2.2.0.25falsefalse0030 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowstruefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $D2011Q1http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000875320duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $D2010Q1http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000875320duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$5true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThe net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income.falsefalseCash flows from operating activities:6false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-176096000-176096falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-165271000-165271falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet loss7true0us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAdjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:8false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse88580008858falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse75840007584falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseDepreciation and amortization expense9false0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2787900027879falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1933300019333falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseStock-based compensation expense10false0us-gaap_OtherNoncashExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse16850001685falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse14120001412falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther expenses included in net income that result in no cash inflows or outflows in the period which are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseOther non-cash based compensation expense11false0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremiumus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse66050006605falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse32310003231falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe component of interest income or expense representing the periodic increase in or charge against earnings to reflect amortization of debt discounts and premiums over the life of the related debt instruments, which are liabilities of the entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 21 -Paragraph 16 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 5 falsefalseSecured notes (due 2012) discount amortization expense12false0us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNetus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse55980005598falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse14890001489falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet increase (decrease) in the fair value of the derivative or group of derivatives included in earnings.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseChange in fair value of derivative instruments13false0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2200022falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseLoss on disposal of property and equipment14false0us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-204000-204falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTransactions that do not result in cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseOther non-cash items, net15true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseChanges in operating assets and liabilities:16false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivableus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse69220006922falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse17140001714falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseAccounts receivable17false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventoriesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-17662000-17662falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseInventories18false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-12979000-12979falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-13667000-13667falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the value of this group of assets within the working capital section.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalsePrepaid expenses and other current assets19false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-1066000-1066falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-7964000-7964falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseAccounts payable20false0vrtx_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilitiesvrtxfalsedebitdurationThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of other liabilities and expenses incurred but not yet...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-22678000-22678falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27762000-27762falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of other liabilities and expenses incurred but not yet paid.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAccrued expenses and other liabilities21false0us-gaap_RestructuringReservePeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-781000-781falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-684000-684falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet total increase (decrease) in the accrual for restructuring costs during the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 95-3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section P -Subsection 3, 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 146 falsefalseAccrued restructuring expense22false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNetus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse33500003350falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-431000-431falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in interest payable, which represents the amount owed to note holders, bond holders, and other parties for interest earned on loans or credit extended to the reporting entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseAccrued interest23false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenueus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-16059000-16059falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-15468000-15468falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting services yet to be performed by the reporting entity for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseDeferred revenues24false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-186628000-186628falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-196462000-196462falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash used in operating activities25true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash flows from investing activities:26false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-124996000-124996falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-42022000-42022falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to acquire debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which would be classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph b Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph a falsefalsePurchases of marketable securities27false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse536362000536362falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse184274000184274falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity (principal being due) of securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSales and maturities of marketable securities28false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-4850000-4850falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-3110000-3110falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c falsefalseExpenditures for property and equipment29false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-21000-21falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16, 17 falsefalseIncrease in restricted cash30false0us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-543000-543falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-380000-380falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash outflow (inflow) from other investing activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 falsefalseIncrease in other assets31false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse405952000405952falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse138762000138762falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash provided by investing activities32true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCash flows from financing activities:33false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptionsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3364300033643falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse76640007664falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders to acquire the entity's shares under incentive and share awards, including stock option exercises.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseIssuances of common stock from employee benefit plans34false0vrtx_RepaymentsOfDebtvrtxfalsecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-50000000-50000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePayments to redeem a portion of secured notes (due 2012)35false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtRestructuringCostsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-22000-22falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for cost incurred in the modification of term of existing debt agreement in order for the entity to achieve some advantage.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18, 19, 20 falsefalseDebt conversion costs36false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-16357000-16357falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse76420007642falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities38false0us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse372000372falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-53000-53falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 falsefalseEffect of changes in exchange rates on cash39false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse203339000203339falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-50111000-50111falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents40false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse243197000243197falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse446658000446658falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents-beginning of period41false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse446536000446536falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse396547000396547falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents-end of period42true0us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSupplemental disclosure of cash flow information:43false0us-gaap_InterestPaidus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse761000761falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed; includes amount of interest capitalizedReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 falsefalseCash paid for interest44false0vrtx_DebtConversionOrExchangeConvertedOrExchangedInstrumentAmountvrtxfalsecreditinstantThe value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted or exchanged into in a noncash (or part...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3207100032071falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted or exchanged into in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseConversion of convertible senior subordinated notes (due 2013) for common stock45false0vrtx_DebtConversionOrExchangeAccruedInterestAmountvrtxfalsecreditdurationAccrued interest offset to additional paid-in capital on conversion/exchange of convertible notes.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse140000140falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccrued interest offset to additional paid-in capital on conversion/exchange of convertible notes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAccrued interest offset to additional paid-in capital on conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes (due 2013)46false0us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse624000624falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryWrite-off of amounts previously capitalized as debt issuance cost in an extinguishment of debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseUnamortized debt issuance costs of converted convertible senior subordinated notes (due 2013) offset to additional paid-in capital241Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue