Restructuring Expense (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended							108 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2013 2003 Restructuring	Dec. 31, 2012 2003 Restructuring	Dec. 31, 2011 2003 Restructuring	Dec. 31, 2012 2003 Restructuring
Restructuring activities
Liability, beginning of the period													$ 23,328	$ 26,313	$ 29,595	$ 69,526
Cash Payments												(17,816)	(15,255)	(14,853)	(14,904)	(178,952)
Cash received from subleases													10,670	10,024	9,548	75,708
Credit for portion of facility Vertex decided to occupy in 2005													0	0	0	(10,018)
Restructuring Expense	27,658	12,048	776	39	194	696	594	360	40,521	1,844	2,074	91,824	372	1,844	2,074	62,851
Liability, end of the period												$ 69,526	$ 19,115	$ 23,328	$ 26,313	$ 23,328