Inventories-By Product (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 21,532	[1]	$ 30,464	[1]
INCIVEK
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	12,754		22,792
KALYDECO
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 8,778		$ 7,672

[1] Amounts include the assets and liabilities of Vertex’s variable interest entity (“VIE”), Alios BioPharma, Inc. (“Alios”). Vertex’s interests and obligations with respect to the VIE’s assets and liabilities are limited to those accorded to Vertex in its agreement with Alios. See Note C, "Collaborative Arrangements," to these condensed consolidated financial statements for amounts.