease DVD operations equipment 89,132 89,144 5 years Capital work-in-progress 12,483 12,495 Property and equipment, gross 472,305 414,691 Less: Accumulated depreciation (291,037 ) (264,816 ) Property and equipment, net $ 181,268 $ 149,875

Long-term Debt (Tables)

Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-term Debt	The following table provides a summary of the Company's long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: Level 2 Fair Value (1) as of Principal Amount at Par Issuance Date Maturity Interest Due Dates September 30, December 31, 2014 (in millions) (in millions) 5.375% Senior Notes $ 500.0 February 2013 2021 February 1 and August 1 $ 518.8 $ 520.0 5.750% Senior Notes 400.0 February 2014 2024 March 1 and September 1 408.0 416.0 5.50% Senior Notes (2) 700.0 February 2015 2022 April 15 and October 15 707.0 — 5.875% Senior Notes (2) 800.0 February 2015 2025 April 15 and October 15 822.0 — (1) Based on quoted market prices in less active markets. (2) The net proceeds to the Company for the 5.50% and 5.875% Senior Notes issued in the first quarter of 2015 were an aggregate $1,482.4 million . Debt issuance costs of $17.6 million were recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the term of the notes as "Interest expense" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Activity Related to Stock Option Plans	A summary of the activities related to the Company’s stock option plans, as adjusted for the Stock Split, is as follows: Options Outstanding Shares Number of Weighted- (per share) Weighted-Average Remaining Aggregate Balances as of December 31, 2014 20,025,208 22,845,417 $ 21.65 Granted (2,565,445 ) 2,565,445 75.55 Exercised (4,477,401 ) 15.45 Balances as of September 30, 2015 17,459,763 20,933,461 $ 29.58 6.32 $ 1,544,838 Vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2015 20,933,461 $ 29.58 6.32 $ 1,544,838
Summary of Amounts Related to Option Exercises	A summary of the amounts related to option exercises, is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, (in thousands) Total intrinsic value of options exercised $ 118,259 $ 60,337 $ 313,880 $ 208,057 Cash received from options exercised $ 35,089 $ 9,877 $ 69,809 $ 56,794
Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model	The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value stock option grants using the lattice-binomial model and the valuation data, as adjusted for the Stock Split: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Dividend yield — % — % — % — % Expected volatility 45 % 43 % 36% - 45% 43% - 48% Risk-free interest rate 2.29 % 2.52 % 2.03% - 2.29% 2.52% - 2.83% Suboptimal exercise factor 2.48 2.68 - 4.57 2.47 -2.48 2.66 - 4.57 Valuation data: Weighted-average fair value (per share) $ 50.58 $ 33.85 $ 34.64 $ 31.03 Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) $ 32,834 $ 29,878 $ 88,865 $ 84,988 Total income tax benefit related to stock options (in thousands) $ 12,365 $ 11,438 $ 33,553 $ 32,562

Accumulated Other Comprehensi24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balance of other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ (38,545 ) $ 425 $ (38,120 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 302 (59 ) 243 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (13 ) (13 ) Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income 302 (72 ) 230 Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (38,243 ) $ 353 $ (37,890 ) Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (4,615 ) $ 169 $ (4,446 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (33,628 ) 374 (33,254 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (190 ) (190 ) Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income (33,628 ) 184 (33,444 ) Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ (38,243 ) $ 353 $ (37,890 )

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected Timing of Payments for Commitments	The expected timing of payments for these streaming content obligations is as follows: As of September 30, December 31, (in thousands) Less than one year $ 4,535,209 $ 3,747,648 Due after one year and through three years 4,888,130 4,495,103 Due after three years and through five years 908,111 1,164,308 Due after five years 46,768 44,053 Total streaming content obligations $ 10,378,218 $ 9,451,112

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas	The Company's long-lived tangible assets were located as follows: As of September 30, December 31, 2014 (in thousands) United States $ 168,569 $ 138,704 International 12,699 11,171
Information on Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income	The following tables represent segment information for the periods ended September 30, 2015 : As of/ Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 43,181 25,987 5,060 — Revenues $ 1,063,961 $ 516,870 $ 157,524 $ 1,738,355 Cost of revenues 644,914 451,251 77,793 1,173,958 Marketing 74,835 133,267 — 208,102 Contribution profit (loss) $ 344,212 $ (67,648 ) $ 79,731 $ 356,295 Other operating expenses 282,654 Operating income 73,641 Other income (expense) (31,403 ) Provision for income taxes 12,806 Net income $ 29,432 As of/ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 43,181 25,987 5,060 — Revenues $ 3,074,406 $ 1,387,030 $ 494,742 $ 4,956,178 Cost of revenues 1,840,134 1,249,495 252,482 3,342,111 Marketing 237,813 362,106 — 599,919 Contribution profit (loss) $ 996,459 $ (224,571 ) $ 242,260 $ 1,014,148 Other operating expenses 768,216 Operating income 245,932 Other income (expense) (124,778 ) Provision for income taxes 41,691 Net income $ 79,463 The following tables represent segment information for the periods ended September 30, 2014 : As of/ Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 37,219 15,843 5,986 — Revenues $ 877,150 $ 345,685 $ 186,597 $ 1,409,432 Cost of revenues 565,251 291,942 97,201 954,394 Marketing 61,045 84,609 — 145,654 Contribution profit (loss) $ 250,854 $ (30,866 ) $ 89,396 $ 309,384 Other operating expenses 198,977 Operating income 110,407 Other income (expense) (12,870 ) Provision for income taxes 38,242 Net income $ 59,295 As of/ Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Domestic International Domestic Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 37,219 15,843 5,986 — Revenues $ 2,513,992 $ 920,264 $ 585,672 $ 4,019,928 Cost of revenues 1,628,568 803,906 305,954 2,738,428 Marketing 206,030 197,485 — 403,515 Contribution profit (loss) $ 679,394 $ (81,127 ) $ 279,718 $ 877,985 Other operating expenses 540,383 Operating income 337,602 Other income (expense) (33,749 ) Provision for income taxes 120,425 Net income $ 183,428 The following table represents the amortization of the content library: Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 493,025 $ 378,378 $ 18,589 $ 889,992 2014 433,266 252,888 18,269 704,423 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 1,387,242 1,056,279 60,587 2,504,108 2014 1,229,477 696,449 51,313 1,977,239 The following table represents total content library, net: Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) As of September 30, 2015 $ 4,367,750 $ 2,193,785 $ 25,439 $ 6,586,974 As of December 31, 2014 3,476,226 1,392,701 30,101 4,899,028 (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.

Basis of Presentation and Sum27

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)segment$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment						3
Other comprehensive loss reflected in cumulative translation adjustment						$ 21,800
Stock split	7	7	7
Decrease in operating income				$ (73,641)	$ (110,407)	(245,932)	$ (337,602)
Decrease in net income				(29,432)	$ (59,295)	(79,463)	$ (183,428)
Service Life [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Decrease in operating income				12,800		12,800
Decrease in net income				$ 8,000		$ 8,000
Decrease in basic and diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 0.02		$ 0.02
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Amount of debt issuance costs to be retrospectively reclassified						$ 30,000

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details)	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock split declared	7	7	7

Earnings Per Share - Computatio

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$ 29,432	$ 59,295	$ 79,463	$ 183,428
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	426,869	421,194	425,289	419,972
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.14	$ 0.19	$ 0.44
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$ 29,432	$ 59,295	$ 79,463	$ 183,428
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	426,869	421,194	425,289	419,972
Employee stock options (in shares)	10,737	11,548	10,560	11,711
Weighted-average number of shares (in shares)	437,606	432,742	435,849	431,683
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.14	$ 0.18	$ 0.42

Earnings Per Share - Schedule o

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Employee stock options	130	371	668	448

Short-term Investments - Availa

Short-term Investments - Available-For-Sale Securities Reported At Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	$ 1,034	$ 557
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(476)	(295)
Total, Amortized Cost	2,617,590	1,613,928
Total, Estimated Fair Value	2,618,148	1,614,190
Level 1 Securities [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and money market funds, Amortized Cost	115,316	111,759
Cash and money market funds, Estimated Fair Value	115,316	111,759
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Amortized Cost	251,192	295,500
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	406	432
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(467)	(199)
Level 2 securities, Estimated Fair Value	251,131	295,733
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Government securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Amortized Cost	212,256	168,749
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	599	120
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(9)	(95)
Level 2 securities, Estimated Fair Value	212,846	168,774
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Amortized Cost		112
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Level 2 securities, Estimated Fair Value		112
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Certificates of deposits [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Amortized Cost	3,600	3,600
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Level 2 securities, Estimated Fair Value	3,600	3,600
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Level 2 securities, Amortized Cost	26,599	26,665
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	29	5
Level 2 securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Level 2 securities, Estimated Fair Value	26,628	26,669
Cash [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and money market funds, Amortized Cost	2,008,627	1,007,543
Cash and money market funds, Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,008,627	$ 1,007,543

Short-term Investments - Assets

Short-term Investments - Assets Classified on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total		$ 2,618,148	$ 1,614,190
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total		2,618,148	1,614,190
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total		2,115,437	1,113,608
Short-term investments [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total		494,205	494,888
Other non-current assets [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total	[1]	$ 8,506	$ 5,694
[1]	Primarily restricted cash that is related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements.

Short-term Investments - Estima

Short-term Investments - Estimated Fair Value Of Short-Term Investments By Contractual Maturity (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Due within one year	$ 155,330
Due after one year and through five years	338,875
Total short-term investments	$ 494,205

Balance Sheet Components - Comp

Balance Sheet Components - Components of Content Library (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Total content library, gross	$ 11,133,463	$ 8,497,403
Accumulated amortization	(4,546,489)	(3,598,375)
Total content library, net	6,586,974	4,899,028
Current content library, net	2,695,184	2,125,702
Non-current content library, net	$ 3,891,790	$ 2,773,326

Balance Sheet Components - Prop

Balance Sheet Components - Property And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 472,305	$ 414,691
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(291,037)	(264,816)
Property and equipment, net	181,268	149,875
Information technology assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 190,929	$ 189,274
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years	3 years
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 35,967	$ 25,758
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years	3 years
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 40,681	$ 40,681
Estimated Useful Lives	30 years	30 years
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 103,113	$ 57,339
Leasehold improvements [Member] | Company's headquarters [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	44,300
DVD operations equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 89,132	$ 89,144
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years	5 years
Capital work-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 12,483	$ 12,495

Long-term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate outstanding principle	$ 2,400,000	$ 900,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption prices, percent of outstanding principal	101.00%

Long-term Debt - Summary of Lon

Long-term Debt - Summary of Long-term Debt (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - USD ($)		1 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net proceeds		$ 1,482,400,000
Debt issuance costs, net		$ 17,600,000
5.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount at Par			$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Fair Value	[1]		$ 518,800,000		$ 520,000,000
Interest rate			5.375%		5.375%
5.750% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount at Par			$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Fair Value	[1]		$ 408,000,000		$ 416,000,000
Interest rate			5.75%		5.75%
5.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount at Par	[2]		$ 700,000,000
Fair Value	[1],[2]		$ 707,000,000		$ 0
Interest rate		5.50%	5.50%	[2]
5.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount at Par	[2]		$ 800,000,000
Fair Value	[1],[2]		$ 822,000,000		$ 0
Interest rate		5.875%	5.875%	[2]
[1]	Based on quoted market prices in less active markets
[2]	The net proceeds to the Company for the 5.50% and 5.875% Senior Notes issued in the first quarter of 2015 were an aggregate $1,482.4 million. Debt issuance costs of $17.6 million were recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the term of the notes as "Interest expense" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 23, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014employee_group$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Feb. 28, 2015$ / sharesshares
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares of capital stock authorized						5,000,000,000	170,000,000
Number of common shares authorized			160,000,000		4,990,000,000	4,990,000,000	160,000,000
Number of preferred shares authorized						10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value (dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.001		$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share) | $ / shares						$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Stock split declared	7	7		7
Number of employee groups | employee_group			2
2011 Stock Plan [Member]
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Shares reserved for future issuance					17,500,000

Stockholders' Equity - Summary

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Activity Related to Stock Option Plans (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balance	20,025,208
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	22,845,417
Shares Available for Grant, Granted	(2,565,445)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Granted	2,565,445
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Exercised	(4,477,401)
Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balance	17,459,763
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balance	20,933,461
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Vested and exercisable	20,933,461
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 21.65
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted | $ / shares	75.55
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	15.45
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance | $ / shares	29.58
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable | $ / shares	$ 29.58
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending Balance	6 years 3 months 26 days
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable	6 years 3 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balance | $	$ 1,544,838
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable | $	$ 1,544,838

Stockholders' Equity - Summar40

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Amounts Related to Option Exercises (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 118,259	$ 60,337	$ 313,880	$ 208,057
Cash received from options exercised	$ 35,089	$ 9,877	$ 69,809	$ 56,794

Stockholders' Equity - Summar41

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)$ / shares
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-based Compensation Disclosure [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility	45.00%	43.00%
Expected volatility, minimum			36.00%	43.00%
Expected volatility, maximum			45.00%	48.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.29%	2.52%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum			2.03%	2.52%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum			2.29%	2.83%
Suboptimal exercise factor	2.48
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum		2.68	2.47	2.66
Suboptimal exercise factor, maximum		4.57	2.48	4.57
Weighted-average fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 50.58	$ 33.85	$ 34.64	$ 31.03
Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands)	$ 32,834	$ 29,878	$ 88,865	$ 84,988
Total income tax benefit related to stock options (in thousands)	$ 12,365	$ 11,438	$ 33,553	$ 32,562

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (38,120)	$ (4,446)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	243	(33,254)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(13)	(190)
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income	230	(33,444)
Ending balance	(37,890)	(37,890)
Foreign currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(38,545)	(4,615)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	302	(33,628)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income	302	(33,628)
Ending balance	(38,243)	(38,243)
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	425	169
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(59)	374
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(13)	(190)
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive (loss) income	(72)	184
Ending balance	$ 353	$ 353

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates	30.00%	39.00%	34.00%	40.00%
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$ 41.1		$ 41.1		$ 34.8
Reduction in provision for income taxes due to impact of effective tax rate	33.7		33.7
Gross interest and penalties accrued	0.5		0.5
Deferred tax assets classified as other current assets	20.2		20.2		13.4
Deferred tax assets classified as other non-current assets	170.7		170.7		$ 106.9
Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options recorded directly to Additional paid-in-capital	$ 37.7	$ 21	$ 105.6	$ 68.1

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Streaming Content - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Streaming obligations included in current content liabilities	$ 10,378,218	$ 9,451,112
Streaming obligations not reflected on Consolidated Balance Sheets	5,800,000	5,800,000
Current Content Liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Streaming obligations included in non-current content liabilities	2,600,000	2,100,000
Non-current Content Liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Streaming obligations included in non-current content liabilities	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,600,000

Commitments and Contingencies45

Commitments and Contingencies - Expected Timing of Payments for Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than one year	$ 4,535,209	$ 3,747,648
Due after one year and through three years	4,888,130	4,495,103
Due after three years and through five years	908,111	1,164,308
Due after five years	46,768	44,053
Total streaming content obligations	$ 10,378,218	$ 9,451,112

Commitments and Contingencies46

Commitments and Contingencies - Legal Proceedings - Narrative (Details) - Pending Litigation [Member] - lawsuit_filed	May. 02, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 24, 2012	Feb. 13, 2012	Feb. 09, 2012	Jan. 27, 2012	Jan. 13, 2012	Nov. 23, 2011
United States District Court for the Northern District of California [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Shareholder suits		1	1	1	1		1	1
Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Shareholder suits	1					1			6

Segment Information - Narrativ

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
International Streaming [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1

Segment Information - Long-liv

Segment Information - Long-lived Assets by Geographical Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived tangible assets	$ 168,569	$ 138,704
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived tangible assets	$ 12,699	$ 11,171

Segment Information - Informat

Segment Information - Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income (Details) subscription in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)subscription	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)subscription	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)subscription	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)subscription	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total memberships at end of period | subscription	[1]	0	0	0	0
Revenues		$ 1,738,355	$ 1,409,432	$ 4,956,178	$ 4,019,928
Cost of revenues		1,173,958	954,394	3,342,111	2,738,428
Marketing		208,102	145,654	599,919	403,515
Contribution profit (loss)		356,295	309,384	1,014,148	877,985
Other operating expenses		282,654	198,977	768,216	540,383
Operating income		73,641	110,407	245,932	337,602
Other income (expense)		(31,403)	(12,870)	(124,778)	(33,749)
Provision for income taxes		12,806	38,242	41,691	120,425
Net income		29,432	59,295	79,463	183,428
Amortization of content library		889,992	$ 704,423	2,504,108	$ 1,977,239
Total content library, net		$ 6,586,974		$ 6,586,974		$ 4,899,028
Domestic Streaming [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total memberships at end of period | subscription	[1]	43,181	37,219	43,181	37,219
Revenues		$ 1,063,961	$ 877,150	$ 3,074,406	$ 2,513,992
Cost of revenues		644,914	565,251	1,840,134	1,628,568
Marketing		74,835	61,045	237,813	206,030
Contribution profit (loss)		344,212	250,854	996,459	679,394
Amortization of content library		493,025	$ 433,266	1,387,242	$ 1,229,477
Total content library, net		$ 4,367,750		$ 4,367,750		3,476,226
International Streaming [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total memberships at end of period | subscription	[1]	25,987	15,843	25,987	15,843
Revenues		$ 516,870	$ 345,685	$ 1,387,030	$ 920,264
Cost of revenues		451,251	291,942	1,249,495	803,906
Marketing		133,267	84,609	362,106	197,485
Contribution profit (loss)		(67,648)	(30,866)	(224,571)	(81,127)
Amortization of content library		378,378	$ 252,888	1,056,279	$ 696,449
Total content library, net		$ 2,193,785		$ 2,193,785		1,392,701
Domestic DVD [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total memberships at end of period | subscription	[1]	5,060	5,986	5,060	5,986
Revenues		$ 157,524	$ 186,597	$ 494,742	$ 585,672
Cost of revenues		77,793	97,201	252,482	305,954
Marketing		0	0	0	0
Contribution profit (loss)		79,731	89,396	242,260	279,718
Amortization of content library		18,589	$ 18,269	60,587	$ 51,313
Total content library, net		$ 25,439		$ 25,439		$ 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.