Netflix (NFLX) 10-K 29 Jan 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 25, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		433,948,461
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 54,917,149,461

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 11,692,713	$ 8,830,669	$ 6,779,511
Cost of revenues	7,659,666	6,029,901	4,591,476
Marketing	1,278,022	991,078	824,092
Technology and development	1,052,778	852,098	650,788
General and administrative	863,568	577,799	407,329
Operating income	838,679	379,793	305,826
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(238,204)	(150,114)	(132,716)
Interest and other income (expense)	(115,154)	30,828	(31,225)
Income before income taxes	485,321	260,507	141,885
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(73,608)	73,829	19,244
Net income	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Earnings per share:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 1.29	$ 0.44	$ 0.29
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 1.25	$ 0.43	$ 0.28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	431,885	428,822	425,889
Diluted (in shares)	446,814	438,652	436,456

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	27,409	(5,464)	(37,887)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $378, $126, and $(598), respectively	599	207	(975)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	28,008	(5,257)	(38,862)
Comprehensive income	$ 586,937	$ 181,421	$ 83,779

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, tax	$ 378	$ 126	$ (598)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Additions to streaming content assets	(9,805,763)	(8,653,286)	(5,771,652)
Change in streaming content liabilities	900,006	1,772,650	1,162,413
Amortization of streaming content assets	6,197,817	4,788,498	3,405,382
Amortization of DVD content assets	60,657	78,952	79,380
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles	71,911	57,528	62,283
Stock-based compensation expense	182,209	173,675	124,725
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	(65,121)	(80,471)
Other non-cash items	57,207	40,909	31,628
Foreign currency remeasurement loss on long-term debt	140,790	0	0
Deferred taxes	(208,688)	(46,847)	(58,655)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets	(234,090)	46,970	18,693
Accounts payable	74,559	32,247	51,615
Accrued expenses	114,337	68,706	48,810
Deferred revenue	177,974	96,751	72,135
Other non-current assets and liabilities	(73,803)	(52,294)	(18,366)
Net cash used in operating activities	(1,785,948)	(1,473,984)	(749,439)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of DVD content assets	(53,720)	(77,177)	(77,958)
Purchases of property and equipment	(173,302)	(107,653)	(91,248)
Other assets	(6,689)	(941)	(1,912)
Purchases of short-term investments	(74,819)	(187,193)	(371,915)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	320,154	282,484	259,079
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	22,705	140,245	104,762
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	34,329	49,765	(179,192)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	3,020,510	1,000,000	1,500,000
Issuance costs	(32,153)	(10,700)	(17,629)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	88,378	36,979	77,980
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	65,121	80,471
Other financing activities	255	230	(545)
Net cash provided by financing activities	3,076,990	1,091,630	1,640,277
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	29,848	(9,165)	(15,924)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,355,219	(341,754)	695,722
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	1,467,576	1,809,330	1,113,608
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	2,822,795	1,467,576	1,809,330
Supplemental disclosure:
Income taxes paid	113,591	26,806	27,658
Interest paid	213,313	138,566	111,761
Increase (decrease) in investing activities included in liabilities	$ (32,643)	$ 27,504	$ (4,978)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,822,795	$ 1,467,576
Short-term investments	0	266,206
Current content assets, net	4,310,934	3,726,307
Other current assets	536,245	260,202
Total current assets	7,669,974	5,720,291
Non-current content assets, net	10,371,055	7,274,501
Property and equipment, net	319,404	250,395
Other non-current assets	652,309	341,423
Total assets	19,012,742	13,586,610
Current liabilities:
Current content liabilities	4,173,041	3,632,711
Accounts payable	359,555	312,842
Accrued expenses	315,094	197,632
Deferred revenue	618,622	443,472
Total current liabilities	5,466,312	4,586,657
Non-current content liabilities	3,329,796	2,894,654
Long-term debt	6,499,432	3,364,311
Other non-current liabilities	135,246	61,188
Total liabilities	15,430,786	10,906,810
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and 2016; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 4,990,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively; 433,392,686 and 430,054,212 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	1,871,396	1,599,762
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(20,557)	(48,565)
Retained earnings	1,731,117	1,128,603
Total stockholders’ equity	3,581,956	2,679,800
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 19,012,742	$ 13,586,610

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	4,990,000,000	4,990,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	433,392,686	430,054,212
Common stock, shares outstanding	433,392,686	430,054,212

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		422,910,887
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,857,708	$ 1,042,870	$ (4,446)	$ 819,284
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	122,641			122,641
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (38,862)		(38,862)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	5,029,553	5,029,553
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	$ 77,334	$ 77,334
Stock-based compensation expense	124,725	124,725
Excess stock option income tax benefits	79,880	$ 79,880
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		427,940,440
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	2,223,426	$ 1,324,809	(43,308)	941,925
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	186,678			186,678
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (5,257)		(5,257)
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	2,113,772	2,113,772
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	$ 36,979	$ 36,979
Stock-based compensation expense	173,675	173,675
Excess stock option income tax benefits	64,299	$ 64,299
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		430,054,212
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	2,679,800	$ 1,599,762	(48,565)	1,128,603
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	558,929			558,929
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 28,008		28,008
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)	3,338,474	3,338,474
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	$ 89,425	$ 89,425
Stock-based compensation expense	182,209	$ 182,209
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		433,392,686
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	3,581,956	$ 1,871,396	$ (20,557)	1,731,117
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]	$ 43,585			$ 43,585

Organization and Summary of Sig

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Netflix, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on August 29, 1997 and began operations on April 14, 1998. The Company is the world’s leading internet television network with over 117 million streaming memberships in over 190 countries enjoying more than 140 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Additionally, in the United States ("U.S."), members can receive DVDs. The Company has three reportable segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD, all of which derive revenue from monthly membership fees. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further detail on the Company's segments. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the streaming content asset amortization policy and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these assumptions, judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation . ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires that the Company present excess tax benefits on the Statement of Cash Flows as an operating activity. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in fiscal year 2017 and elected to apply this adoption prospectively. Prior periods have not been adjusted. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the impact on the Company’s financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The standard provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single asset or a group of similar assets, the assets acquired (or disposed of) are not considered a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim periods within those periods) with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted the standard in the third quarter of 2017 on a prospective basis and the impact on its consolidated financial statements was not material. Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued 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). The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period (full retrospective) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective). The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 and apply the modified retrospective approach. Because the Company's primary source of revenues is from monthly membership fees which are recognized ratably over each monthly membership period, the Company does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements to be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) in order to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim periods within those periods) using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019. Although the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements, the Company currently believes the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Company's balance sheet for real estate operating leases. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim periods within those periods) using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements to be material. In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"). The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. Effective the first quarter of 2018, the Company will elect to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a period cost as we are not projecting any material impact from GILTI inclusions and any deferred taxes related to any inclusion would be immaterial. Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments The Company considers investments in instruments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company also classifies amounts in transit from payment processors for customer credit card and debit card transactions as cash equivalents. In July 2017, the Company sold all short-term investments. The Company classified short-term investments, which consisted of marketable securities with original maturities in excess of 90 days as available-for-sale. Short-term investments were reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” within Stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amortization of premiums and discounts on the investments, realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in “Interest and other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company used the specific identification method to determine cost in calculating realized gains and losses upon the sale of short-term investments. Short-term investments were reviewed periodically to identify possible other-than-temporary impairment. When evaluating the investments, the Company reviewed factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer, the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it would be more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the investments before the recovery of their amortized cost basis. Streaming Content The Company acquires, licenses and produces content, including original programming, in order to offer members unlimited viewing of TV shows and films. The content licenses are for a fixed fee and specific windows of availability. Payment terms for certain content licenses and the production of content require more upfront cash payments relative to the amortization expense. Payments for content, including additions to streaming assets and the changes in related liabilities, are classified within "Net cash used in operating activities" on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For licenses, the Company capitalizes the fee per title and records a corresponding liability at the gross amount of the liability when the license period begins, the cost of the title is known and the title is accepted and available for streaming. The portion available for streaming within one year is recognized as “Current content assets, net” and the remaining portion as “Non-current content assets, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For productions, the Company capitalizes costs associated with the production, including development costs, direct costs and production overhead. These amounts are included in "Non-current content assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Participations and residuals are expensed in line with the amortization of production costs. Based on factors including historical and estimated viewing patterns, the Company amortizes the content assets (licensed and produced) in “Cost of revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the shorter of each title's contractual window of availability or estimated period of use or 10 years, beginning with the month of first availability. The amortization is on an accelerated basis, as the Company typically expects more upfront viewing, for instance due to additional merchandising and marketing efforts. The Company reviews factors impacting the amortization of the content assets on an ongoing basis. The Company's estimates related to these factors require considerable management judgment. The Company's business model is subscription based as opposed to a model generating revenues at a specific title level. Therefore, content assets, both licensed and produced, are reviewed in aggregate at the operating segment level when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the net realizable value or fair value may be less than amortized cost. To date, the Company has not identified any such event or changes in circumstances. If such changes are identified in the future, these aggregated content assets will be stated at the lower of unamortized cost, net realizable value or fair value. In addition, unamortized costs for assets that have been, or are expected to be, abandoned are written off. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally up to 30 years , or the lease term for leasehold improvements, if applicable. Leased buildings are capitalized and included in property and equipment when the Company was involved in the construction funding and did not meet the “sale-leaseback” criteria. Revenue Recognition The Company's primary source of revenues are from monthly membership fees. Members are billed in advance of the start of their monthly membership and revenues are recognized ratably over each monthly membership period. Revenues are presented net of the taxes that are collected from members and remitted to governmental authorities. Deferred revenue consists of membership fees billed that have not been recognized and gift and other prepaid memberships that have not been redeemed. Marketing Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising expenses and certain payments made to the Company’s partners, including consumer electronics (“CE”) manufacturers, multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), mobile operators and internet service providers (“ISPs”). Advertising expenses include promotional activities such as digital and television advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $1,091.1 million , $842.4 million and $714.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Research and Development Research and development expenses are included within "Technology and Development" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and primarily consist of payroll and related costs incurred in making improvements to our service offerings. Research and development expenses were $981.3 million , $768.3 million and $570.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Income Taxes The Company records a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits for which future realization is uncertain. The Company did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. The Company may recognize a tax benefit only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes. Foreign Currency The functional currency for the Company's subsidiaries is determined based on the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Gains and losses from these translations are recognized in cumulative translation adjustment included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in Stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 year ended December 31, 2015 . The Company remeasures monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency at exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Gains and losses from these remeasurements are recognized in interest and other income (expense). Foreign currency transactions resulted in a loss of $127.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a gain of $22.8 million and a loss of $37.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively. 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 for all 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 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 558,929 $ 186,678 $ 122,641 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 431,885 428,822 425,889 Basic earnings per share $ 1.29 $ 0.44 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 558,929 $ 186,678 $ 122,641 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 431,885 428,822 425,889 Employee stock options 14,929 9,830 10,567 Weighted-average number of shares 446,814 438,652 436,456 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.25 $ 0.43 $ 0.28 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: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Employee stock options 189 1,545 517 Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants fully vested non-qualified stock options to its employees on a monthly basis. As a result of immediate vesting, stock-based compensation expense is fully recognized on the grant date, and no estimate is required for post-vesting option forfeitures. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding stock-based compensation.

Short-term Investments

Short-term Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Short-term Investments	Short-term Investments In July 2017, the Company sold all short-term investments. As of December 31, 2017 , $449.7 million and $1.3 million of money market funds, classified as Level 1 securities, were included in Cash and cash equivalents and Non-current assets, respectively, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Foreign time deposits of $300.8 million , classified as Level 2 securities, were included in Cash and cash equivalents on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, $4.4 million of restricted cash is included in Non-current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amounts included in Non-current assets are primarily related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements. The following table summarizes, by major security type, the Company’s assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and were categorized using the fair value hierarchy and where they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016. Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Non-current assets (1) (in thousands) Cash $ 1,267,523 $ — $ — $ 1,267,523 $ 1,264,126 $ — $ 3,397 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 204,967 — — 204,967 203,450 — 1,517 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 199,843 110 (731 ) 199,222 — 199,222 — Government securities 35,944 — (128 ) 35,816 — 35,816 — Certificate of deposit 9,833 — — 9,833 — 9,833 — Agency securities 21,563 — (228 ) 21,335 — 21,335 — Total $ 1,739,673 $ 110 $ (1,087 ) $ 1,738,696 $ 1,467,576 $ 266,206 $ 4,914 (1) Primarily restricted cash that is related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be 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 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the fair value of the Company’s senior notes. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 or 2015 . There were no material gross realized gains or losses from the sale of available-for-sale investments in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Realized gains and losses and interest income are included in "Interest and other income (expense)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Balance Sheet Components

Balance Sheet Components	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Components	Balance Sheet Components Content Assets Content assets consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Licensed content, net $ 11,771,778 $ 9,595,315 Produced content, net Released, less amortization 1,427,256 335,400 In production 1,311,137 1,010,463 In development and pre-production 158,517 34,215 2,896,910 1,380,078 DVD, net 13,301 25,415 Total $ 14,681,989 $ 11,000,808 Current content assets, net $ 4,310,934 $ 3,726,307 Non-current content assets, net $ 10,371,055 $ 7,274,501 On average, over 90% of a licensed or produced streaming content asset is expected to be amortized within four years after its month of first availability. As of December 31, 2017, over 30% of the $14.7 billion unamortized cost is expected to be amortized within one year and 29% , 78% and over 80% of the $1.4 billion unamortized cost of the produced content that has been released is expected to be amortized within one year, three years and four years, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the amount of accrued participations and residuals was not material. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following: As of December 31, Estimated Useful Lives (in Years) 2017 2016 (in thousands) Information technology assets $ 223,850 $ 185,345 3 years Furniture and fixtures 49,217 32,185 3 years Buildings 40,681 40,681 30 years Leasehold improvements 229,848 107,945 Over life of lease DVD operations equipment 59,316 70,152 5 years Corporate aircraft 30,039 — 8 years Capital work-in-progress 8,267 108,296 Property and equipment, gross 641,218 544,604 Less: Accumulated depreciation (321,814 ) (294,209 ) Property and equipment, net $ 319,404 $ 250,395 The decrease in capital work-in-progress from December 31, 2016 is primarily due to leasehold improvements for the Company's expanded Los Gatos, California headquarters and the Company's new Los Angeles, California facility, both of which were placed into operation in the first quarter of 2017 .

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had aggregate outstanding long-term notes of $6,499.4 million , net of $61.9 million of issuance costs, 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 outstanding long-term debt and the fair values based on quoted market prices in less active markets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Level 2 Fair Value as of Principal Amount at Par Issuance Date Maturity Interest Due Dates December 31, December 31, (in millions) (in millions) 4.875% Senior Notes $ 1,600 October 2017 April 2028 April 15 and October 15 $ 1,571 $ — 3.625% Senior Notes (1) 1,561 May 2017 May 2027 May 15 and November 15 1,575 — 4.375% Senior Notes 1,000 October 2016 November 2026 May 15 and November 15 983 975 5.50% Senior Notes 700 February 2015 February 2022 April 15 and October 15 739 758 5.875% Senior Notes 800 February 2015 February 2025 April 15 and October 15 856 868 5.750% Senior Notes 400 February 2014 March 2024 March 1 and September 1 427 431 5.375% Senior Notes 500 February 2013 February 2021 February 1 and August 1 530 539 (1) Debt is denominated in euro with a €1,300 million aggregate principal amount and is remeasured into U.S. dollars at each balance sheet date. Total proceeds were $1,420.5 million and remeasurement loss on long-term debt was $140.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 . 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 December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with all related covenants. Revolving Credit Facility In July 2017 , the Company entered into a $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Agreement”), with an uncommitted incremental facility to increase the amount of the revolving credit facility by up to an additional $250.0 million , subject to certain terms and conditions. Revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed until July 27, 2022, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. The Company may use the proceeds of future borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2017 , no amounts have been borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, of either a floating rate equal to a base rate (the “Alternate Base Rate”) or (ii) a rate equal to an adjusted London interbank offered rate (the “Adjusted LIBO Rate”), plus a margin of 0.75% . The Alternate Base Rate is defined as the greatest of (A) the rate of interest published by the Wall Street Journal, from time to time, as the prime rate, (B) the federal funds rate, plus 0.500% and (C) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one-month interest period, plus 1.00% . The Adjusted LIBO Rate is defined as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars, for the relevant interest period, adjusted for statutory reserve requirements, but in no event shall the Adjusted LIBO Rate be less than 0.00% per annum. The Company is also obligated to pay a commitment fee on the undrawn amounts of the Revolving Credit Agreement at a rate of 0.10% . The Revolving Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to incur debt and limit or restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to grant liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and, in the case of the Company or a guarantor, merge, consolidate, liquidate, dissolve or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all related covenants.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Streaming Content At December 31, 2017 , the Company had $17.7 billion of obligations comprised of $4.2 billion included in "Current content liabilities" and $3.3 billion of "Non-current content liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and $10.2 billion of obligations that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as they did not yet meet the criteria for asset recognition. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had $14.5 billion of obligations comprised of $3.6 billion included in "Current content liabilities" and $2.9 billion of "Non-current content liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and $8.0 billion of obligations that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as they did not yet meet the criteria for asset recognition. The expected timing of payments for these streaming content obligations is as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Less than one year $ 7,446,947 $ 6,200,611 Due after one year and through 3 years 8,210,159 6,731,336 Due after 3 years and through 5 years 1,894,001 1,386,934 Due after 5 years 143,535 160,606 Total streaming content obligations $ 17,694,642 $ 14,479,487 Streaming content obligations include amounts related to the acquisition, licensing and production of streaming content. Obligations that are in non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated to U.S. dollar at period end rates. An obligation for the production of content includes non-cancelable commitments under creative talent and employment agreements. An obligation for the acquisition and licensing of content 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. Traditional film output deals, or certain TV series license agreements where the number of seasons to be aired is unknown, are examples of such license agreements. 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. Lease obligations The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with various expiration dates through 2027 . Several lease agreements contain rent escalation clauses or rent holidays. For purposes of recognizing minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, the Company uses the date of initial possession to begin amortization, which is generally when the Company enters the space and begins to make improvements in preparation for intended use. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has the option to extend or renew most of its leases which may increase the future minimum lease commitments. Because the terms of the Company’s facilities lease agreements for its original Los Gatos, California headquarters site required the Company’s involvement in the construction funding of the buildings, the Company is the “deemed owner” (for accounting purposes only) of these buildings. Accordingly, the Company recorded an asset of $40.7 million , representing the total costs of the buildings and improvements, including the costs paid by the lessor (the legal owner of the buildings), with corresponding liabilities. Upon completion of construction of each building, the Company did not meet the sale-leaseback criteria for de-recognition of the building assets and liabilities. Therefore the leases are accounted for as financing obligations. At December 31, 2017 , the lease financing obligation balance was $29.5 million , the majority of which is recorded in “Other non-current liabilities,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining future minimum payments under the lease financing obligation are $15.6 million . The lease financing obligation balance at the end of the lease term will be approximately $21.8 million which approximates the net book value of the buildings to be relinquished to the lessor. In addition to the lease financing obligation, future minimum lease payments include $508.3 million as of December 31, 2017 related to non-cancelable operating leases for the expanded headquarters in Los Gatos, California and the new office space in Los Angeles, California. Future minimum payments under lease financing obligations and non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Future Minimum Payments (in thousands) 2018 $ 101,987 2019 97,560 2020 96,255 2021 85,188 2022 77,418 Thereafter 278,970 Total minimum payments $ 737,378 Rent expense associated with the operating leases was $75.3 million , $53.1 million and $34.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 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. The Company is involved in litigation matters not listed herein 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.

Guarantees_Indemnification Obli

Guarantees—Indemnification Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees—Indemnification Obligations	Guarantees—Indemnification Obligations 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 financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [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 for all periods presented have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the Stock Split. Preferred Stock The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. None of the preferred shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Voting Rights The holders of each share of common stock shall be entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the Company’s stockholders. Stock Option Plans 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 December 31, 2017 , 10.7 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: Shares Available for Grant Options Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Thousands) Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Balances as of December 31, 2014 20,025,208 22,845,417 $ 21.65 Granted (3,179,892 ) 3,179,892 82.67 Exercised — (5,029,553 ) 15.38 Balances as of December 31, 2015 16,845,316 20,995,756 $ 32.39 Granted (3,555,363 ) 3,555,363 102.03 Exercised — (2,113,772 ) 17.48 Balances as of December 31, 2016 13,289,953 22,437,347 $ 44.83 Granted (2,550,038 ) 2,550,038 159.56 Exercised — (3,338,474 ) 26.79 Expired — (1,561 ) 3.25 Balances as of December 31, 2017 10,739,915 21,647,350 $ 61.13 5.97 $ 2,833,198 Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2017 21,647,350 $ 61.13 5.97 $ 2,833,198 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of 2017 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 2017 . This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $464.0 million , $189.2 million and $368.4 million , respectively. Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $88.4 million , $37.0 million and $78.0 million , respectively. Stock-Based Compensation Stock options granted are exercisable for the full ten year contractual term regardless of employment status. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value option grants using the lattice-binomial model and the valuation data: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 34% - 37% 40% - 50% 36% - 53% Risk-free interest rate 2.24% - 2.45% 1.57% - 2.04% 2.03% - 2.29% Suboptimal exercise factor 2.48 - 2.63 2.48 2.47 - 2.48 Valuation data: Weighted-average fair value (per share) $ 71.45 $ 48.85 $ 39.22 Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) 182,209 173,675 124,725 Total income tax impact on provision (in thousands) 61,842 65,173 47,125 The Company considers several factors in determining the suboptimal exercise factor, including the historical and estimated option exercise behavior. The Company calculates expected volatility 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (42,502 ) $ (806 ) $ (43,308 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (5,464 ) 310 (5,154 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — (103 ) (103 ) Net (increase) decrease in other comprehensive loss (5,464 ) 207 (5,257 ) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (47,966 ) $ (599 ) $ (48,565 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 27,409 728 28,137 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — (129 ) (129 ) Net decrease in other comprehensive loss 27,409 599 28,008 Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ (20,557 ) $ — $ (20,557 ) The amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income before provision for income taxes was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) United States $ 144,100 $ 188,078 $ 95,644 Foreign 341,221 72,429 46,241 Income before income taxes $ 485,321 $ 260,507 $ 141,885 The components of provision for income taxes for all periods presented were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current tax provision: Federal $ 54,245 $ 54,315 $ 52,557 State (7,601 ) 5,790 (1,576 ) Foreign 88,436 60,571 26,918 Total current 135,080 120,676 77,899 Deferred tax provision: Federal (153,963 ) (24,383 ) (37,669 ) State (52,695 ) (14,080 ) (17,635 ) Foreign (2,030 ) (8,384 ) (3,351 ) Total deferred (208,688 ) (46,847 ) (58,655 ) Provision for income taxes $ (73,608 ) $ 73,829 $ 19,244 At the beginning of 2017, the Company underwent a corporate restructuring that better aligns its corporate structure with how its business operates. As a result of this restructuring and the Company's increasing international income, there is now significantly more income being taxed at rates lower than the U.S. tax rate. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017. The Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act in its year end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result has recorded $79.1 million as an additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The provisional amount related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future was $46.9 million . The provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was $32.2 million based on cumulative foreign earnings of $484.9 million . On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that the $46.9 million of the deferred tax expense recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the $32.2 million of current tax expense recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis of historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete. The Company recorded a $66.5 million benefit related to foreign taxes expensed in prior years that may now be claimed as a Foreign Tax Credit. The Company has determined there is sufficient foreign source income projected to utilize these credits. Due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in 2017, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations. This will result in increased volatility in the Company’s effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Expected tax expense at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% $ 169,860 $ 91,179 $ 49,658 State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect 6,404 7,261 4,783 Foreign earnings at other than U.S. rates (87,514 ) 14,639 5,310 Federal and California R&D tax credits (79,868 ) (41,144 ) (29,363 ) Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (157,888 ) — — Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 79,077 — — Release of tax reserves on previously unrecognized tax benefits — — (13,438 ) Other (3,679 ) 1,894 2,294 Provision for income taxes $ (73,608 ) $ 73,829 $ 19,244 Effective Tax Rate (15 )% 28 % 14 % The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Stock-based compensation $ 149,367 $ 188,458 Accruals and reserves 34,170 29,231 Depreciation and amortization (70,382 ) (93,760 ) Federal and California tax R&D credits 260,686 107,283 Federal foreign tax credits 102,242 — Other 51,614 (2,363 ) Gross deferred tax assets 527,697 228,849 Valuation allowance (49,431 ) (1,601 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 478,266 $ 227,248 All deferred tax assets are classified as “Other non-current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2017, the valuation allowance of $49.4 million related to certain foreign tax credits that are not likely to be realized. The Company remeasured these non-current assets and liabilities at the applicable tax rate of 21% in accordance with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The remeasurement resulted in a total decrease in these assets of $46.9 million . As of December 31, 2017 , the Company's Federal R&D tax credit and state tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes were $133.4 million , and $119.2 million , respectively. The Federal R&D tax credit carryforwards expire through 2037 . State tax credit carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes were $102.2 million . The Federal foreign tax credit carryovers expire through 2026. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards for state tax return purposes was $80.9 million which expire in 2035 . As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to increase retained earnings by $43.6 million with a corresponding increase to deferred tax assets from stock-based compensation which had not been previously recognized. The unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to result in payment or receipt of cash within one year are classified as “Other non-current liabilities” and a reduction of deferred tax assets which is classified as "Other non-current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017 , the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $42.9 million , of which $37.9 million , if recognized, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2016 , the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $19.7 million , of which $17.0 million , if recognized, would favorably impact the Company’s effective tax rate. The aggregate changes in the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits are summarized as follows (in thousands): Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 17,117 Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods 1,047 Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (7,105 ) Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 8,713 Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities (33 ) Balances as of December 31, 2016 19,739 Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods — Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (3,226 ) Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 26,389 Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations — Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ 42,902 The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes and in “Other non-current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest and penalties included in the Company's provision for income taxes were not material in all the periods presented. The Company files U.S. Federal, state and foreign tax returns. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS and the state of California for the years 2014 and 2015. The 2016 Federal tax return remains subject to examination by the IRS. The years 2010 through 2013 and 2016 remain subject to examination by the state of California. The Company has no significant foreign jurisdiction audits underway. The years 2012 through 2016 remain subject to examination by foreign jurisdictions. Given the potential outcome of the current examinations as well as the impact of the current examinations 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, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible adjustments cannot be made.

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan covering substantially all of its employees. Eligible employees may contribute up to 60% of their annual salary through payroll deductions, but not more than the statutory limits set by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches employee contributions at the discretion of the Board. During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company’s matching contributions totaled $20.2 million , $15.7 million and $11.2 million , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 revenue and contribution profit (loss) for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit (loss) is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses 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 streaming segment derives revenues from monthly membership fees for services consisting solely of streaming content to the members in the United States. The International streaming segment derives revenues from monthly membership fees for services consisting solely of streaming content to members outside of the United States. 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. Amortization of streaming content assets makes up the vast majority of cost of revenues. The Company obtains multi-territory or global rights for its streaming content and allocates these rights between Domestic and International streaming segments based on estimated fair market value. Amortization of content assets and other expenses associated with the acquisition, licensing, and production of streaming content for each streaming segment thus includes both expenses directly incurred by the segment as well as an allocation of expenses incurred for global or multi-territory rights. Other costs of revenues such as delivery costs are primarily attributed to the operating segment based on amounts directly incurred by the segment. Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising expenses and certain payments made to marketing partners, including CE manufacturers, MVPDs, mobile operators and ISPs, 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 December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) United States $ 289,875 $ 236,977 International 29,529 13,418 The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2017 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 54,750 62,832 3,383 Revenues $ 6,153,025 $ 5,089,191 $ 450,497 $ 11,692,713 Cost of revenues 3,319,230 4,137,911 202,525 7,659,666 Marketing 553,331 724,691 — 1,278,022 Contribution profit $ 2,280,464 $ 226,589 $ 247,972 2,755,025 Other operating expenses 1,916,346 Operating income 838,679 Other income (expense) (353,358 ) Benefit from income taxes (73,608 ) Net income $ 558,929 Year ended December 31, 2017 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 2,756,947 $ 3,440,870 $ 60,657 $ 6,258,474 The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2016 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2016 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 49,431 44,365 4,114 — Revenues $ 5,077,307 $ 3,211,095 $ 542,267 $ 8,830,669 Cost of revenues 2,855,789 2,911,370 262,742 6,029,901 Marketing 382,832 608,246 — 991,078 Contribution profit (loss) $ 1,838,686 $ (308,521 ) $ 279,525 1,809,690 Other operating expenses 1,429,897 Operating income 379,793 Other income (expense) (119,286 ) Provision for income taxes 73,829 Net income $ 186,678 Year ended December 31, 2016 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 2,337,950 $ 2,450,548 $ 78,952 $ 4,867,450 The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2015 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2015 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 44,738 30,024 4,904 — Revenues $ 4,180,339 $ 1,953,435 $ 645,737 $ 6,779,511 Cost of revenues 2,487,193 1,780,375 323,908 4,591,476 Marketing 317,646 506,446 — 824,092 Contribution profit (loss) $ 1,375,500 $ (333,386 ) $ 321,829 1,363,943 Other operating expenses 1,058,117 Operating income 305,826 Other income (expense) (163,941 ) Provision for income taxes 19,244 Net income $ 122,641 Year ended December 31, 2015 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 1,905,069 $ 1,500,313 $ 79,380 $ 3,484,762 (1) A membership (also referred to as a subscription) is defined as the right to receive Netflix service following sign-up and a method of payment being provided. 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 certain new and rejoining members. Total members include those who are on a free-trial as long as a method of payment has been provided. 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.

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (in thousands, except for per share data) 2017 Total revenues $ 3,285,755 $ 2,984,859 $ 2,785,464 $ 2,636,635 Gross profit 1,178,401 991,879 883,156 979,611 Net income 185,517 129,590 65,600 178,222 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 0.15 $ 0.41 Diluted 0.41 0.29 0.15 0.40 2016 Total revenues $ 2,477,541 $ 2,290,188 $ 2,105,204 $ 1,957,736 Gross profit 823,122 757,344 632,106 588,196 Net income 66,748 51,517 40,755 27,658 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.16 $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.06 Diluted 0.15 0.12 0.09 0.06

Organization and Summary of S21

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the streaming content asset amortization policy and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates these assumptions, judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which amends Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation . ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under the new standard, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which they occur. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires that the Company present excess tax benefits on the Statement of Cash Flows as an operating activity. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in fiscal year 2017 and elected to apply this adoption prospectively. Prior periods have not been adjusted. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the impact on the Company’s financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The standard provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. If substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single asset or a group of similar assets, the assets acquired (or disposed of) are not considered a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim periods within those periods) with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted the standard in the third quarter of 2017 on a prospective basis and the impact on its consolidated financial statements was not material. Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued 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). The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period (full retrospective) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective). The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 and apply the modified retrospective approach. Because the Company's primary source of revenues is from monthly membership fees which are recognized ratably over each monthly membership period, the Company does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements to be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) in order to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (including interim periods within those periods) using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019. Although the Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements, the Company currently believes the most significant changes will be related to the recognition of new right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the Company's balance sheet for real estate operating leases. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the total beginning and ending amounts for the periods shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (including interim periods within those periods) using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company will adopt ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and does not expect the impact on its consolidated financial statements to be material. In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"). The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. Effective the first quarter of 2018, the Company will elect to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a period cost as we are not projecting any material impact from GILTI inclusions and any deferred taxes related to any i
Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments The Company considers investments in instruments purchased with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company also classifies amounts in transit from payment processors for customer credit card and debit card transactions as cash equivalents. In July 2017, the Company sold all short-term investments. The Company classified short-term investments, which consisted of marketable securities with original maturities in excess of 90 days as available-for-sale. Short-term investments were reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” within Stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amortization of premiums and discounts on the investments, realized gains and losses, and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in “Interest and other income (expense)” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company used the specific identification method to determine cost in calculating realized gains and losses upon the sale of short-term investments. Short-term investments were reviewed periodically to identify possible other-than-temporary impairment. When evaluating the investments, the Company reviewed factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer, the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it would be more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the investments before the recovery of their amortized cost basis.
Streaming Content	Streaming Content The Company acquires, licenses and produces content, including original programming, in order to offer members unlimited viewing of TV shows and films. The content licenses are for a fixed fee and specific windows of availability. Payment terms for certain content licenses and the production of content require more upfront cash payments relative to the amortization expense. Payments for content, including additions to streaming assets and the changes in related liabilities, are classified within "Net cash used in operating activities" on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For licenses, the Company capitalizes the fee per title and records a corresponding liability at the gross amount of the liability when the license period begins, the cost of the title is known and the title is accepted and available for streaming. The portion available for streaming within one year is recognized as “Current content assets, net” and the remaining portion as “Non-current content assets, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For productions, the Company capitalizes costs associated with the production, including development costs, direct costs and production overhead. These amounts are included in "Non-current content assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Participations and residuals are expensed in line with the amortization of production costs. Based on factors including historical and estimated viewing patterns, the Company amortizes the content assets (licensed and produced) in “Cost of revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the shorter of each title's contractual window of availability or estimated period of use or 10 years, beginning with the month of first availability. The amortization is on an accelerated basis, as the Company typically expects more upfront viewing, for instance due to additional merchandising and marketing efforts. The Company reviews factors impacting the amortization of the content assets on an ongoing basis. The Company's estimates related to these factors require considerable management judgment. The Company's business model is subscription based as opposed to a model generating revenues at a specific title level. Therefore, content assets, both licensed and produced, are reviewed in aggregate at the operating segment level when an event or change in circumstances indicates a change in the expected usefulness of the content or that the net realizable value or fair value may be less than amortized cost. To date, the Company has not identified any such event or changes in circumstances. If such changes are identified in the future, these aggregated content assets will be stated at the lower of unamortized cost, net realizable value or fair value. In addition, unamortized costs for assets that have been, or are expected to be, abandoned are written off.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally up to 30 years , or the lease term for leasehold improvements, if applicable. Leased buildings are capitalized and included in property and equipment when the Company was involved in the construction funding and did not meet the “sale-leaseback” criteria.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company's primary source of revenues are from monthly membership fees. Members are billed in advance of the start of their monthly membership and revenues are recognized ratably over each monthly membership period. Revenues are presented net of the taxes that are collected from members and remitted to governmental authorities. Deferred revenue consists of membership fees billed that have not been recognized and gift and other prepaid memberships that have not been redeemed.
Marketing	Marketing Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising expenses and certain payments made to the Company’s partners, including consumer electronics (“CE”) manufacturers, multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”), mobile operators and internet service providers (“ISPs”). Advertising expenses include promotional activities such as digital and television advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development expenses are included within "Technology and Development" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and primarily consist of payroll and related costs incurred in making improvements to our service offerings.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company records a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits for which future realization is uncertain. The Company did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. The Company may recognize a tax benefit only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency The functional currency for the Company's subsidiaries is determined based on the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period. Gains and losses from these translations are recognized in cumulative translation adjustment included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in Stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 year ended December 31, 2015 . The Company remeasures monetary assets and liabilities that are not denominated in the functional currency at exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Gains and losses from these remeasurements are recognized in interest and other income (expense).
Earnings Per Share	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.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants fully vested non-qualified stock options to its employees on a monthly basis. As a result of immediate vesting, stock-based compensation expense is fully recognized on the grant date, and no estimate is required for post-vesting option forfeitures.

Organization and Summary of S22

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Computation of Net Income Per Share	The computation of earnings per share is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands, except per share data) Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 558,929 $ 186,678 $ 122,641 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 431,885 428,822 425,889 Basic earnings per share $ 1.29 $ 0.44 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 558,929 $ 186,678 $ 122,641 Shares used in computation: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 431,885 428,822 425,889 Employee stock options 14,929 9,830 10,567 Weighted-average number of shares 446,814 438,652 436,456 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.25 $ 0.43 $ 0.28
Summary of Potential Common Shares Excluded from Diluted Calculation	The following table summarizes the potential common shares excluded from the diluted calculation: Year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Employee stock options 189 1,545 517

Short-term Investments (Tables)

Short-term Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-For-Sale Securities Reported at Fair Value	The following table summarizes, by major security type, the Company’s assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis and were categorized using the fair value hierarchy and where they are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016. Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Non-current assets (1) (in thousands) Cash $ 1,267,523 $ — $ — $ 1,267,523 $ 1,264,126 $ — $ 3,397 Level 1 securities: Money market funds 204,967 — — 204,967 203,450 — 1,517 Level 2 securities: Corporate debt securities 199,843 110 (731 ) 199,222 — 199,222 — Government securities 35,944 — (128 ) 35,816 — 35,816 — Certificate of deposit 9,833 — — 9,833 — 9,833 — Agency securities 21,563 — (228 ) 21,335 — 21,335 — Total $ 1,739,673 $ 110 $ (1,087 ) $ 1,738,696 $ 1,467,576 $ 266,206 $ 4,914 (1) Primarily restricted cash that is related to workers compensation deposits and letter of credit agreements.

Balance Sheet Components (Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Components Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Content Library	Content assets consisted of the following: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Licensed content, net $ 11,771,778 $ 9,595,315 Produced content, net Released, less amortization 1,427,256 335,400 In production 1,311,137 1,010,463 In development and pre-production 158,517 34,215 2,896,910 1,380,078 DVD, net 13,301 25,415 Total $ 14,681,989 $ 11,000,808 Current content assets, net $ 4,310,934 $ 3,726,307 Non-current content assets, net $ 10,371,055 $ 7,274,501
Property and Equipment and Accumulated Depreciation	Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following: As of December 31, Estimated Useful Lives (in Years) 2017 2016 (in thousands) Information technology assets $ 223,850 $ 185,345 3 years Furniture and fixtures 49,217 32,185 3 years Buildings 40,681 40,681 30 years Leasehold improvements 229,848 107,945 Over life of lease DVD operations equipment 59,316 70,152 5 years Corporate aircraft 30,039 — 8 years Capital work-in-progress 8,267 108,296 Property and equipment, gross 641,218 544,604 Less: Accumulated depreciation (321,814 ) (294,209 ) Property and equipment, net $ 319,404 $ 250,395

Long-term Debt (Tables)

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The following table provides a summary of the Company's outstanding long-term debt and the fair values based on quoted market prices in less active markets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : Level 2 Fair Value as of Principal Amount at Par Issuance Date Maturity Interest Due Dates December 31, December 31, (in millions) (in millions) 4.875% Senior Notes $ 1,600 October 2017 April 2028 April 15 and October 15 $ 1,571 $ — 3.625% Senior Notes (1) 1,561 May 2017 May 2027 May 15 and November 15 1,575 — 4.375% Senior Notes 1,000 October 2016 November 2026 May 15 and November 15 983 975 5.50% Senior Notes 700 February 2015 February 2022 April 15 and October 15 739 758 5.875% Senior Notes 800 February 2015 February 2025 April 15 and October 15 856 868 5.750% Senior Notes 400 February 2014 March 2024 March 1 and September 1 427 431 5.375% Senior Notes 500 February 2013 February 2021 February 1 and August 1 530 539 (1) Debt is denominated in euro with a €1,300 million aggregate principal amount and is remeasured into U.S. dollars at each balance sheet date. Total proceeds were $1,420.5 million and remeasurement loss on long-term debt was $140.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected timing of payments for streaming content obligations	The expected timing of payments for these streaming content obligations is as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Less than one year $ 7,446,947 $ 6,200,611 Due after one year and through 3 years 8,210,159 6,731,336 Due after 3 years and through 5 years 1,894,001 1,386,934 Due after 5 years 143,535 160,606 Total streaming content obligations $ 17,694,642 $ 14,479,487
Future minimum payments under lease financing obligations and non-cancelable operating leases	Future minimum payments under lease financing obligations and non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Future Minimum Payments (in thousands) 2018 $ 101,987 2019 97,560 2020 96,255 2021 85,188 2022 77,418 Thereafter 278,970 Total minimum payments $ 737,378
Future minimum payments under capital leases	Future minimum payments under lease financing obligations and non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows: Year Ending December 31, Future Minimum Payments (in thousands) 2018 $ 101,987 2019 97,560 2020 96,255 2021 85,188 2022 77,418 Thereafter 278,970 Total minimum payments $ 737,378

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [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: Shares Available for Grant Options Outstanding Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Thousands) Number of Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Balances as of December 31, 2014 20,025,208 22,845,417 $ 21.65 Granted (3,179,892 ) 3,179,892 82.67 Exercised — (5,029,553 ) 15.38 Balances as of December 31, 2015 16,845,316 20,995,756 $ 32.39 Granted (3,555,363 ) 3,555,363 102.03 Exercised — (2,113,772 ) 17.48 Balances as of December 31, 2016 13,289,953 22,437,347 $ 44.83 Granted (2,550,038 ) 2,550,038 159.56 Exercised — (3,338,474 ) 26.79 Expired — (1,561 ) 3.25 Balances as of December 31, 2017 10,739,915 21,647,350 $ 61.13 5.97 $ 2,833,198 Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2017 21,647,350 $ 61.13 5.97 $ 2,833,198
Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model	The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value option grants using the lattice-binomial model and the valuation data: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield — % — % — % Expected volatility 34% - 37% 40% - 50% 36% - 53% Risk-free interest rate 2.24% - 2.45% 1.57% - 2.04% 2.03% - 2.29% Suboptimal exercise factor 2.48 - 2.63 2.48 2.47 - 2.48 Valuation data: Weighted-average fair value (per share) $ 71.45 $ 48.85 $ 39.22 Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands) 182,209 173,675 124,725 Total income tax impact on provision (in thousands) 61,842 65,173 47,125

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive loss, net of tax: Foreign currency Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities Total (in thousands) Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ (42,502 ) $ (806 ) $ (43,308 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (5,464 ) 310 (5,154 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — (103 ) (103 ) Net (increase) decrease in other comprehensive loss (5,464 ) 207 (5,257 ) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ (47,966 ) $ (599 ) $ (48,565 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 27,409 728 28,137 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income — (129 ) (129 ) Net decrease in other comprehensive loss 27,409 599 28,008 Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ (20,557 ) $ — $ (20,557 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Taxes	Income before provision for income taxes was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) United States $ 144,100 $ 188,078 $ 95,644 Foreign 341,221 72,429 46,241 Income before income taxes $ 485,321 $ 260,507 $ 141,885
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of provision for income taxes for all periods presented were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Current tax provision: Federal $ 54,245 $ 54,315 $ 52,557 State (7,601 ) 5,790 (1,576 ) Foreign 88,436 60,571 26,918 Total current 135,080 120,676 77,899 Deferred tax provision: Federal (153,963 ) (24,383 ) (37,669 ) State (52,695 ) (14,080 ) (17,635 ) Foreign (2,030 ) (8,384 ) (3,351 ) Total deferred (208,688 ) (46,847 ) (58,655 ) Provision for income taxes $ (73,608 ) $ 73,829 $ 19,244
Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in thousands) Expected tax expense at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% $ 169,860 $ 91,179 $ 49,658 State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect 6,404 7,261 4,783 Foreign earnings at other than U.S. rates (87,514 ) 14,639 5,310 Federal and California R&D tax credits (79,868 ) (41,144 ) (29,363 ) Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (157,888 ) — — Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 79,077 — — Release of tax reserves on previously unrecognized tax benefits — — (13,438 ) Other (3,679 ) 1,894 2,294 Provision for income taxes $ (73,608 ) $ 73,829 $ 19,244 Effective Tax Rate (15 )% 28 % 14 %
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Stock-based compensation $ 149,367 $ 188,458 Accruals and reserves 34,170 29,231 Depreciation and amortization (70,382 ) (93,760 ) Federal and California tax R&D credits 260,686 107,283 Federal foreign tax credits 102,242 — Other 51,614 (2,363 ) Gross deferred tax assets 527,697 228,849 Valuation allowance (49,431 ) (1,601 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 478,266 $ 227,248
Summary of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The aggregate changes in the Company’s total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits are summarized as follows (in thousands): Balances as of December 31, 2015 $ 17,117 Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods 1,047 Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (7,105 ) Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 8,713 Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities (33 ) Balances as of December 31, 2016 19,739 Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods — Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods (3,226 ) Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period 26,389 Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations — Balances as of December 31, 2017 $ 42,902

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas	The Company's long-lived tangible assets were located as follows: As of December 31, 2017 2016 (in thousands) United States $ 289,875 $ 236,977 International 29,529 13,418
Information on Reportable Segments and Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income	The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2017 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 54,750 62,832 3,383 Revenues $ 6,153,025 $ 5,089,191 $ 450,497 $ 11,692,713 Cost of revenues 3,319,230 4,137,911 202,525 7,659,666 Marketing 553,331 724,691 — 1,278,022 Contribution profit $ 2,280,464 $ 226,589 $ 247,972 2,755,025 Other operating expenses 1,916,346 Operating income 838,679 Other income (expense) (353,358 ) Benefit from income taxes (73,608 ) Net income $ 558,929 Year ended December 31, 2017 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 2,756,947 $ 3,440,870 $ 60,657 $ 6,258,474 The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2016 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2016 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 49,431 44,365 4,114 — Revenues $ 5,077,307 $ 3,211,095 $ 542,267 $ 8,830,669 Cost of revenues 2,855,789 2,911,370 262,742 6,029,901 Marketing 382,832 608,246 — 991,078 Contribution profit (loss) $ 1,838,686 $ (308,521 ) $ 279,525 1,809,690 Other operating expenses 1,429,897 Operating income 379,793 Other income (expense) (119,286 ) Provision for income taxes 73,829 Net income $ 186,678 Year ended December 31, 2016 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 2,337,950 $ 2,450,548 $ 78,952 $ 4,867,450 The following tables represent segment information for the year ended December 31, 2015 : As of/Year ended December 31, 2015 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Total memberships at end of period (1) 44,738 30,024 4,904 — Revenues $ 4,180,339 $ 1,953,435 $ 645,737 $ 6,779,511 Cost of revenues 2,487,193 1,780,375 323,908 4,591,476 Marketing 317,646 506,446 — 824,092 Contribution profit (loss) $ 1,375,500 $ (333,386 ) $ 321,829 1,363,943 Other operating expenses 1,058,117 Operating income 305,826 Other income (expense) (163,941 ) Provision for income taxes 19,244 Net income $ 122,641 Year ended December 31, 2015 Domestic Streaming International Streaming Domestic DVD Consolidated (in thousands) Amortization of content assets $ 1,905,069 $ 1,500,313 $ 79,380 $ 3,484,762 (1) A membership (also referred to as a subscription) is defined as the right to receive Netflix service following sign-up and a method of payment being provided. 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 certain new and rejoining members. Total members include those who are on a free-trial as long as a method of payment has been provided. 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.

Selected Quarterly Financial 31

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 (in thousands, except for per share data) 2017 Total revenues $ 3,285,755 $ 2,984,859 $ 2,785,464 $ 2,636,635 Gross profit 1,178,401 991,879 883,156 979,611 Net income 185,517 129,590 65,600 178,222 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.43 $ 0.30 $ 0.15 $ 0.41 Diluted 0.41 0.29 0.15 0.40 2016 Total revenues $ 2,477,541 $ 2,290,188 $ 2,105,204 $ 1,957,736 Gross profit 823,122 757,344 632,106 588,196 Net income 66,748 51,517 40,755 27,658 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.16 $ 0.12 $ 0.10 $ 0.06 Diluted 0.15 0.12 0.09 0.06

Organization and Summary of S32

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) member in Millions, $ in Millions	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)countrysegmentmember	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of streaming members (more than) | member			117
Number of countries (over) | country			190
Number of hours (more than)			140000000 hours
Number of reportable segments | segment			3
Stock split, conversion ratio	7	7
Streaming content library, useful life (in years)			1 year
Advertising expense			$ 1,091.1	$ 842.4	$ 714.3
Technology and development			981.3	768.3	570
Foreign currency translation adjustment, other comprehensive loss					21.8
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)			$ (127.9)	$ 22.8	$ (37.3)
Minimum [Member]
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Content assets, useful life (in years)			10 years
Maximum [Member]
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life			30 years

Organization and Summary of S33

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Computation of Net Income Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$ 185,517	$ 129,590	$ 65,600	$ 178,222	$ 66,748	$ 51,517	$ 40,755	$ 27,658	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									431,885	428,822	425,889
Basic earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.30	$ 0.15	$ 0.41	$ 0.16	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.06	$ 1.29	$ 0.44	$ 0.29
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$ 185,517	$ 129,590	$ 65,600	$ 178,222	$ 66,748	$ 51,517	$ 40,755	$ 27,658	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									431,885	428,822	425,889
Employee stock options									14,929	9,830	10,567
Weighted-average number of shares									446,814	438,652	436,456
Diluted earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 0.41	$ 0.29	$ 0.15	$ 0.40	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ 0.09	$ 0.06	$ 1.25	$ 0.43	$ 0.28

Organization And Summary Of S34

Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Potential Common Shares Excluded From Diluted Calculation) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Employee stock options	189	1,545	517

Short-term Investments (Availab

Short-term Investments (Available-For-Sale Securities Reported At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Non-current Assets [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Restricted Cash	$ 4,400
Level 1 Securities [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	449,700
Level 1 Securities [Member] | Non-current Assets [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	1,300
Level 1 Securities [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and Money market funds, Amortized Cost		$ 204,967
Cash and Money market funds, Fair Value Disclosure		204,967
Level 2 Securities [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Foreign deposits	$ 300,800
Cash [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash and Money market funds, Amortized Cost		1,267,523
Cash and Money market funds, Fair Value Disclosure		1,267,523
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		110
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,087)
Total, Amortized Cost		1,739,673
Total, Estimated Fair Value		1,738,696
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Estimated Fair Value		1,467,576
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Estimated Fair Value		266,206
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Non-current Assets [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total, Estimated Fair Value		4,914
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 Securities [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Cash and Money market funds, Fair Value Disclosure		203,450
Cash and Money market funds, Non-current assets		1,517
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Securities [Member] | Corporate debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost		199,843
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		110
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(731)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value		199,222
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Securities [Member] | US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost		35,944
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(128)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value		35,816
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Securities [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost		9,833
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value		9,833
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 Securities [Member] | Agency securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost		21,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(228)
Available-for-sale Securities, Estimated Fair Value		21,335
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Cash [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Gross Unrealized Losses		0
Cash and Money market funds, Fair Value Disclosure		1,264,126
Cash and Money market funds, Non-current assets		$ 3,397

Balance Sheet Components (Compo

Balance Sheet Components (Components of Content Library) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total content assets, net	$ 14,681,989	$ 11,000,808
Current content assets, net	4,310,934	3,726,307
Non-current content assets, net	$ 10,371,055	7,274,501
Average produced content asset amortization percentage (more than)	0.90
Average produced content asset amortization period (in years)	4 years
Average unamortized cost percentage (more than)	30.00%
Average amortization period of unamortized cost at balance sheet date (in years)	1 year
Produced content, amortization period, tranche one (in years)	1 year
Produced content, amortization period, tranche two (in years)	3 years
Produced content, amortization period, tranche three (in years)	4 years
Licensed Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 11,771,778	9,595,315
Produced Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,427,256	335,400
In production	1,311,137	1,010,463
In development and pre-production	158,517	34,215
Total content assets, net	$ 2,896,910	1,380,078
Produced content amortization period tranche one, percent	29.00%
Produced content amortization period tranche two, percent	78.00%
Produced content amortization period tranche three, percent	80.00%
DVD [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 13,301	$ 25,415

Balance Sheet Components (Prope

Balance Sheet Components (Property and Equipment and Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 641,218	$ 544,604
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(321,814)	(294,209)
Property and equipment, net	319,404	250,395
Information technology assets Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 223,850	185,345
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 49,217	32,185
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 40,681	40,681
Estimated Useful Lives	30 years
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 229,848	107,945
DVD operations equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 59,316	70,152
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Corporate Aircraft [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 30,039	0
Estimated Useful Lives	8 years
Capital work-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 8,267	$ 108,296

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate outstanding principal	$ 6,499,432	$ 3,364,311
Debt issuance cost	$ 61,900
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percent of outstanding principal	101.00%

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long-term Debt) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Foreign currency remeasurement loss on long-term debt	$ 140,790,000	$ 0	$ 0
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.875%	4.875%
Face amount					$ 1,600,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		0			$ 1,571,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				3.625%	3.625%
Face amount				€ 1,300,000,000	$ 1,561,300,000
Long-term debt, fair value		0			$ 1,575,000,000
Proceeds from convertible debt	1,420,500,000
Foreign currency remeasurement loss on long-term debt	$ 140,800,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				4.375%	4.375%
Face amount					$ 1,000,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		975,000,000			$ 983,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.50%	5.50%
Face amount					$ 700,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		758,000,000			$ 739,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.875%	5.875%
Face amount					$ 800,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		868,000,000			$ 856,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.750% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.75%	5.75%
Face amount					$ 400,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		431,000,000			$ 427,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.375% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate				5.375%	5.375%
Face amount					$ 500,000,000
Long-term debt, fair value		$ 539,000,000			$ 530,000,000

Long-term Debt (Revolving Credi

Long-term Debt (Revolving Credit Facility) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 500,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional maximum borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000
Commitment fee percentage	0.10%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
One-Month LIBOR Rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.00%
One-Month LIBOR Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%

Commitments and Contingencies41

Commitments and Contingencies (Streaming Content) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Total streaming content obligations	$ 17,694,642	$ 14,479,487
Current content liabilities	4,173,041	3,632,711
Non-current content liabilities	3,329,796	2,894,654
Unrecorded streaming obligations	10,200,000	8,000,000
Current Content Liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Current content liabilities	4,200,000	3,600,000
Non-current Content Liabilities [Member]
Contractual Obligation [Line Items]
Non-current content liabilities	$ 3,300,000	$ 2,900,000

Commitments and Contingencies42

Commitments and Contingencies (Expected Timing of Payments for Commitments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Less than one year	$ 7,446,947	$ 6,200,611
Due after one year and through 3 years	8,210,159	6,731,336
Due after 3 years and through 5 years	1,894,001	1,386,934
Due after 5 years	143,535	160,606
Total streaming content obligations	$ 17,694,642	$ 14,479,487

Commitments and Contingencies43

Commitments and Contingencies (Lease Obligations) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 75.3	$ 53.1	$ 34.7
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Los Gatos Buildings [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total costs of buildings and improvements	40.7
Capital lease obligations	29.5
Capital leases, future minimum payments due	15.6
Capital lease financing obligation under extended lease term	21.8
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Los Gatos Buildings Expanded Site and Los Angeles [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	$ 508.3

Commitments and Contingencies44

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Payments Under Lease Financing Obligations and Non-Cancelable Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 101,987
2,019	97,560
2,020	96,255
2,021	85,188
2,022	77,418
Thereafter	278,970
Total minimum payments	$ 737,378

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Spl

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Split) (Narrative) (Details)	Jul. 14, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Feb. 28, 2015$ / sharesshares
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Capital units, authorized					5,000,000,000	170,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized			4,990,000,000	4,990,000,000	4,990,000,000	160,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized			10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, par value (in USD per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Stock split, conversion ratio	7	7

Stockholders' Equity (Preferred

Stockholders' Equity (Preferred Stock and Voting Rights) (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015shares	Feb. 28, 2015shares
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Number of voting rights per share | vote	1

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Opt

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Plans) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 464	$ 189.2	$ 368.4
Cash received from option exercised	$ 88.4	$ 37	$ 78
2011 Stock Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance	10.7

Stockholders' Equity (Summary o

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Activity Related to Stock Option Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balances	13,289,953	16,845,316	20,025,208
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balances	22,437,347	20,995,756	22,845,417
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Granted	(2,550,038)	(3,555,363)	(3,179,892)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Exercised	(3,338,474)	(2,113,772)	(5,029,553)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Expired	(1,561)
Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balances	10,739,915	13,289,953	16,845,316
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balances	21,647,350	22,437,347	20,995,756
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balances (in USD per share)	$ 44.83	$ 32.39	$ 21.65
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted (in USD per share)	159.56	102.03	82.67
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in USD per share)	26.79	17.48	15.38
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired (in USD per share)	3.25
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balances (in USD per share)	$ 61.13	$ 44.83	$ 32.39
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Vested and exercisable	21,647,350
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable (in USD per share)	$ 61.13
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable (in Years)	5 years 11 months 19 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable	$ 2,833,198
Expiration period	10 years

Stockholders' Equity (Summary49

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Assumptions Used to Value Stock Option Grants) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility, minimum	34.00%	40.00%	36.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	37.00%	50.00%	53.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	2.24%	1.57%	2.03%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.45%	2.04%	2.29%
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum	2.48	2.48	2.47
Suboptimal exercise factor, maximum	2.63	2.48	2.48
Valuation data:
Weighted-average fair value (in USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 71.45	$ 48.85	$ 39.22
Total stock-based compensation expense (in thousands)	$ 182,209	$ 173,675	$ 124,725
Total income tax impact on provision (in thousands)	$ 61,842	$ 65,173	$ 47,125

Accumulated Other Comprehensi50

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,679,800	$ 2,223,426
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	28,137	(5,154)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(129)	(103)
Net decrease in other comprehensive loss	28,008	(5,257)
Ending Balance	3,581,956	2,679,800
Foreign currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(47,966)	(42,502)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	27,409	(5,464)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0	0
Net decrease in other comprehensive loss	27,409	(5,464)
Ending Balance	(20,557)	(47,966)
Change in unrealized gains on available for sale securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(599)	(806)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	728	310
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(129)	(103)
Net decrease in other comprehensive loss	599	207
Ending Balance	0	(599)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(48,565)	(43,308)
Ending Balance	$ (20,557)	$ (48,565)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 144,100	$ 188,078	$ 95,644
Foreign	341,221	72,429	46,241
Income before income taxes	$ 485,321	$ 260,507	$ 141,885

Income Taxes (Components of Pro

Income Taxes (Components of Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current tax provision:
Federal		$ 54,245	$ 54,315	$ 52,557
State		(7,601)	5,790	(1,576)
Foreign		88,436	60,571	26,918
Total current		135,080	120,676	77,899
Deferred tax provision:
Federal		(153,963)	(24,383)	(37,669)
State		(52,695)	(14,080)	(17,635)
Foreign		(2,030)	(8,384)	(3,351)
Total deferred		(208,688)	(46,847)	(58,655)
Provision for income taxes	$ 79,100	$ (73,608)	$ 73,829	$ 19,244

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal statutory income tax rate, percent										35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Provision for income taxes		$ 79,100								$ (73,608)	$ 73,829	$ 19,244
Change in enacted tax rate, amount										46,900
Foreign earnings repatriated										32,200
Revenues		3,285,755	$ 2,984,859	$ 2,785,464	$ 2,636,635	$ 2,477,541	$ 2,290,188	$ 2,105,204	$ 1,957,736	11,692,713	8,830,669	6,779,511
Foreign income tax expense (benefit)										66,500
Valuation allowance		49,431				1,601				49,431	1,601
Deferred tax assets		46,900								46,900
Federal foreign tax credits		102,242				0				102,242	0
Unrecognized tax benefits		42,902				19,739				42,902	19,739	$ 17,117
Reduction in provision for income taxes due to impact of effective tax rate		37,900				$ 17,000				37,900	$ 17,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount		133,400								133,400
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount		119,200								119,200
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		80,900								80,900
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred income tax assets		43,600								43,600
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		43,585								43,585
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption		$ 43,585								43,585
Subsequent Event [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal statutory income tax rate, percent	21.00%
Non-US [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Revenues										$ 484,900

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate, percent		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Expected tax expense at U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35%		$ 169,860	$ 91,179	$ 49,658
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect		6,404	7,261	4,783
Foreign earnings at other than U.S. rates		(87,514)	14,639	5,310
Federal and California R&D tax credits		(79,868)	(41,144)	(29,363)
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation		(157,888)	0	0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017		79,077	0	0
Release of tax reserves on previously unrecognized tax benefits		0	0	(13,438)
Other		(3,679)	1,894	2,294
Provision for income taxes	$ 79,100	$ (73,608)	$ 73,829	$ 19,244
Effective Tax Rate		(15.00%)	28.00%	14.00%

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
Stock-based compensation	$ 149,367	$ 188,458
Accruals and reserves	34,170	29,231
Depreciation and amortization	(70,382)	(93,760)
Federal and California tax R&D credits	260,686	107,283
Federal foreign tax credits	102,242	0
Other		(2,363)
Other	51,614
Gross deferred tax assets	527,697	228,849
Valuation allowance	(49,431)	(1,601)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 478,266	$ 227,248

Income Taxes (Summary of Change

Income Taxes (Summary of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 19,739	$ 17,117
Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods	0	1,047
Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods	(3,226)	(7,105)
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period	26,389	8,713
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities		(33)
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations	0
Ending Balance	$ 42,902	$ 19,739

Employee Benefit Plan (Details)

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Eligible employees maximum contribution percentage	60.00%
Contributions by employer	$ 20.2	$ 15.7	$ 11.2

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information (Long-lived

Segment Information (Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 289,875	$ 236,977
International [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 29,529	$ 13,418

Segment Information (Informatio

Segment Information (Information on Reportable Segments and Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income) (Details) subscription in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)subscription	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)subscription	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)subscription	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)subscription	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)subscription
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total members at end of period | subscription					0					0	0
Revenues	$ 3,285,755	$ 2,984,859	$ 2,785,464	$ 2,636,635	$ 2,477,541	$ 2,290,188	$ 2,105,204	$ 1,957,736	$ 11,692,713	$ 8,830,669	$ 6,779,511
Cost of revenues									7,659,666	6,029,901	4,591,476
Marketing									1,278,022	991,078	824,092
Contribution profit (loss)									2,755,025	1,809,690	1,363,943
Other operating expenses									1,916,346	1,429,897	1,058,117
Operating income									838,679	379,793	305,826
Other income (expense)									(353,358)	(119,286)	(163,941)
Provision for income taxes	79,100								(73,608)	73,829	19,244
Net income	$ 185,517	$ 129,590	$ 65,600	$ 178,222	$ 66,748	$ 51,517	$ 40,755	$ 27,658	558,929	186,678	122,641
Amortization of content assets									$ 6,258,474	$ 4,867,450	$ 3,484,762
Domestic Streaming [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total members at end of period | subscription	54,750				49,431				54,750	49,431	44,738
Revenues									$ 6,153,025	$ 5,077,307	$ 4,180,339
Cost of revenues									3,319,230	2,855,789	2,487,193
Marketing									553,331	382,832	317,646
Contribution profit (loss)									2,280,464	1,838,686	1,375,500
Amortization of content assets									$ 2,756,947	$ 2,337,950	$ 1,905,069
International Streaming [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total members at end of period | subscription	62,832				44,365				62,832	44,365	30,024
Revenues									$ 5,089,191	$ 3,211,095	$ 1,953,435
Cost of revenues									4,137,911	2,911,370	1,780,375
Marketing									724,691	608,246	506,446
Contribution profit (loss)									226,589	(308,521)	(333,386)
Amortization of content assets									$ 3,440,870	$ 2,450,548	$ 1,500,313
Domestic DVD [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total members at end of period | subscription	3,383				4,114				3,383	4,114	4,904
Revenues									$ 450,497	$ 542,267	$ 645,737
Cost of revenues									202,525	262,742	323,908
Marketing									0	0	0
Contribution profit (loss)									247,972	279,525	321,829
Amortization of content assets									$ 60,657	$ 78,952	$ 79,380

Selected Quarterly Financial 61

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 3,285,755	$ 2,984,859	$ 2,785,464	$ 2,636,635	$ 2,477,541	$ 2,290,188	$ 2,105,204	$ 1,957,736	$ 11,692,713	$ 8,830,669	$ 6,779,511
Gross profit	1,178,401	991,879	883,156	979,611	823,122	757,344	632,106	588,196
Net income	$ 185,517	$ 129,590	$ 65,600	$ 178,222	$ 66,748	$ 51,517	$ 40,755	$ 27,658	$ 558,929	$ 186,678	$ 122,641
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.30	$ 0.15	$ 0.41	$ 0.16	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.06	$ 1.29	$ 0.44	$ 0.29
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 0.41	$ 0.29	$ 0.15	$ 0.40	$ 0.15	$ 0.12	$ 0.09	$ 0.06	$ 1.25	$ 0.43	$ 0.28