Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	$ (550)	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	244
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	244		503		14
Balance at December 31, 2013	(306)	[1]	(550)	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	(746)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	421
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	421
Balance at December 31, 2013	(325)
Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	196
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(154)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(154)
Balance at December 31, 2013	42
Unrealized losses on foreign currency forward contracts
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2012	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(23)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(23)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$ (23)

[1] Amounts as of December 31, 2012 include the assets and liabilities of Vertex’s variable interest entity (“VIE”), Alios BioPharma, Inc. (“Alios”). The Company deconsolidated Alios as of December 31, 2013. 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 B, "Collaborative Arrangements," to these consolidated financial statements for amounts.