Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (84,031)	$ (588,181)	$ (742,745)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	17,395	249	(165)
Unrealized gains on foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax	7,736	1,767	2,034
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(5,782)	(1,109)	(646)
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	19,349	907	1,223
Comprehensive loss	(64,682)	(587,274)	(741,522)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(28,021)	31,847	4,190
Comprehensive loss attributable to Vertex	$ (92,703)	$ (555,427)	$ (737,332)