Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (687,550)	$ (51,135)	$ 41,179
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	(154)	305	(119)
Unrealized losses on foreign currency forward contracts	(23)	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	421	198	133
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	244	503	14
Comprehensive income (loss)	(687,306)	(50,632)	41,193
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest (Alios)	242,522	(55,897)	(11,605)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vertex	$ (444,784)	$ (106,529)	$ 29,588

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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