Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at balance sheet date				$ (550)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications				0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss				0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	680		257	0		637
Balance at balance sheet date	(550)	[1]		(550)	[1]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at balance sheet date				(746)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications				(7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss				0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)				(7)
Balance at balance sheet date	(753)			(753)
Unrealized Holding Gains on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at balance sheet date				196
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications				7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss				0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)				7
Balance at balance sheet date	$ 203			$ 203

[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.