Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (39,537)	$ (93,816)	$ (111,790)	$ (513,512)
Changes in other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	(96)	56	104	186
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax	2,149	4,546	1,936	572
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,508)	(1,384)	(7,709)	(164)
Total changes in other comprehensive loss	(455)	3,218	(5,669)	594
Comprehensive loss	(39,992)	(90,598)	(117,459)	(512,918)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	696	(1,333)	(33,207)	30,909
Comprehensive loss attributable to Vertex	$ (39,296)	$ (91,931)	$ (150,666)	$ (482,009)