NETFLIX INC, 10-K filed on 2/10/2012
Annual Report
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jan. 31, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
 
 
 
Document Type
10-K 
 
 
Amendment Flag
false 
 
 
Document Period End Date
Dec. 31, 2011 
 
 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2011 
 
 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
FY 
 
 
Entity Registrant Name
NETFLIX INC 
 
 
Entity Central Index Key
0001065280 
 
 
Current Fiscal Year End Date
--12-31 
 
 
Entity Filer Category
Large Accelerated Filer 
 
 
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
 
55,418,632 
 
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Yes 
 
 
Entity Voluntary Filers
No 
 
 
Entity Current Reporting Status
Yes 
 
 
Entity Public Float
 
 
$ 13,428,994,404 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 508,053 
$ 194,499 
Short-term investments
289,758 
155,888 
Current content library, net
919,709 
181,006 
Prepaid content
56,007 
62,217 
Other current assets
57,330 
43,621 
Total current assets
1,830,857 
637,231 
Non-current content library, net
1,046,934 
180,973 
Property and equipment, net
136,353 
128,570 
Other non-current assets
55,052 
35,293 
Total assets
3,069,196 
982,067 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Content accounts payable
924,706 
168,695 
Other accounts payable
87,860 
54,129 
Accrued expenses
63,693 
38,572 
Deferred revenue
148,796 
127,183 
Total current liabilities
1,225,055 
388,579 
Long-term debt
200,000 
200,000 
Long-term debt due to related party
200,000 
 
Non-current content liabilities
739,628 
48,179 
Other non-current liabilities
61,703 
55,145 
Total liabilities
2,426,386 
691,903 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
   
   
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2011 and 2010; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010
   
   
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2011 and 2010; 55,398,615 and 52,781,949 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
55 
53 
Additional paid-in capital
219,119 
51,622 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
706 
750 
Retained earnings
422,930 
237,739 
Total stockholders' equity
642,810 
290,164 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 3,069,196 
$ 982,067 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
 
 
Preferred stock, par value
$ 0.001 
$ 0.001 
Preferred stock, shares authorized
10,000,000 
10,000,000 
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value
$ 0.001 
$ 0.001 
Common stock, shares authorized
160,000,000 
160,000,000 
Common stock, shares issued
55,398,615 
52,781,949 
Common stock, shares outstanding
55,398,615 
52,781,949 
Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
 
 
 
Revenues
$ 3,204,577 
$ 2,162,625 
$ 1,670,269 
Cost of revenues:
 
 
 
Subscription
1,789,596 
1,154,109 
909,461 
Fulfillment expenses
250,305 
203,246 
169,810 
Total cost of revenues
2,039,901 
1,357,355 
1,079,271 
Gross profit
1,164,676 
805,270 
590,998 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Marketing
402,638 
293,839 
237,744 
Technology and development
259,033 
163,329 
114,542 
General and administrative
117,937 
64,461 
46,773 
Legal Settlement
9,000 
 
 
Total operating expenses
788,608 
521,629 
399,059 
Operating income
376,068 
283,641 
191,939 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(20,025)
(19,629)
(6,475)
Interest and other income
3,479 
3,684 
6,728 
Income before income taxes
359,522 
267,696 
192,192 
Provision for income taxes
133,396 
106,843 
76,332 
Net income
$ 226,126 
$ 160,853 
$ 115,860 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$ 4.28 
$ 3.06 
$ 2.05 
Diluted
$ 4.16 
$ 2.96 
$ 1.98 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
52,847 
52,529 
56,560 
Diluted
54,369 
54,304 
58,416 
Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2008
$ 62 
$ 338,577 
$ (100,020)
$ 84 
$ 108,452 
$ 347,155 
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2008
58,862,478 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
115,860 
115,860 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
189 
 
189 
Comprehensive income, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
116,049 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)
1,724,110 
 
 
 
 
1,724,110 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options
29,508 
 
 
 
29,509 
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)
224,799 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
 
5,765 
 
 
 
5,765 
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)
(7,371,314)
 
 
 
 
(7,371,000)
Repurchases of common stock
(10)
(398,850)
100,020 
 
(25,495)
(324,335)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,618 
 
 
 
12,618 
Excess stock option income tax benefits
 
12,382 
 
 
 
12,382 
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009
53 
 
 
273 
198,817 
199,143 
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009
53,440,073 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
160,853 
160,853 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
477 
 
477 
Comprehensive income, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
161,330 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)
1,902,073 
 
 
 
 
1,902,073 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options
47,080 
 
 
 
47,082 
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)
46,112 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
 
2,694 
 
 
 
2,694 
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)
(2,606,309)
 
 
 
 
(2,606,000)
Repurchases of common stock
(2)
(88,326)
 
 
(121,931)
(210,259)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
27,996 
 
 
 
27,996 
Excess stock option income tax benefits
 
62,178 
 
 
 
62,178 
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010
53 
51,622 
 
750 
237,739 
290,164 
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010
52,781,949 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
226,126 
226,126 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
(68)
 
(68)
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 
24 
 
24 
Comprehensive income, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
226,082 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options (in shares)
659,370 
 
 
 
 
659,370 
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options
 
19,614 
 
 
 
19,614 
Issuance of common stock, net of costs
199,483 
 
 
 
199,486 
Issuance of common stock, net of costs (in shares)
2,857,143 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)
(899,847)
 
 
 
 
(900,000)
Repurchases of common stock
(1)
(158,730)
 
 
(40,935)
(199,666)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
61,582 
 
 
 
61,582 
Excess stock option income tax benefits
 
45,548 
 
 
 
45,548 
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011
$ 55 
$ 219,119 
 
$ 706 
$ 422,930 
$ 642,810 
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011
55,398,615 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$ 226,126 
$ 160,853 
$ 115,860 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Additions to streaming content library
(2,320,732)
(406,210)
(64,217)
Change in streaming content liabilities
1,460,400 
167,836 
(4,014)
Amortization of streaming content library
699,128 
158,100 
48,192 
Amortization of DVD content library
96,744 
142,496 
171,298 
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles
43,747 
38,099 
38,044 
Stock-based compensation expense
61,582 
27,996 
12,618 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(45,784)
(62,214)
(12,683)
Other non-cash items
(4,050)
(9,128)
(7,161)
Deferred taxes
(18,597)
(962)
6,328 
Gain on sale of business
 
 
(1,783)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Prepaid content
6,211 
(35,476)
(5,643)
Other current assets
(4,775)
(18,027)
(5,358)
Other accounts payable
24,314 
18,098 
1,537 
Accrued expenses
68,902 
67,209 
13,169 
Deferred revenue
21,613 
27,086 
16,970 
Other non-current assets and liabilities
2,883 
645 
1,906 
Net cash provided by operating activities
317,712 
276,401 
325,063 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Acquisition of DVD content library
(85,154)
(123,901)
(193,044)
Purchases of short-term investments
(223,750)
(107,362)
(228,000)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
50,993 
120,857 
166,706 
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
38,105 
15,818 
35,673 
Purchases of property and equipment
(49,682)
(33,837)
(45,932)
Proceeds from sale of business
 
 
7,483 
Other assets
3,674 
12,344 
11,035 
Net cash used in investing activities
(265,814)
(116,081)
(246,079)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Principal payments of lease financing obligations
(2,083)
(1,776)
(1,158)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options
19,614 
49,776 
35,274 
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs
199,947 
   
   
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
45,784 
62,214 
12,683 
Borrowings on line of credit, net of issuance costs
 
 
18,978 
Payments on line of credit
 
 
(20,000)
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs
198,060 
 
193,917 
Repurchases of common stock
(199,666)
(210,259)
(324,335)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
261,656 
(100,045)
(84,641)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
313,554 
60,275 
(5,657)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
194,499 
134,224 
139,881 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
508,053 
194,499 
134,224 
Supplemental disclosure:
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
79,069 
56,218 
58,770 
Interest paid
$ 19,395 
$ 20,101 
$ 3,878 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

 

 

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 amortization policy of its content library; the valuation of stock-based compensation; 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

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 classifies short-term investments, which consist of marketable securities with original maturities in excess of 90 days as available-for-sale. Short-term investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" 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" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company uses the specific identification method to determine cost in calculating realized gains and losses upon the sale of short-term investments.

Short-term investments are reviewed periodically to identify possible other-than-temporary impairment. When evaluating the investments, the Company reviews 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.

 

Content Library

The Company obtains content through streaming content license agreements, DVD direct purchases and DVD revenue sharing agreements with studios, distributors and other suppliers.

The Company obtains content distribution rights in order to stream TV shows and movies to subscribers' TVs, computers and mobile devices. Streaming content is generally licensed for a fixed-fee for the term of the license agreement which may have multiple windows of availability. The license agreement may or may not be recognized in content library.

When the streaming license fee is known or reasonably determinable for a specific title and the specific title is first available for streaming to subscribers, the title is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Current content library" for the portion available for streaming within one year and in "Non-current content library" for the remaining portion. New titles recognized in the content library are classified in the line item "Additions to streaming content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company amortizes the content library on a straight-line basis over each title's contractual window of availability, which typically ranges from six months to five years. The steaming content library is reported at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. No write down from unamortized cost to a lower net realizable value was recorded in any of the periods presented. The amortization is classified in "Cost of revenues—Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Amortization of streaming content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which could range from six months to five years. For the titles recognized in content library, the license fees due but not paid are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Content accounts payable" for the amounts due within one year and as "Non-current content liabilities" for the amounts due beyond one year. Changes in these liabilities are classified in the line item "Change in streaming content liabilities" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company records the streaming content library assets and their related liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the gross amount of the liability. Payments for the titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library but in prepaid content. Minimum commitments for titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library and are included in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

When the streaming license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title, the title does not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library. Titles do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library because the underlying license agreement does not specify the number of titles or the license fee per title or the windows of availability per title, so that the license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title. Typical payment terms for these agreements, which can range from three to five years, require the Company to make equal fixed payments at the beginning of each quarter of the license term. To the extent that cumulative payments exceed cumulative amortization, "Prepaid content" is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company amortizes the license fees on a straight-line basis over the term of each license agreement. The amortization is classified in "Cost of revenues—Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Net income" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Changes in prepaid content are classified within net cash provided by operating activities in the line item "Prepaid content" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Commitments for licenses that do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library are included in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company acquires DVD content for the purpose of renting such content to its subscribers and earning subscription rental revenues, and, as such, the Company considers its direct purchase DVD library to be a productive asset. Accordingly, the Company classifies its DVD library in "Non-current content library" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The acquisition of DVD content library, net of changes in related liabilities, is classified in the line item "Acquisition of DVD content library" within cash used in investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows because the DVD content library is considered a productive asset. Other companies in the in-home entertainment video industry classify these cash flows as operating activities. The Company amortizes its direct purchase DVDs, less estimated salvage value, on a "sum-of-the-months" accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of the new release DVDs and back-catalog DVDs is estimated to be one year and three years, respectively. The amortization of the DVD content library is classified in "Cost of revenue- Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Amortization of DVD content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company also obtains DVD content through revenue sharing agreements with studios and distributors. Revenue sharing obligations incurred based on utilization are classified in "Cost of revenues- Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Net income" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash flows. The terms of some revenue sharing agreements obligate the Company to make a low initial payment for certain titles, representing a minimum contractual obligation under the agreement. The low initial payment is in exchange for a commitment to share a percentage of its subscription revenues or to pay a fee, based on utilization, for a defined period of time. The initial payment may be in the form of an upfront non-refundable payment which is classified in content library or in the form of a prepayment of future revenue sharing obligations which is classified as prepaid content.

 

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.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets such as DVD content library, property and equipment and intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds fair value of the asset group. There were no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable in any of the years presented. All of the Company's long-lived tangible assets are held in the United States.

 

Revenue Recognition

Subscription revenues are recognized ratably over each subscriber's monthly subscription period. Revenues are presented net of the taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Deferred revenue consists of subscriptions revenues billed to subscribers that have not been recognized and gift subscriptions that have not been redeemed.

 

 

Income Taxes

The Company records a tax provision 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 and 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. There was no significant valuation allowance as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

The Company did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position 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 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes.

 

Foreign Currency

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. Revenue 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 income in shareholders' equity. For transactions that are not denominated in the functional currency, the Company remeasures monetary assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Gains and losses from these remeasurements are recognized in interest and other income.

 

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted net income 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 shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the Company's Convertible Notes, incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options, and for 2010 and 2009, shares that were purchasable pursuant to the Company's employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). The Company's ESPP was suspended in 2011 and there were no offerings in 2011. The computation of net income per share is as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 4.28       $ 3.06       $ 2.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Convertible Notes interest expense, net of tax

     17         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted earnings per share

     226,143         160,853         115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   

Convertible Notes shares

     217         —           —     

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,305         1,775         1,856   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares

     54,369         54,304         58,416   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 4.16       $ 2.96       $ 1.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Employee stock options

     225         14         64   

 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options to its employees on a monthly basis. The Company has elected to grant all options as fully vested non-qualified stock options. 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.

 

Stock Repurchases

To facilitate a stock repurchase program, shares are repurchased by the Company in the open market and are accounted for when the transaction is settled. Shares held for future issuance are classified as Treasury stock. Shares formally or constructively retired are deducted from common stock for par value and from additional paid in capital for the excess over par value. If additional paid in capital has been exhausted, the excess over par value is deducted from Retained earnings. Direct costs incurred to acquire the shares are included in the total cost of the shares.

Short-Term Investments
Short-Term Investments
2. Short-term Investments

The Company's investment policy is consistent with the definition of available-for-sale securities. The Company does not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. The Company's policy is focused on the preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, the Company may sell certain securities but the objectives are generally not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. The following table summarizes, by major security type, the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

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 convertible notes and senior notes.

Because the Company does not intend to sell the investments that are in an unrealized loss position and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell any investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, the Company does not consider those investments with an unrealized loss to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in 2011, 2010 or 2009.

The gross realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale securities for the three years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $0.7 million, $1.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively. There were no material gross realized losses from the sale of available-for-sale investments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Realized gains and losses and interest income are included in interest and other income.

The estimated fair value of short-term investments by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 108,382   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     180,373   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,003   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 289,758   
  

 

 

 
Balance Sheet Components
Balance Sheet Components
3. Balance Sheet Components

Content Library

Content library consisted of the following:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    Streaming     DVD     Total     Streaming     DVD     Total  
    (in thousands)  

Total content library, gross

  $ 2,552,284      $ 599,155      $ 3,151,439     $ 441,637      $ 627,392      $ 1,069,029   

Accumulated amortization

    (632,270     (552,526     (1,184,796     (143,227     (563,823     (707,050
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

    1,920,014       46,629       1,966,643        298,410        63,569        361,979   

Current content library, net

    919,709        —          919,709        181,006        —          181,006   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current content library, net

  $ 1,000,305      $ 46,629      $ 1,046,934      $ 117,404      $ 63,569      $ 180,973   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Content Liabilities

Content liabilities consisted of the following:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    Streaming     DVD and other     Total     Streaming     DVD and other     Total  
    (in thousands)  

Content accounts payable

  $ 905,792     $ 18,914      $ 924,706      $ 136,841      $ 31,854      $ 168,695   

Non-current content liabilities

    739,628        —          739,628        48,179        —          48,179   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content liabilities

  $ 1,645,420      $ 18,914     $ 1,664,334      $ 185,020      $ 31,854      $ 216,874   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company typically enters into multi-year licenses with studios and other distributors that may result in an increase in content library and a corresponding increase in content accounts payable and non-current content liabilities. The payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which could range from six months to five years. As of December 31, 2011, content accounts payable and non-current content liabilities increased $1.45 billion, over December 31, 2010, as compared to an increase in total content library, net, of $1.60 billion.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following:

 

       As of December 31,  
       2011     2010  
       (in thousands)  

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 67,090      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,306        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3years         35,356        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3years         17,310        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         44,473        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

 

     822        16,882   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

 

     306,038        265,149   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

     (169,685     (136,579
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

   $ 136,353      $ 128,570   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Accrued state sales and use tax

   $ 14,557       $ 14,983   

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     17,763         8,520   

Accrued interest on debt

     2,125         2,125   

Accrued content related costs

     10,774         6,950   

Accrued legal settlement

     9,000         —     

Current portion of lease financing obligations

     2,319         2,083   

Other

     7,155         3,911   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued expenses

   $ 63,693       $ 38,572   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt
4. Long-term Debt

Senior Convertible Notes

In November 2011, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of zero coupon senior convertible notes due on December 1, 2018 (the "Convertible Notes") in a private placement offering to TCV VII, L.P., TCV VII(A), L.P., and TCV Member Fund, L.P.,. A general partner of these funds also serves on the Company's board of directors, and as such, the issuance of the notes is considered a related party transaction. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $197.8 million. Debt issuance costs of $2.2 million (of which $0.3 million were unpaid at December 31, 2011) were recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized over the term of the notes as interest expense. The Convertible Notes are the Company's general, unsecured obligations and are effectively subordinated to all of the Company's existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the assets securing such debt, and are structurally subordinated to all liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries, including trade payables. The Convertible Notes do not bear interest, except in specified circumstances. The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 11.6553 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, per $1,000 principal amount of notes. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $85.80 per share of common stock. Holders may surrender their notes for conversion at any time prior to the close of business day immediately preceding the maturity date of the notes. The Convertible 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 120% of the principal amount. At any time following May 28, 2012, the Company may elect to cause the conversion of the Convertible Notes into shares of the Company's common stock when specified conditions are satisfied, including that the daily volume weighted average price of the Company's common stock is equal or greater than $111.54 for at least 50 trading days during a 65 trading day period prior to the conversion date.

The Company determined that the embedded conversion option in the Convertible Notes does not require separate accounting treatment as a derivative instrument because it is both indexed to the Company's own stock and would be classified in stockholder's equity if freestanding. Additionally, the Convertible Notes do not require or permit any portion of the obligation to be settled in cash and accordingly the liability and equity (conversion option) components are not required to be accounted for separately.

The Convertible Notes include, among other terms and conditions, limitations on the Company's ability to pay cash dividends or to repurchase shares of its common stock, subject to specified exceptions. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Based on quoted market prices of the Company's publicly traded debt, the fair value of the Convertible Notes was approximately $206.5 million as of December 31, 2011.

Senior Notes

In November 2009, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.50% senior notes due November 15, 2017 (the "8.50% Notes"). The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $193.9 million. Debt issuance costs of $6.1 million were recorded in "Other non-current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the term of the notes as interest expense. The notes were issued at par and are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semi-annually at a rate of 8.50% per annum on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2010. The 8.50% 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. Prior to November 15, 2012, in the event of a qualified equity offering, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 8.50% Notes at a redemption price of 108.50% of the principal plus accrued interest. Additionally, the Company may redeem the 8.50% Notes prior to November 15, 2013 in whole or in part at a redemption price of 100% of the principal plus accrued interest, plus a "make-whole" premium. On or after November 15, 2013, the Company may redeem the 8.50% Notes in whole or in part at specified prices ranging from 104.25% to 100% of the principal plus accrued interest.

 

The 8.50% Notes include, among other terms and conditions, limitations on the Company's ability to create, incur, assume or be liable for indebtedness (other than specified types of permitted indebtedness); dispose of assets outside the ordinary course (subject to specified exceptions); acquire, merge or consolidate with or into another person or entity (other than specified types of permitted acquisitions); create, incur or allow any lien on any of its property or assign any right to receive income (except for specified permitted liens); make investments (other than specified types of investments); or pay dividends, make distributions, or purchase or redeem the Company's equity interests (each subject to specified exceptions). At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the 8.50% Notes was approximately $206.5 million and $225.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Credit Agreement

In September 2009, the Company entered into a credit agreement which provided for a $100 million three-year revolving line of credit. Loans under the credit agreement bore interest, at the Company's option, at either a base rate determined in accordance with the credit agreement, plus a spread of 1.75% to 2.25%, or an adjusted LIBOR rate plus a spread of 2.75% to 3.25%. In October 2009, the Company borrowed $20.0 million under the credit agreement. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, to the Company were approximately $19.0 million. In connection with the issuance of the 8.50% Notes, the Company repaid all outstanding amounts under and terminated the credit agreement. Issuance costs related to the line of credit were included in interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2009.

Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies
5. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease obligations

The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with various expiration dates through 2018. The facilities generally require the Company to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Further, 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 of 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 original facilities lease agreements required the Company's involvement in the construction funding of the buildings at its Los Gatos, California headquarters site, 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.

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company extended the facility leases for the Los Gatos buildings for an additional five year term after the remaining term of the original lease, thus increasing the future minimum payments under lease financing obligations by approximately $14 million. The leases continue to be accounted for as financing obligations and no gain or loss was recorded as a result of the lease financing modification. At December 31, 2011, the lease financing obligation balance was $34.1 million, of which $2.3 million and $31.8 million were recorded in "Accrued expenses" and "Other non-current liabilities," respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining future minimum payments under the lease financing obligation are $19.3 million. The lease financing obligation balance at the end of the extended lease term will be approximately $25.8 million which approximates the net book value of the buildings to be relinquished to the lessor.

Future minimum payments under lease financing obligations and non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Future
Minimum
Payments
 
     (in thousands)  

2012

   $ 21,773   

2013

     18,310   

2014

     14,195   

2015

     11,008   

2016

     8,580   

Thereafter

     5,326   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum payments

   $ 79,192   
  

 

 

 

Rent expense associated with the operating leases was $16.9 million, $14.9 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Streaming Content

The Company had $3.91 billion and $1.12 billion of obligations at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, including agreements to acquire and license streaming content that represent long-term liabilities or that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because they do not meet content library asset recognition criteria. The license agreements do not meet content library asset recognition criteria because either the fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title or it is known but the title is not yet available for streaming to subscribers. For those agreements with variable terms, the Company does not estimate what the total obligation may be beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. For those agreements that include renewal provisions that are solely at the option of the content provider, the Company includes the commitments associated with the renewal period to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified.

The expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2011 for these commitments is as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Less than one year

   $ 797,649   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     2,384,373   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     650,480   

Due after 5 years

     74,696   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $ 3,907,198   
  

 

 

 

The Company has entered into certain license agreements that include an unspecified or a maximum number of titles that the Company may or may not receive in the future and /or that include pricing contingent upon certain variables, such as theatrical exhibition receipts for the title. As of the reporting date, it is unknown whether the Company will receive access to these titles or what the ultimate price per title will be. Accordingly, such amounts are not reflected in the commitments described above. However such amounts are expected to be significant and the expected timing of payments could range from less than one year to more than five years.

 

In addition to the streaming content obligations above, the Company has licenses with certain performing rights organizations ("PRO"), and is currently involved in negotiations with other PROs, that hold certain rights to music used in connection with streaming content. For the latter, the Company accrues for estimated royalties that are due to PROs and adjusts these accruals based on any changes in estimates. While the Company anticipates finalizing these negotiations, the outcome of these negotiations is uncertain. Additionally, pending litigation between certain PROs and other third parties could impact the Company's negotiations. If the Company is unable to reach mutually acceptable terms with the PROs, the Company could become involved in similar litigation. The results of any negotiation or litigation may be materially different from management's estimates.

Litigation

From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is a party to litigation matters and claims, including claims relating to employee relations, business practices and patent infringement. Litigation can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict and the Company's view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The Company records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An unfavorable outcome to any legal matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Company's operations or its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

On January 27, 2012, a purported shareholder class action suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. The complaint alleges that the Company issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business practices and its contracts with content providers, which lead to artificially inflated stock prices. The complaint alleges violation of the federal securities laws and seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. A second suit was filed on January 27, 2012, alleging virtually identical claims. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable.

On November 23, 2011, a purported shareholder derivative suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. The complaint alleges, among other claims, that the Company's officers and members of its Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties, wasted valuable corporate assets, and were unjustly enriched as a result of causing the Company to buy back stock at artificially inflated prices to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable.

In January through April of 2009, a number of purported anti-trust class action suits were filed against the Company in various United States Federal Courts. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Walmart.com USA LLC (collectively, Wal-Mart) were also named as defendants in these suits. These cases have been consolidated in the Northern District of California and have been assigned the multidistrict litigation number MDL-2029. A number of substantially similar suits were filed in California State Courts, and have been consolidated in Santa Clara County. The plaintiffs, who are current or former Netflix customers, generally alleged that Netflix and Wal-Mart entered into an agreement to divide the markets for sales and online rentals of DVDs in the United States, which resulted in higher Netflix subscription prices. A number of other cases had been filed in Federal and State courts by current or former subscribers to the online DVD rental service offered by Blockbuster Inc., alleging injury arising from similar facts. These cases have been related to MDL 2029 or, in the case of the California State cases, coordinated with the cases in Santa Clara County. The complaint(s) sought unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and fees and other equitable relief. On November 22, 2011, the court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment. On December 22, 2011, plaintiff appealed the summary judgment ruling. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible; however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable.

The Company is involved in other litigation matters not listed above but does not consider the matters to be material either individually or in the aggregate at this time. The Company's view of the matters not listed may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold.

Guarantees-Indemnification Obligations
Guarantees-Indemnification Obligations
6. 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
7. Stockholders' Equity

On November 28, 2011, the Company issued 2.9 million shares of common stock upon the closing of a public offering for $200 million net of issuance costs of $0.5 million, the majority of which were unpaid as of December 31, 2011.

Stock Repurchase Program

The following table presents a summary of the Company's stock repurchases:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Total number of shares repurchased

     900         2,606         7,371   

Dollar amount of shares repurchased

   $ 199,666         210,259         324,335   

Average price paid per share

   $ 221.88       $ 80.67       $ 44.00   

Range of price paid per share

   $ 160.11 – 248.78       $ 60.23 – $126.01       $ 34.70 – $60.00   

Under the current stock repurchase plan, announced on June 11, 2010, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $300 million of its common stock through the end of 2012. As of December 31, 2011, $41.0 million of this authorization is remaining. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased is at management's discretion and will depend on various factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, debt covenant requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions.

Shares repurchased by the Company are accounted for when the transaction is settled. There were no unsettled share repurchases at December 31, 2011. Shares repurchased and retired are deducted from common stock for par value and from additional paid in capital for the excess over par value. If additional paid in capital has been exhausted, the excess over par value is deducted from retained earnings. Direct costs incurred to acquire the shares are included in the total cost of the shares. During the year ended December 31, 2011, $40.9 million was deducted from retained earnings related to share repurchases.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company determined that all shares held in treasury stock would be retired. Accordingly, these constructively retired shares were deducted from common stock for par value and from additional paid in capital for the excess over par value, until additional paid in capital was exhausted and then from retained earnings.

Preferred Stock

The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with par value of $0.001 per share. None of the preferred shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

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, 2011, 5,700,000 shares were reserved for future grants under the 2011 Stock Plan.

In February 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Stock Plan, which was amended and restated in May 2006. The 2002 Stock Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and for the grant of non-statutory stock options and stock purchase rights to employees, directors and consultants. As of December 31, 2011, 1,313,508 shares were reserved for future grants under the 2002 Stock Plan and the large majority will expire in the first quarter of 2012.

A summary of the activities related to the Company's options 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, 2008

     3,192,515        5,365,016        18.81         

Granted

     (601,665     601,665        41.65         

Exercised

     —          (1,724,110     17.11         

Canceled

     1,133        (1,133     12.69         

Expired

     (716     —          —           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Balances as of December 31, 2009

     2,591,267        4,241,438        22.74         

Granted

     (552,765 )     552,765        99.58         

Exercised

     —          (1,902,073 )     24.75         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Balances as of December 31, 2010

     2,038,502        2,892,130        36.11         

Authorized

     5,700,000        —          —           

Granted

     (724,994 )     724,994        154.09         

Exercised

     —          (659,370 )     29.11         
  

 

 

   

 

 

         

Balances as of December 31, 2011

     7,013,508        2,957,754        66.59         6.28         84,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

         

Vested and exercisable at
December 31, 2011

       2,957,754        66.59         6.28         84,482   
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 2011 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 December 31, 2011. 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, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $128.1 million, $176.0 million and $44.7 million, respectively.

Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $19.6 million, $47.1 million and $29.5 million, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes information on outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2011:

 

Options Outstanding and Exercisable

 

Exercise Price

   Number of
Options
     Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

$    1.50 – $11.48

     310,542         2.22       $ 8.08   

$  11.57 – $18.14

     311,566         3.25         14.65   

$  19.34 – $23.48

     302,259         5.10         21.52   

$  23.78 – $27.55

     300,998         4.62         26.32   

$  28.13 – $34.75

     304,110         5.40         30.91   

$  35.36 – $53.80

     314,372         6.55         42.35   

$  58.23 – $75.00

     308,609         9.07         67.04   

$  80.09 – $113.25

     359,849         9.29         98.03   

$134.91 – $237.19

     298,455         9.09         196.19   

$242.09 – $267.99

     146,994         9.43         259.98   
  

 

 

       
     2,957,754         
  

 

 

       

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In February 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") under which employees purchased common stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. The purchase price of the common stock acquired by the employees participating in the ESPP is 85% of the closing price on either the first day of the offering period or the last day of the purchase period, whichever was lower. Under the ESPP, the offering and purchase periods took place concurrently in consecutive six month increments. Therefore, the look-back for determining the purchase price was six months. Employees could invest up to 15% of their gross compensation through payroll deductions. In no event was an employee permitted to purchase more than 8,334 shares of common stock during any six-month purchase period.

As of December 31, 2011, there were 2,785,721 shares available for future issuance under the 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Company's ESPP was suspended in 2011 and there were no offerings in 2011.

During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, employees purchased approximately 46,112 and 224,799 shares at average prices of $58.41 and $25.65 per share, respectively. Cash received from purchases under the ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $2.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Vested stock options granted before June 30, 2004 can be exercised up to three months following termination of employment. Vested stock options granted after June 30, 2004 and before January 1, 2007 can be exercised up to one year following termination of employment. Vested stock options granted after January 2007 will remain 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:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Dividend yield

     0%         0%         0%   

Expected volatility

     51% – 65%         46% – 54%         46% – 56%   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.05% – 3.42%         2.65% – 3.67%         2.60% – 3.62%   

Suboptimal exercise factor

     2.17 – 3.64         1.78 – 3.28         1.73 – 2.01   

 

The Company bifurcates its option grants into two employee groupings (executive and non-executive) based on exercise behavior and considers several factors in determining the estimate of expected term for each group, including the historical option exercise behavior, the terms and vesting periods of the options granted.

The following table outlines the suboptimal exercise factor used and the resulting calculated expected term of the option grants:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
      2011      2010      2009  

Executives:

        

Suboptimal exercise factor

     3.39 – 3.64         2.15 – 3.28         1.87 – 2.01   

Expected term of the option grants (in years)

     8         6         4   

Non-Executives:

        

Suboptimal exercise factor

     2.17 – 2.26         1.78 – 2.09         1.73 – 1.76   

Expected term of the option grants (in years)

     5         4         3   

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value shares under the ESPP in 2010 and 2009, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009  

Dividend yield

     0     0%   

Expected volatility

     45     42% – 55%   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.24     0.16% –0.35%   

Expected life (in years)

     0.5        0.5   

The Company estimates expected volatility based on a blend of historical volatility of the Company's common stock and implied volatility of tradable forward call options to purchase shares of its common stock. The Company believes that implied volatility of publicly traded options in its common stock is expected to be more reflective of market conditions and, therefore, can reasonably be expected to be a better indicator of expected volatility than historical volatility of its common stock. The Company includes historical volatility in its computation due to low trade volume of its tradable forward call options in certain periods, there by precluding sole reliance on implied volatility.

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. In valuing shares issued under the Company's ESPP, the Company bases the risk-free interest rate on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with terms similar to the expected term of the shares. 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. The weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted during 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $84.94, $49.31 and $17.79 per share, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of shares granted under the ESPP during 2010 and 2009 was $21.27 and $10.53 per share, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense, net of tax, related to stock option plans and employee stock purchases which were allocated as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expenses

   $ 1,500      $ 1,145      $ 380   

Marketing

     6,107        3,043        1,786   

Technology and development

     28,922        10,189        4,453   

General and administrative

     25,053        13,619        5,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     61,582        27,996        12,618   

Income tax benefit

     (22,847     (11,161     (5,017
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation after income taxes

   $ 38,735      $ 16,835      $ 7,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
8. Income Taxes

The components of provision for income taxes for all periods presented were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Current tax provision:

      

Federal

   $ 123,406      $ 86,002      $ 55,104   

State

     28,657        21,803        14,900   

Foreign

     (70     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     151,993        107,805        70,004   

Deferred tax provision:

      

Federal

     (14,008     (1,615     6,568   

State

     (4,589     653        (240
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     (18,597     (962     6,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 133,396      $ 106,843      $ 76,332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options at $45.5 million, $62.2 million and $12.4 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are recorded directly to additional paid-in-capital.

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,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Expected tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%

   $ 125,833      $ 93,694      $ 67,267   

State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect

     15,042        15,349        10,350   

R&D tax credit

     (8,365     (3,207     (1,616

Other

     886        1,007        331   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 133,396      $ 106,843      $ 76,332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The tax effects of temporary differences and tax carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets are presented below:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities):

    

Accruals and reserves

   $ 9,193      $ 1,764   

Depreciation

     (17,381     (5,970

Stock-based compensation

     39,337        19,084   

R&D credits

     6,335        4,351   

Other

     844        461   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

   $ 38,328      $ 19,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets include $10.0 million and $2.2 million classified as "Other current assets" and $28.3 million and $17.5 million classified as "Other non-current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In evaluating its ability to realize the net deferred tax assets, the Company considered all available positive and negative evidence, including its past operating results and the forecast of future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, it was considered more likely than not that substantially all deferred tax assets would be realized, and no significant valuation allowance was recorded.

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 were signed into law. One of the major components of this legislation is the reinstatement of the Federal R&D credit retroactively to January 1, 2010. As a result, the Company recorded a Federal R&D credit of approximately $1.8 million as a discrete item in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The Company classifies unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to result in payment or receipt of cash within one year as "Other non-current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2011, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $28.1 million, of which $22.4 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):

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

   $ 13,244   

Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods

     1,150   

Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period

     6,283   
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 20,677   

Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods

     (46 )

Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period

     10,739   

Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations

     (3,237
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   $ 28,133   
  

 

 

 

The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2011, the total amount of gross interest and penalties accrued was $2.4 million, which is classified as "Other non-current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company files U.S. federal and state tax returns. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 and 2009, and the year 2010 remains subject to examination by the IRS. The statute of limitations for years 1997 through 2007 expired in September 2011 which resulted in a discrete benefit of approximately $3.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. The Company is currently under examination by the state of California for the years 2006 and 2007. The years 1997 through 2005, as well as 2008 through 2010, remain subject to examination by the state of California.

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, at this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible adjustments to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made.

Employee Benefit Plan
Employee Benefit Plan
9. 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 of Directors. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company's matching contributions totaled $4.0 million, $2.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

Segment Information
Segment Information
10. Segment Information

Effective in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company has three operating segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD. Segment information is presented along the same lines that the Company's chief operating decision maker reviews the operating results in assessing performance and allocating resources. The Company's chief operating decision maker reviews revenue and contribution profit for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses. There are no internal revenue transactions between the Company's reporting segments. In addition, the Company does not identify or allocate its assets by reportable segment and all of the Company's long-lived tangible assets are held in the United States. The Domestic and International streaming segments derive revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of streaming content. The Domestic DVD segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of DVD-by-mail.

Between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, the Company had two operating segments: Domestic and International. During this time, the Company's domestic streaming content and DVD-by-mail operations were combined. Subscribers in the United States were able to receive both streaming content and DVDs under a single hybrid plan. Accordingly, revenues were generated and marketing expenses were incurred in connection with the subscription offerings as a whole. Therefore, it is impracticable to allocate revenues or marketing expenses or present discrete segment information for the Domestic streaming and Domestic DVD segments for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2011.

In the third quarter of 2011, the Company made certain changes to its domestic pricing and plan structure which require subscribers who wish to receive both DVDs-by-mail and streaming content to have two separate subscription plans. Following this change, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company was able to generate discrete financial information for its Domestic DVD and Domestic streaming operations and began reporting this information to the chief operating decision maker for review.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company had a single segment as international operations had not yet commenced.

 

The following table represents segment information for the fourth quarter of 2011:

 

     As of/Three Months ended December 31, 2011  
     Domestic
Streaming
     International
Streaming
    Domestic
DVD
     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total subscriptions at end of period

     21,671         1,858        11,165         —     

Revenues

   $ 476,334       $ 28,988      $ 370,253       $ 875,575   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     424,224         88,731        176,488         689,443   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 52,110       $ (59,743   $ 193,765         186,132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Other operating expenses

             124,260   
          

 

 

 

Operating income

             61,872   
          

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

             (5,037

Provision for income taxes

             21,616   
          

 

 

 

Net income

           $ 35,219   
          

 

 

 

The following tables represent the Company's segment information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 based on the Company's segment reporting prior to the fourth quarter of 2011:

 

     As of/Year ended December 31, 2011  
     Domestic      International     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     24,395         1,858        26,253   

Revenues

   $ 3,121,727       $ 82,850      $ 3,204,577   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     2,256,540         185,999        2,442,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 865,187       $ (103,149     762,038   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other operating expenses

          385,970   
       

 

 

 

Operating income

          376,068   
       

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

          (16,546

Provision for income taxes

          133,396   
       

 

 

 

Net income

        $ 226,126   
       

 

 

 
     As of/Year ended December 31, 2010  
     Domestic      International     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     19,501         509        20,010   

Revenues

   $ 2,159,008       $ 3,617      $ 2,162,625   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     1,635,459         15,735        1,651,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 523,549       $ (12,118     511,431   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other operating expenses

          227,790   
       

 

 

 

Operating income

          283,641   
       

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

          (15,945

Provision for income taxes

          106,843   
       

 

 

 

Net income

        $ 160,853   
       

 

 

 
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event
11. Subsequent Event

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company engaged in mediation of a legal claim pending in the Northern District of California made in January 2011 related to the Company's compliance with the Video Privacy Protection Act. This mediation resulted in a settlement of the matter which includes payment of $9.0 million, which is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, and is anticipated to be paid in 2012. The Company had previously evaluated this claim and determined it to be immaterial and that any potential loss was not probable. Accordingly, no amount had been accrued prior to the mediation and settlement.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
12. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of 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 amortization policy of its content library; the valuation of stock-based compensation; 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. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

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 classifies short-term investments, which consist of marketable securities with original maturities in excess of 90 days as available-for-sale. Short-term investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" 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" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company uses the specific identification method to determine cost in calculating realized gains and losses upon the sale of short-term investments.

Short-term investments are reviewed periodically to identify possible other-than-temporary impairment. When evaluating the investments, the Company reviews 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.

 

Content Library

The Company obtains content through streaming content license agreements, DVD direct purchases and DVD revenue sharing agreements with studios, distributors and other suppliers.

The Company obtains content distribution rights in order to stream TV shows and movies to subscribers' TVs, computers and mobile devices. Streaming content is generally licensed for a fixed-fee for the term of the license agreement which may have multiple windows of availability. The license agreement may or may not be recognized in content library.

When the streaming license fee is known or reasonably determinable for a specific title and the specific title is first available for streaming to subscribers, the title is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in "Current content library" for the portion available for streaming within one year and in "Non-current content library" for the remaining portion. New titles recognized in the content library are classified in the line item "Additions to streaming content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company amortizes the content library on a straight-line basis over each title's contractual window of availability, which typically ranges from six months to five years. The steaming content library is reported at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. No write down from unamortized cost to a lower net realizable value was recorded in any of the periods presented. The amortization is classified in "Cost of revenues—Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Amortization of streaming content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which could range from six months to five years. For the titles recognized in content library, the license fees due but not paid are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as "Content accounts payable" for the amounts due within one year and as "Non-current content liabilities" for the amounts due beyond one year. Changes in these liabilities are classified in the line item "Change in streaming content liabilities" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company records the streaming content library assets and their related liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the gross amount of the liability. Payments for the titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library but in prepaid content. Minimum commitments for titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library and are included in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

When the streaming license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title, the title does not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library. Titles do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library because the underlying license agreement does not specify the number of titles or the license fee per title or the windows of availability per title, so that the license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title. Typical payment terms for these agreements, which can range from three to five years, require the Company to make equal fixed payments at the beginning of each quarter of the license term. To the extent that cumulative payments exceed cumulative amortization, "Prepaid content" is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company amortizes the license fees on a straight-line basis over the term of each license agreement. The amortization is classified in "Cost of revenues—Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Net income" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Changes in prepaid content are classified within net cash provided by operating activities in the line item "Prepaid content" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Commitments for licenses that do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library are included in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company acquires DVD content for the purpose of renting such content to its subscribers and earning subscription rental revenues, and, as such, the Company considers its direct purchase DVD library to be a productive asset. Accordingly, the Company classifies its DVD library in "Non-current content library" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The acquisition of DVD content library, net of changes in related liabilities, is classified in the line item "Acquisition of DVD content library" within cash used in investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows because the DVD content library is considered a productive asset. Other companies in the in-home entertainment video industry classify these cash flows as operating activities. The Company amortizes its direct purchase DVDs, less estimated salvage value, on a "sum-of-the-months" accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of the new release DVDs and back-catalog DVDs is estimated to be one year and three years, respectively. The amortization of the DVD content library is classified in "Cost of revenue- Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Amortization of DVD content library" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company also obtains DVD content through revenue sharing agreements with studios and distributors. Revenue sharing obligations incurred based on utilization are classified in "Cost of revenues- Subscription" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item "Net income" within net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash flows. The terms of some revenue sharing agreements obligate the Company to make a low initial payment for certain titles, representing a minimum contractual obligation under the agreement. The low initial payment is in exchange for a commitment to share a percentage of its subscription revenues or to pay a fee, based on utilization, for a defined period of time. The initial payment may be in the form of an upfront non-refundable payment which is classified in content library or in the form of a prepayment of future revenue sharing obligations which is classified as prepaid content.

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.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets such as DVD content library, property and equipment and intangible assets subject to depreciation and amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds fair value of the asset group. There were no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable in any of the years presented. All of the Company's long-lived tangible assets are held in the United States.

Revenue Recognition

Subscription revenues are recognized ratably over each subscriber's monthly subscription period. Revenues are presented net of the taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Deferred revenue consists of subscriptions revenues billed to subscribers that have not been recognized and gift subscriptions that have not been redeemed.

Income Taxes

The Company records a tax provision 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 and 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. There was no significant valuation allowance as of December 31, 2011 or 2010.

The Company did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position 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 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes.

Foreign Currency

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. Revenue 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 income in shareholders' equity. For transactions that are not denominated in the functional currency, the Company remeasures monetary assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Gains and losses from these remeasurements are recognized in interest and other income.

Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted net income 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 shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the Company's Convertible Notes, incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options, and for 2010 and 2009, shares that were purchasable pursuant to the Company's employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). The Company's ESPP was suspended in 2011 and there were no offerings in 2011. The computation of net income per share is as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 4.28       $ 3.06       $ 2.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Convertible Notes interest expense, net of tax

     17         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted earnings per share

     226,143         160,853         115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   

Convertible Notes shares

     217         —           —     

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,305         1,775         1,856   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares

     54,369         54,304         58,416   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 4.16       $ 2.96       $ 1.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Employee stock options

     225         14         64   

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options to its employees on a monthly basis. The Company has elected to grant all options as fully vested non-qualified stock options. 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.

Stock Repurchases

To facilitate a stock repurchase program, shares are repurchased by the Company in the open market and are accounted for when the transaction is settled. Shares held for future issuance are classified as Treasury stock. Shares formally or constructively retired are deducted from common stock for par value and from additional paid in capital for the excess over par value. If additional paid in capital has been exhausted, the excess over par value is deducted from Retained earnings. Direct costs incurred to acquire the shares are included in the total cost of the shares.

Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 4.28       $ 3.06       $ 2.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Net income

   $ 226,126       $ 160,853       $ 115,860   

Convertible Notes interest expense, net of tax

     17         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted earnings per share

     226,143         160,853         115,860   

Shares used in computation:

        

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,847         52,529         56,560   

Convertible Notes shares

     217         —           —     

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,305         1,775         1,856   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares

     54,369         54,304         58,416   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 4.16       $ 2.96       $ 1.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands)  

Employee stock options

     225         14         64   
Short-Term Investments (Tables)
     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 108,382   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     180,373   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,003   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 289,758   
  

 

 

 
Balance Sheet Components (Tables)
    As of December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    Streaming     DVD     Total     Streaming     DVD     Total  
    (in thousands)  

Total content library, gross

  $ 2,552,284      $ 599,155      $ 3,151,439     $ 441,637      $ 627,392      $ 1,069,029   

Accumulated amortization

    (632,270     (552,526     (1,184,796     (143,227     (563,823     (707,050
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

    1,920,014       46,629       1,966,643        298,410        63,569        361,979   

Current content library, net

    919,709        —          919,709        181,006        —          181,006   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current content library, net

  $ 1,000,305      $ 46,629      $ 1,046,934      $ 117,404      $ 63,569      $ 180,973   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    As of December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    Streaming     DVD and other     Total     Streaming     DVD and other     Total  
    (in thousands)  

Content accounts payable

  $ 905,792     $ 18,914      $ 924,706      $ 136,841      $ 31,854      $ 168,695   

Non-current content liabilities

    739,628        —          739,628        48,179        —          48,179   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content liabilities

  $ 1,645,420      $ 18,914     $ 1,664,334      $ 185,020      $ 31,854      $ 216,874   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       As of December 31,  
       2011     2010  
       (in thousands)  

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 67,090      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,306        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3years         35,356        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3years         17,310        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         44,473        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

 

     822        16,882   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

 

     306,038        265,149   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

     (169,685     (136,579
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

   $ 136,353      $ 128,570   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
     As of December 31,  
     2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Accrued state sales and use tax

   $ 14,557       $ 14,983   

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     17,763         8,520   

Accrued interest on debt

     2,125         2,125   

Accrued content related costs

     10,774         6,950   

Accrued legal settlement

     9,000         —     

Current portion of lease financing obligations

     2,319         2,083   

Other

     7,155         3,911   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued expenses

   $ 63,693       $ 38,572   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

Year Ending December 31,

   Future
Minimum
Payments
 
     (in thousands)  

2012

   $ 21,773   

2013

     18,310   

2014

     14,195   

2015

     11,008   

2016

     8,580   

Thereafter

     5,326   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum payments

   $ 79,192   
  

 

 

 
     (in thousands)  

Less than one year

   $ 797,649   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     2,384,373   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     650,480   

Due after 5 years

     74,696   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $ 3,907,198   
  

 

 

 
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
     Year ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Total number of shares repurchased

     900         2,606         7,371   

Dollar amount of shares repurchased

   $ 199,666         210,259         324,335   

Average price paid per share

   $ 221.88       $ 80.67       $ 44.00   

Range of price paid per share

   $ 160.11 – 248.78       $ 60.23 – $126.01       $ 34.70 – $60.00   
     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, 2008

     3,192,515        5,365,016        18.81         

Granted

     (601,665     601,665        41.65         

Exercised

     —          (1,724,110     17.11         

Canceled

     1,133        (1,133     12.69         

Expired

     (716     —          —           
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Balances as of December 31, 2009

     2,591,267        4,241,438        22.74         

Granted

     (552,765 )     552,765        99.58         

Exercised

     —          (1,902,073 )     24.75         
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Balances as of December 31, 2010

     2,038,502        2,892,130        36.11         

Authorized

     5,700,000        —          —           

Granted

     (724,994 )     724,994        154.09         

Exercised

     —          (659,370 )     29.11         
  

 

 

   

 

 

         

Balances as of December 31, 2011

     7,013,508        2,957,754        66.59         6.28         84,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

         

Vested and exercisable at
December 31, 2011

       2,957,754        66.59         6.28         84,482   

Options Outstanding and Exercisable

 

Exercise Price

   Number of
Options
     Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
     Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 

$    1.50 – $11.48

     310,542         2.22       $ 8.08   

$  11.57 – $18.14

     311,566         3.25         14.65   

$  19.34 – $23.48

     302,259         5.10         21.52   

$  23.78 – $27.55

     300,998         4.62         26.32   

$  28.13 – $34.75

     304,110         5.40         30.91   

$  35.36 – $53.80

     314,372         6.55         42.35   

$  58.23 – $75.00

     308,609         9.07         67.04   

$  80.09 – $113.25

     359,849         9.29         98.03   

$134.91 – $237.19

     298,455         9.09         196.19   

$242.09 – $267.99

     146,994         9.43         259.98   
  

 

 

       
     2,957,754         
  

 

 

       
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011      2010      2009  

Dividend yield

     0%         0%         0%   

Expected volatility

     51% – 65%         46% – 54%         46% – 56%   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.05% – 3.42%         2.65% – 3.67%         2.60% – 3.62%   

Suboptimal exercise factor

     2.17 – 3.64         1.78 – 3.28         1.73 – 2.01   
     Year Ended December 31,  
      2011      2010      2009  

Executives:

        

Suboptimal exercise factor

     3.39 – 3.64         2.15 – 3.28         1.87 – 2.01   

Expected term of the option grants (in years)

     8         6         4   

Non-Executives:

        

Suboptimal exercise factor

     2.17 – 2.26         1.78 – 2.09         1.73 – 1.76   

Expected term of the option grants (in years)

     5         4         3   
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009  

Dividend yield

     0     0%   

Expected volatility

     45     42% – 55%   

Risk-free interest rate

     0.24     0.16% –0.35%   

Expected life (in years)

     0.5        0.5   
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expenses

   $ 1,500      $ 1,145      $ 380   

Marketing

     6,107        3,043        1,786   

Technology and development

     28,922        10,189        4,453   

General and administrative

     25,053        13,619        5,999   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     61,582        27,996        12,618   

Income tax benefit

     (22,847     (11,161     (5,017
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation after income taxes

   $ 38,735      $ 16,835      $ 7,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Income Taxes (Tables)
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Current tax provision:

      

Federal

   $ 123,406      $ 86,002      $ 55,104   

State

     28,657        21,803        14,900   

Foreign

     (70     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     151,993        107,805        70,004   

Deferred tax provision:

      

Federal

     (14,008     (1,615     6,568   

State

     (4,589     653        (240
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     (18,597     (962     6,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 133,396      $ 106,843      $ 76,332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2011     2010     2009  
     (in thousands)  

Expected tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%

   $ 125,833      $ 93,694      $ 67,267   

State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect

     15,042        15,349        10,350   

R&D tax credit

     (8,365     (3,207     (1,616

Other

     886        1,007        331   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 133,396      $ 106,843      $ 76,332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     As of December 31,  
     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities):

    

Accruals and reserves

   $ 9,193      $ 1,764   

Depreciation

     (17,381     (5,970

Stock-based compensation

     39,337        19,084   

R&D credits

     6,335        4,351   

Other

     844        461   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets

   $ 38,328      $ 19,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

   $ 13,244   

Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods

     1,150   

Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period

     6,283   
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $ 20,677   

Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods

     (46 )

Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period

     10,739   

Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations

     (3,237
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2011

   $ 28,133   
  

 

 

 
Segment Information (Tables)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income
     As of/Three Months ended December 31, 2011  
     Domestic
Streaming
     International
Streaming
    Domestic
DVD
     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total subscriptions at end of period

     21,671         1,858        11,165         —     

Revenues

   $ 476,334       $ 28,988      $ 370,253       $ 875,575   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     424,224         88,731        176,488         689,443   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 52,110       $ (59,743   $ 193,765         186,132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

Other operating expenses

             124,260   
          

 

 

 

Operating income

             61,872   
          

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

             (5,037

Provision for income taxes

             21,616   
          

 

 

 

Net income

           $ 35,219   
          

 

 

 
Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income
     As of/Year ended December 31, 2011  
     Domestic      International     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     24,395         1,858        26,253   

Revenues

   $ 3,121,727       $ 82,850      $ 3,204,577   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     2,256,540         185,999        2,442,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 865,187       $ (103,149     762,038   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other operating expenses

          385,970   
       

 

 

 

Operating income

          376,068   
       

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

          (16,546

Provision for income taxes

          133,396   
       

 

 

 

Net income

        $ 226,126   
       

 

 

 
Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income
     As of/Year ended December 31, 2010  
     Domestic      International     Consolidated  
     (in thousands)  

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     19,501         509        20,010   

Revenues

   $ 2,159,008       $ 3,617      $ 2,162,625   

Cost of revenues and marketing expense

     1,635,459         15,735        1,651,194   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ 523,549       $ (12,118     511,431   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other operating expenses

          227,790   
       

 

 

 

Operating income

          283,641   
       

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

          (15,945

Provision for income taxes

          106,843   
       

 

 

 

Net income

        $ 160,853   
       

 

 

 
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
 
Advertising expense
$ 299.1 
$ 212.4 
$ 175.0 
Income tax examination, likelihood of unfavorable settlement, percentage
50.00% 
 
 
Property And Equipment [Member]
 
 
 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
 
Estimated useful life (years)
30 
 
 
Cash Equivalents [Member] |
Original Maturity Number Of Days Or Less [Member]
 
 
 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
 
Investments original maturity (in days)
90 
 
 
Available-For-Sale Securities [Member] |
Original Maturity Number Of Days Or More [Member]
 
 
 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
 
 
 
Investments original maturity (in days)
90 
 
 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Computation Of Net Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$ 35,219 1
$ 62,460 1
$ 68,214 1
$ 60,233 1
$ 47,095 
$ 37,967 
$ 43,519 
$ 32,272 
$ 226,126 
$ 160,853 
$ 115,860 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52,847 
52,529 
56,560 
Basic earnings per share
$ 0.66 
$ 1.19 
$ 1.30 
$ 1.14 
$ 0.90 
$ 0.73 
$ 0.83 
$ 0.61 
$ 4.28 
$ 3.06 
$ 2.05 
Convertible Notes interest expense, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17 
 
 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 226,143 
$ 160,853 
$ 115,860 
Convertible Notes shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
217 
 
 
Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,305 
1,775 
1,856 
Weighted-average number of shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54,369 
54,304 
58,416 
Diluted earnings per share
$ 0.64 
$ 1.16 
$ 1.26 
$ 1.11 
$ 0.87 
$ 0.70 
$ 0.80 
$ 0.59 
$ 4.16 
$ 2.96 
$ 1.98 
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Potential Common Shares Excluded From Diluted Calculation) (Details)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
 
 
 
Employee stock options
225 
14 
64 
Short-Term Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
 
 
 
Material gross realized gains
$ 0.7 
$ 1.0 
$ 1.9 
Short-Term Investments (Available-For-Sale Securities Reported At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2008
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
$ 801,218,000 
$ 353,748,000 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
1,359,000 
1,542,000 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(270,000)
(342,000)
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
802,307,000 
354,948,000 
 
 
Less: Restricted cash
4,496,000 1
4,561,000 2
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
797,811,000 
350,387,000 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
508,053,000 
194,499,000 
134,224,000 
139,881,000 
Cash [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
388,941,000 
194,146,000 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
388,941,000 
194,146,000 
 
 
Cash And Cash Equivalent [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
119,100,000 
400,000 
 
 
Level 1 Securities [Member] |
Money Market Funds [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
123,608,000 1
4,914,000 2
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
123,608,000 1
4,914,000 2
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
112,264,000 3
109,745,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
603,000 3
1,043,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(214,000)3
(101,000)3
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
112,653,000 3
110,687,000 3
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Government And Agency Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
175,464,000 3
42,062,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
694,000 3
331,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(56,000)3
(101,000)3
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
176,102,000 3
42,292,000 3
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Asset And Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
941,000 3
2,881,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
62,000 3
168,000 3
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
(140,000)3
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
1,003,000 3
2,909,000 3
 
 
Workers Compensation Deposits [Member]
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash other current assets
1,000,000 
 
 
 
Long-term restricted cash
$ 3,500,000 
$ 4,600,000 
 
 
Short-Term Investments (Estimated Fair Value Of Short-Term Investments By Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
 
 
Due within one year
$ 108,382 
 
Due after one year and through 5 years
180,373 
 
Due after 5 years and through 10 years
   
 
Due after 10 years
1,003 
 
Total short-term investments
$ 289,758 
$ 155,888 
Balance Sheet Components (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
Increase in content accounts payable and non-current content liabilities
$ 1.45 
$ 1.60 
Balance Sheet Components (Components Of Content Library) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Total content library, gross
$ 3,151,439 
$ 1,069,029 
Accumulated amortization
(1,184,796)
(707,050)
Total content library, net
1,966,643 
361,979 
Current content library, net
919,709 
181,006 
Non-current content library, net
1,046,934 
180,973 
Streaming [Member]
 
 
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Total content library, gross
2,552,284 
441,637 
Accumulated amortization
(632,270)
(143,227)
Total content library, net
1,920,014 
298,410 
Current content library, net
919,709 
181,006 
Non-current content library, net
1,000,305 
117,404 
DVD [Member]
 
 
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Total content library, gross
599,155 
627,392 
Accumulated amortization
(552,526)
(563,823)
Total content library, net
46,629 
63,569 
Non-current content library, net
$ 46,629 
$ 63,569 
Balance Sheet Components (Components Of Content Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Content accounts payable
$ 924,706 
$ 168,695 
Non-current content liabilities
739,628 
48,179 
Total content liabilities
1,664,334 
216,874 
Streaming [Member]
 
 
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Content accounts payable
905,792 
136,841 
Non-current content liabilities
739,628 
48,179 
Total content liabilities
1,645,420 
185,020 
DVD And Other [Member]
 
 
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components [Line Items]
 
 
Content accounts payable
18,914 
31,854 
Total content liabilities
$ 18,914 
$ 31,854 
Balance Sheet Components (Property And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
$ 306,038 
$ 265,149 
Less: Accumulated depreciation
(169,685)
(136,579)
Property and equipment, net
136,353 
128,570 
Computer Equipment [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
67,090 
60,289 
Property and equipment, useful life, years
 
Operations And Other Equipment [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
100,306 
72,368 
Property and equipment, useful life, years
 
Software, Including Internal-Use Software [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
35,356 
26,961 
Property and equipment, useful life, years
 
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
17,310 
11,438 
Property and equipment, useful life, years
 
Building [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
40,681 
40,681 
Property and equipment, useful life, years
30 
 
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
44,473 
36,530 
Property and equipment useful life over life of lease
Over life of lease 
 
Capital Work-In-Progress [Member]
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
$ 822 
$ 16,882 
Balance Sheet Components (Accrued Expenses) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
Accrued state sales and use tax
$ 14,557 
$ 14,983 
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
17,763 
8,520 
Accrued interest on debt
2,125 
2,125 
Accrued content related costs
10,774 
6,950 
Accrued legal settlement
9,000 
 
Current portion of lease financing obligations
2,319 
2,083 
Other
7,155 
3,911 
Accrued expenses
$ 63,693 
$ 38,572 
Long-Term Debt (Senior Convertible Notes) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2010
Nov. 30, 2011
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Maximum [Member]
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Minimum [Member]
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt outstanding
$ 200,000,000 
 
$ 200,000,000 
$ 200,000,000 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs
198,060,000 
193,917,000 
 
197,800,000 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs, net
 
 
 
2,200,000 
 
 
 
Unpaid debt issuance costs
300,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conversion rate of convertible notes to common stock shares
 
 
 
 
11.6553 
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.001 
 
$ 0.001 
 
$ 0.001 
 
 
Conversion rate of convertible notes, principal amount
 
 
 
 
1,000 
 
 
Initial conversion price per share of common stock
 
 
 
 
$ 85.80 
 
 
Debt instrument, convertible into shares, earliest date
 
 
 
 
May 28, 2012 
 
 
Weighted average price of common stock
 
 
 
 
$ 111.54 
 
 
Debt instrument, redeemable notes purchase price, percentage
 
 
 
 
120.00% 
 
 
Senior notes, fair value
 
 
 
 
$ 206,500,000 
 
 
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date
 
 
 
Dec. 01, 2018 
 
 
 
Trading days prior to conversion date required for conversion
 
 
 
 
 
65 
50 
Long-Term Debt (Senior Notes) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2010
Nov. 30, 2009
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Prior To November 15, 2012 [Member]
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Prior To November 15, 2013 [Member]
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
On Or After November 15, 2013 [Member]
Maximum [Member]
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
On Or After November 15, 2013 [Member]
Minimum [Member]
8.50% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt outstanding
$ 200,000,000 
 
$ 200,000,000 
$ 200,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs
198,060,000 
193,917,000 
 
193,900,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt issuance costs, net
 
 
 
 
6,100,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes interest rate
 
 
 
8.50% 
8.50% 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes, maturity date
 
 
 
Nov. 15, 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes, interest payment commencement date
 
 
 
 
May 15, 2010 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt instrument, redeemable notes purchase price, percentage
 
 
 
 
101.00% 
 
108.50% 
100.00% 
104.25% 
100.00% 
Maximum redeemable notes from qualified equity offering
 
 
 
 
 
 
35.00% 
 
 
 
Senior notes, fair value
 
 
 
 
$ 206,500,000 
$ 225,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt (Credit Agreement) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended 1 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2009
Oct. 31, 2009
Credit Agreement [Member]
Sep. 30, 2009
Credit Agreement [Member]
Sep. 30, 2009
Maximum [Member]
Credit Agreement [Member]
Sep. 30, 2009
Minimum [Member]
Credit Agreement [Member]
Sep. 30, 2009
LIBOR Rate [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Credit Agreement [Member]
Sep. 30, 2009
LIBOR Rate [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Line of credit facility, face amount
 
 
$ 100,000,000 
 
 
 
 
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate
 
 
 
2.25% 
1.75% 
3.25% 
2.75% 
Borrowings
 
20,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from lines of credit, net of issuance costs
$ 18,978,000 
$ 19,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2011
Los Gatos Buildings [Member]
Mar. 31, 2010
Los Gatos Buildings [Member]
years
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
Total costs of buildings and improvements
$ 40,700,000 
 
 
 
 
Commitments related to streaming content license agreements
3,910,000,000 
1,120,000,000 
 
 
 
Extended lease term
 
 
 
 
Operating leases, increase in future minimum payments due
 
 
 
 
14,000,000 
Lease financing obligation
 
 
 
34,100,000 
 
Operating leases, remaining future minimum payments due
 
 
 
19,300,000 
 
Operating lease financing obligation under extended lease term
 
 
 
25,800,000 
 
Rent expense
16,900,000 
14,900,000 
14,500,000 
 
 
Current portion of lease financing obligation in accrued expenses
2,319,000 
2,083,000 
 
2,300,000 
 
Non-current portion of lease financing obligation in other non-current liabilities
 
 
 
$ 31,800,000 
 
Commitments And Contingencies (Future Minimum Payments Under Lease Financing Obligations And Non-Cancelable Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
 
2012
$ 21,773 
2013
18,310 
2014
14,195 
2015
11,008 
2016
8,580 
Thereafter
5,326 
Total minimum payments
$ 79,192 
Commitments And Contingencies (Expected Timing Of Payments For Commitments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
 
Less than one year
$ 797,649 
Due after one year and through 3 years
2,384,373 
Due after 3 years and through 5 years
650,480 
Due after 5 years
74,696 
Total streaming content obligations
$ 3,907,198 
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 28, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2008
Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Jun. 11, 2010
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option Plans [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Option Plans [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Stock Option Plans [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Dec. 31, 2009
Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
2011 Stock Plan [Member]
Stock Option Plans [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
2002 Stock Plan [Member]
Stock Option Plans [Member]
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, shares issued
2,900,000 
55,398,615 
52,781,949 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock repurchase plan, authorized amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 300,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance costs
 
500,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition costs related to share repurchase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40,900,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsettled share repurchases
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, shares authorized
 
10,000,000 
10,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value
 
$ 0.001 
$ 0.001 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, shares issued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stockholders, voting rights
 
one vote 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserved common stock for issuance
 
2,957,754 
2,892,130 
4,241,438 
5,365,016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees can invest maximum their gross compensation through payroll deductions for share purchase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.00% 
 
 
Purchase price of common stock acquired by employees on closing price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85.00% 
 
 
Maximum number of shares employee can purchase
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,334 
 
 
Shares available for future issuance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,785,721 
5,700,000 
1,313,508 
Shares purchased during period
 
 
 
 
 
46,112 
224,799 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares purchased average price
 
 
 
 
 
$ 58.41 
$ 25.65 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total intrinsic value of options exercised
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128,100,000 
176,000,000 
44,700,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash received from option exercised
 
 
 
 
 
2,700,000 
5,800,000 
 
 
19,600,000 
47,100,000 
29,500,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 84.94 
$ 49.31 
$ 17.79 
 
 
 
Weighted-average fair value of shares granted under ESPP per share
 
 
 
 
 
$ 21.27 
$ 10.53 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash received from the issuance of common stock
$ 200,000,000 
$ 199,947,000 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Stock Repurchases) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
Total number of shares repurchased
900,000 
2,606,000 
7,371,000 
Dollar amount of shares repurchased
$ 199,666 
$ 210,259 
$ 324,335 
Average price paid per share
$ 221.88 
$ 80.67 
$ 44.00 
Maximum [Member]
 
 
 
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
Average price paid per share
$ 248.78 
$ 126.01 
$ 60.00 
Minimum [Member]
 
 
 
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
Average price paid per share
$ 160.11 
$ 60.23 
$ 34.70 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Activity Related To Stock Option Plans) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
 
 
 
Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balances
2,038,502 
2,591,267 
3,192,515 
Shares Available for Grant, Authorized
5,700,000 
 
 
Shares Available for Grant, Granted
(724,994)
(552,765)
(601,665)
Shares Available for Grant, Canceled
 
 
1,133 
Shares Available for Grant, Expired
 
 
(716)
Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balances
7,013,508 
2,038,502 
2,591,267 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balances
2,892,130 
4,241,438 
5,365,016 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Granted
724,994 
552,765 
601,665 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Exercised
(659,370)
(1,902,073)
(1,724,110)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Canceled
 
 
(1,133)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balances
2,957,754 
2,892,130 
4,241,438 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Vested and exercisable
2,957,754 
 
 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balances
$ 36.11 
$ 22.74 
$ 18.81 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted
$ 154.09 
$ 99.58 
$ 41.65 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised
$ 29.11 
$ 24.75 
$ 17.11 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Canceled
 
 
$ 12.69 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balances
$ 66.59 
$ 36.11 
$ 22.74 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable
$ 66.59 
 
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending Balances (in Years)
6.28 
 
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable (in Years)
6.28 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balances
$ 84,482 
 
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable
$ 84,482 
 
 
Stockholders' Equity (Summarized Information On Outstanding And Exercisable Options) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Number of Options
2,957,754 
$1.50 - $11.48 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 1.50 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 11.48 
Number of Options
310,542 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
2.22 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 8.08 
$11.57 - $18.14 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 11.57 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 18.14 
Number of Options
311,566 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
3.25 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 14.65 
$19.34 - $23.48 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 19.34 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 23.48 
Number of Options
302,259 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
5.10 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 21.52 
$23.78 - $27.55 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 23.78 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 27.55 
Number of Options
300,998 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
4.62 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 26.32 
$28.13 - $34.75 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 28.13 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 34.75 
Number of Options
304,110 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
5.40 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 30.91 
$35.36 - $53.80 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 35.36 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 53.80 
Number of Options
314,372 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
6.55 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 42.35 
$58.23 - $75.00 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 58.23 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 75.00 
Number of Options
308,609 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
9.07 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 67.04 
$80.09 - $113.25 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 80.09 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 113.25 
Number of Options
359,849 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
9.29 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 98.03 
$134.91 - $237.19 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 134.91 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 237.19 
Number of Options
298,455 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
9.09 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 196.19 
$242.09 - $267.99 [Member]
 
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
 
Exercise Price, lower range limit
$ 242.09 
Exercise Price, upper range limit
$ 267.99 
Number of Options
146,994 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
9.43 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
$ 259.98 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Share Based Payment Award Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
 
 
 
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility, minimum
51.00% 
46.00% 
46.00% 
Expected volatility, maximum
65.00% 
54.00% 
56.00% 
Risk-free interest rate, minimum
2.05% 
2.65% 
2.60% 
Risk-free interest rate, maximum
3.42% 
3.67% 
3.62% 
Maximum [Member]
 
 
 
Share Based Payment Award Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
 3.64 
 3.28 
 2.01 
Minimum [Member]
 
 
 
Share Based Payment Award Valuation Assumptions [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
 2.17 
 1.78 
 1.73 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Suboptimal Exercise Factor And Resulting Calculated Expected Term Of Option Grants) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Expected term of the option grants (in years)
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Non-Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Expected term of the option grants (in years)
Maximum [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
 3.64 
 3.28 
 2.01 
Maximum [Member] |
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
$ 3.64 
$ 3.28 
$ 2.01 
Maximum [Member] |
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Non-Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
$ 2.26 
$ 2.09 
$ 1.76 
Minimum [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
 2.17 
 1.78 
 1.73 
Minimum [Member] |
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
$ 3.39 
$ 2.15 
$ 1.87 
Minimum [Member] |
Stock-Based Compensation [Member] |
Non-Executives [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
$ 2.17 
$ 1.78 
$ 1.73 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Employee Stock Purchase Rights Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility, minimum
51.00% 
46.00% 
46.00% 
Expected volatility, maximum
65.00% 
54.00% 
56.00% 
Risk-free interest rate, minimum
2.05% 
2.65% 
2.60% 
Risk-free interest rate, maximum
3.42% 
3.67% 
3.62% 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
 
 
 
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
 
 
 
Dividend yield
 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
 
45.00% 
 
Expected volatility, minimum
 
 
42.00% 
Expected volatility, maximum
 
 
55.00% 
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.24% 
 
Risk-free interest rate, minimum
 
 
0.16% 
Risk-free interest rate, maximum
 
 
0.35% 
Expected life (in years)
 
0.5 
0.5 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$ 61,582 
$ 27,996 
$ 12,618 
Income tax benefit
(22,847)
(11,161)
(5,017)
Total stock-based compensation after income taxes
38,735 
16,835 
7,601 
Fulfillment Expenses [Member]
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
1,500 
1,145 
380 
Marketing [Member]
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
6,107 
3,043 
1,786 
Technology And Development [Member]
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
28,922 
10,189 
4,453 
General And Administrative [Member]
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$ 25,053 
$ 13,619 
$ 5,999 
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options
 
 
$ 45,500,000 
$ 62,200,000 
$ 12,400,000 
Deferred tax assets, other current assets
 
2,200,000 
10,000,000 
2,200,000 
 
Deferred tax assets, other non-current assets
 
17,500,000 
28,300,000 
17,500,000 
 
Federal R&D credit recorded by the Company
 
1,800,000 
 
 
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
 
20,677,000 
28,133,000 
20,677,000 
13,244,000 
Reduction in provision for income taxes due to impact of effective tax rate
 
 
22,400,000 
 
 
Gross interest and penalties accrued
 
 
2,400,000 
 
 
Discrete benefit of statute limitations
$ 3,500,000 
 
$ 3,237,000 
 
 
Income Taxes (Components Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Current tax provision, Federal
 
$ 123,406 
$ 86,002 
$ 55,104 
Current tax provision, State
 
28,657 
21,803 
14,900 
Current tax provision, Foreign
 
(70)
 
 
Total current
 
151,993 
107,805 
70,004 
Deferred tax provision, Federal
 
(14,008)
(1,615)
6,568 
Deferred tax provision, State
 
(4,589)
653 
(240)
Total deferred
 
(18,597)
(962)
6,328 
Provision for income taxes
$ 21,616 
$ 133,396 
$ 106,843 
$ 76,332 
Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Expected tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%
 
$ 125,833 
$ 93,694 
$ 67,267 
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect
 
15,042 
15,349 
10,350 
R&D tax credit
 
(8,365)
(3,207)
(1,616)
Other
 
886 
1,007 
331 
Provision for income taxes
$ 21,616 
$ 133,396 
$ 106,843 
$ 76,332 
Federal statutory rate
 
35.00% 
 
 
Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
Accruals and reserves
$ 9,193 
$ 1,764 
Depreciation
(17,381)
(5,970)
Stock-based compensation
39,337 
19,084 
R&D credits
6,335 
4,351 
Other
844 
461 
Deferred tax assets
$ 38,328 
$ 19,690 
Income Taxes (Summary Of Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
 
Beginning Balance
 
$ 20,677 
$ 13,244 
Increases related to tax positions taken during prior periods
 
 
1,150 
Decreases related to tax positions taken during prior periods
 
(46)
 
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period
 
10,739 
6,283 
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations
(3,500)
(3,237)
 
Ending Balance
 
$ 28,133 
$ 20,677 
Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
 
 
 
Eligible employees maximum contribution percentage
60.00% 
 
 
Contributions by employer
$ 4.0 
$ 2.8 
$ 2.3 
Segment Information (Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
26,253,000 
 
 
 
20,010,000 
 
 
 
26,253,000 
20,010,000 
 
Revenues
$ 875,575 
$ 821,839 
$ 788,610 
$ 718,553 
$ 595,922 
$ 553,219 
$ 519,819 
$ 493,665 
$ 3,204,577 
$ 2,162,625 
$ 1,670,269 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
689,443 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,442,539 
1,651,194 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
186,132 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
762,038 
511,431 
 
Other operating expenses
124,260 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
385,970 
227,790 
 
Operating income
61,872 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
376,068 
283,641 
191,939 
Other income (expense)
(5,037)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(16,546)
(15,945)
 
Provision for income taxes
21,616 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133,396 
106,843 
76,332 
Net income
35,219 1
62,460 1
68,214 1
60,233 1
47,095 
37,967 
43,519 
32,272 
226,126 
160,853 
115,860 
Domestic Streaming [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
21,671,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21,671,000 
 
 
Revenues
476,334 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
424,224 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
52,110 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic DVD [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
11,165,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11,165,000 
 
 
Revenues
370,253 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
176,488 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
193,765 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Streaming [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
1,858,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,858,000 
 
 
Revenues
28,988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
88,731 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
(59,743)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
24,395,000 
 
 
 
19,501,000 
 
 
 
24,395,000 
19,501,000 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,121,727 
2,159,008 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,256,540 
1,635,459 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
865,187 
523,549 
 
International [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
1,858,000 
 
 
 
509,000 
 
 
 
1,858,000 
509,000 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82,850 
3,617 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
185,999 
15,735 
 
Contribution profit (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ (103,149)
$ (12,118)
 
Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2011
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
 
Accrued legal settlement
$ 9,000 
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
$ 875,575,000 
$ 821,839,000 
$ 788,610,000 
$ 718,553,000 
$ 595,922,000 
$ 553,219,000 
$ 519,819,000 
$ 493,665,000 
$ 3,204,577,000 
$ 2,162,625,000 
$ 1,670,269,000 
Gross profit
300,420,000 
285,222,000 
298,632,000 
280,402,000 
205,132,000 
208,750,000 
204,885,000 
186,503,000 
1,164,676,000 
805,270,000 
590,998,000 
Net income
35,219,000 1
62,460,000 1
68,214,000 1
60,233,000 1
47,095,000 
37,967,000 
43,519,000 
32,272,000 
226,126,000 
160,853,000 
115,860,000 
Basic
$ 0.66 
$ 1.19 
$ 1.30 
$ 1.14 
$ 0.90 
$ 0.73 
$ 0.83 
$ 0.61 
$ 4.28 
$ 3.06 
$ 2.05 
Diluted
$ 0.64 
$ 1.16 
$ 1.26 
$ 1.11 
$ 0.87 
$ 0.70 
$ 0.80 
$ 0.59 
$ 4.16 
$ 2.96 
$ 1.98 
Legal settlement
9,000,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,000,000 
 
 
Termination benefits expense
9,500,000 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected costs incurred for termination benefits to be paid in 1st quarter of 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,800,000 
 
 
Accrued Expenses [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected costs incurred for termination benefits to be paid in 1st quarter of 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 4,900,000