<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLossContingenciesByContingencyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtInstrumentChangeOfControlCallPercentOfPrincipalAmountDue">
    <definition>The principal amount of the outstanding notes that must be repaid upon call of the notes by the note holders due to a change in control of the Company, pursuant to the debt agreement, stated as a percent of the principal face amount.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentConsiderationUnearnedRevenueUpperEndOfRange">
    <definition>The upper end of the range of the aggregate amount of unearned contingent milestone payments, which may be received in the future by the entity pursuant to the collaborative arrangement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DevelopmentMilestoneRevenues">
    <definition>This element represents the revenues recorded for milestone payments received.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LeaseRestructuringLiabilityAccrualDiscountRate">
    <definition>The credit-adjusted risk-free discount rate applied to the undiscounted amount of projected cash inflows and/or outflows to arrive at the present value of the lease restructuring liability recorded as of the balance sheet date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities">
    <definition>The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of other liabilities and expenses incurred but not yet paid.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_FinancingTransactionDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure of significant financing transactions, including issuance of debt and sale of potential future revenue stream.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfCostsAndLiabilitiesRelatedToCertainFinancialTransactionsTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure in a table of information of the expenses and gains/losses recorded in the income statement, and liabilities recorded to the Balance Sheet, related to the secured notes and the sale of future milestone payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringReserveByTypeOfCostTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementRevenuesThroughThirdPartyManufacturingNetwork">
    <definition>This element represents revenues from collaborator for manufacturing services provided through the entity's third-party manufacturing network.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementValueOfSecurityInterestInMilestones">
    <definition>The value of contingent consideration to be received for the milestones of regulatory filing and approval, and product launch in the European Union, pursuant to the Janssen collaboration agreement, that has been pledged as collateral to the Purchaser of the note series.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ProceedsFromSaleOfRoyaltyRights">
    <definition>The cash inflow from the sale of the entity's right to receive future royalty payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementNoticePeriodRequiredForTerminationAfterMarketingApprovalYears">
    <definition>The minimum number of years notice required to terminate a collaboration agreement after the receipt of marketing approval.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>Describes an entity's accounting policy for indefinite-lived intangible assets (that is, those intangible assets not subject to amortization). This accounting policy also may address how the entity assesses whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life and how the entity assesses and measures impairment of such assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_AmortizedPortionOfUpFrontPayment">
    <definition>This element represents the amortized portion of the up-front payment.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeGainLossOnEmbeddedDerivativeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DeferredRevenueAdjustmentOfPeriodicRevenueRecognitionPerQuarter">
    <definition>Increase (decrease) in the original amount of revenue recognized in a fiscal quarter from a deferred revenue arrangement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchDevelopmentAndComputerSoftwarePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>This schedule may include the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains and losses on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains and losses on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain or loss and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ProceedsFromSaleOfCollaborativeArrangementFutureMilestonePayments">
    <definition>The cash inflow from the sale of potential future launch milestone payments receivable under the Janssen collaborative arrangement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReservePeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_USGovernmentSecuritiesAtCarryingValueMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>Marketable security investments in Debt (bills, notes or bonds) that are issued by the government of the United States.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the fair value of securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, including the duration.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationCostsOnNonvestedAwardsWeightedAveragePeriodOfRecognition">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LeasedFacilityArea">
    <definition>Total area of space available to occupy at a specific site under a lease agreement that was initially vacated under the restructuring plan, stated in square feet.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSubsequentEventsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentConsiderationEarnedGross">
    <definition>The total amount of contingent milestone payments earned to date pursuant to the collaboration agreement including a $50 million milestone payment that was earned in the first quarter of 2011 in connection with the EMA acceptance of the MAA for telaprevir.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CashCashEquivalentsAndAvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue">
    <definition>This item represents the fair value of cash, cash equivalents and debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LeasesRentExpenseExcludingOperatingExpenses">
    <definition>Represents the additional term of lease agreement to include the aggregate rent per year in the initial term.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ConditionForProvisionalRedemptionMinimumNumberOfDaysWithin30ConsecutiveTradingDaysTheClosingPriceNeedsToExceedTheConversionPrice">
    <definition>The number of trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days the closing price of the Company's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price by 130% in order for the Company to, at its option, redeem all or part of the convertible notes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents the disclosure related to assets and liabilities, including financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementNoticePeriodRequiredForTerminationPriorToMarketingApprovalMonths">
    <definition>The number of months notice required to terminate a collaboration agreement prior to the receipt of marketing approval.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ConditionForProvisionalRedemptionTotalConsecutiveTradingDaysDuringWhichTheClosingPriceMustExceedTheConversionPriceForAtLeast20TradingDaysForProvisionalRedemption">
    <definition>The number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the Company's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price by 130% for at least 20 days in order for the Company to, at its option, redeem all or part of the convertible notes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LineOfCreditDescriptionOfVariableRateBasisAlternateRate">
    <definition>The reference rate that may be elected by the Company for the variable rate of the debt instrument, as publicly announced by Bank of America as its prime rate.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtExchangeRatePrincipalAmountUsedInCalculation">
    <definition>The unit of measurement in dollars which establishes the exchange rate of the debt instrument into common shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ConditionForProvisionalRedemptionIfPercentageInExcessOfConversionPriceForCommonStockTradedForAtleast20DaysWithin30ConsecutiveTradingDays">
    <definition>This element represents the condition for provisional redemption, if percentage is in excess of conversion price for common stock that is traded for at least 20 days within 30 consecutive trading days.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ProceedsFromMilestonePayment">
    <definition>Represents the proceeds from milestone payment related to the acceptance of Janssen's marketing authorization application.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_PercentageOfPrincipalAmountUsedInComputationOfProvisionalRedemptionPrice">
    <definition>The percentage of principal amount used in computation of provisional redemption price.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNoncashExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentMilestonePaymentLowEndOfRange">
    <definition>The low end of the range of the contingent milestone payments the entity may receive in the future pursuant to a collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_MarginedValueOfCashCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>This element represents the margined value of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementPortionOfNotesRedeemedUponLaunchMilestones">
    <definition>The portion of the 2012 Notes that will be redeemed upon achieving certain launch milestones pursuant to the Janssen collaboration.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_TermOfLeaseAgreement">
    <definition>Represents initial period term of lease agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Revenues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentConsiderationEarnedPortionOfGross">
    <definition>The total amount of contingent milestone payments earned to date pursuant to the collaboration agreement, including a $50 million milestone payment that was earned in the first quarter of 2011 in connection with the EMA acceptance of the MAA for telaprevir.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementNumberOfPurchaseAgreementsRelatedToSaleOfFutureMilestonePayments">
    <definition>The number of purchase agreements entered into related to the sale of potential future launch milestone payments pursuant to the Janssen collaboration</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_September2009FinancialTransactionLiabilities">
    <definition>The total liabilities related to September 2009 financial transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeRevenues">
    <definition>The aggregate revenue from collaborative revenues. It includes the revenues earned by the entity from nonrefundable, up-front license fees; net reimbursements of research and/or development efforts, including manufacturing services; and milestone payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CreditAgreementDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represent Credit Agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_SecuredLongTermDebtAndEmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiabilityCurrent">
    <definition>Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of collateralized debt obligations with maturities due within one year, and the fair value as of the balance sheet date of the embedded derivative classified as a current liability.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SecuredDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CashCashEquivalentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>This item represents the cost of cash and cash equivalents and debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfUnrecognizedShareBasedCompensationExpenseTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure as of the latest balance-sheet date presented of the total compensation cost related to outstanding, nonvested share-based compensation awards not yet recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, and the weighted average period over which those unrecognized costs are expected to be reported.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentConsiderationEarnedUponProductLaunchMilestone">
    <definition>The amount to be earned upon achievement of the product launch milestones, pursuant to the collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_AdditionalTermOfLeaseAgreement">
    <definition>Represents additional period term of lease agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsAssociatedWithExitOrDisposalActivitiesOrRestructuringsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementAggregateValueOfFutureMilestonePaymentsSold">
    <definition>The aggregate value of potential future launch milestone payments to be received pursuant to the Janssen collaboration agreement that have been sold to a third party.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ExtinguishmentOfPortionOfEmbeddedDerivativeRelatedTo2012Notes">
    <definition>Extinguishment of Portion of Embedded Derivative related to 2012 notes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementNumberOfFinancialTransactionsRelatedToFutureMilestones">
    <definition>The number of financial transactions entered into by the Entity related to achievement of the filing, approval and launch milestones in the European Union, pursuant to the collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_OccupiedLeasedFacilityArea">
    <definition>The portion of total leased area available at a specific site that is occupied by the Company for operations, stated in square feet.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_RepaymentsOfDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseSecuritiesMarketableSecuritiesAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>Represents the carrying value of marketable securities investments in debentures, bonds and other debt securities issued by GSEs, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). Excludes debt issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtConversionOrExchangeConvertedOrExchangedInstrumentAmount">
    <definition>The 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.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_BusinessAcquisitionNumberOfClinicalDevelopmentStageDrugsAcquired">
    <definition>The number of clinical-development stage drugs that were added to the entity's portfolio.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_FinancialLiabilitiesAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>Represents the carrying value of all financial liabilities that are valued at fair value in the financial statements as of the balance sheet date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceExpenses">
    <definition>The cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination (excluding any Underwriting Discounts), which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementPortionOfNotesRedeemedUponApprovalMilestone">
    <definition>The portion of the 2012 Notes that will be redeemed upon achieving certain approval milestone pursuant to the Janssen collaboration.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCashReceiptFromSublease">
    <definition>Amount of cash received in the period to fully or partially offset a specified, previously accrued type of restructuring cost.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_InterestPaymentsOnNotesProvisionallyRedeemedEqualToInterestOfSpecifiedNumberOfYears">
    <definition>This element represents the interest of the specified number of years which the entity would make interest payments for the notes being provisionally redeemed.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentConsiderationEarnedUponApprovalMilestone">
    <definition>Revenue to be earned upon achievement of the approval of telaprevir by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Liabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementLicenseFeePaidOnAmendment">
    <definition>The amount of the license fee received by the entity upon amendment of a collaborative agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CovenantToMaintainCashCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>This element represents the covenant to maintain cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities in domestic deposit and securities accounts.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CashCashEquivalentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesUnrealizedLossGross">
    <definition>This item represents the gross unrealized losses for cash, cash equivalents and securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value over the fair value as of the reporting date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RoyaltyRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_EarlyDebtRedemptionPricePercentOfPrincipalAmount">
    <definition>The portion of the principal face amount that must be repaid to note holders upon the Company's exercise of their right to redeem the notes prior to maturity in accordance with the note agreement, stated as a percent of the principal face amount.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPaid">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LeaseTerm">
    <definition>Total length of time of a real estate lease, stated in years.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>Sum of the amounts paid in advance for capitalized costs that will be expensed with the passage of time or the occurrence of a triggering event, and will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer and it includes other current assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementContingentMilestonePaymentHighEndOfRange">
    <definition>The high end of the range of the contingent milestone payments the entity may receive in the future pursuant to a collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingInterestRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CashCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents a summary of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementDevelopmentCostContributionPercent">
    <definition>Percent of total development cost for the parties' territories, as specified in the collaboration agreement, that is to be funded by the other party to the agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAssociatedWithCollaborativePrograms">
    <definition>A portion of the aggregate research and development expense that has been allocated to programs in which a collaborator has funded at least a portion of the research and development expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CashCashEquivalentsAvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain">
    <definition>This item represents the gross unrealized gains for cash, cash equivalents and securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value over the carrying value as of the reporting date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_USGovernmentSecuritiesAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_TieredRoyaltyAveragePercentOfNetSales">
    <definition>The average expected royalty rate as a percent of net sales based on a tiered royalty schedule included in the collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_SquareFootageOfLeaseProperty">
    <definition>The amount of area of square footage related to the lease property.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtInstrumentDefaultCallMinimumRepresentationRequired">
    <definition>The minimum principal amount of notes outstanding required to declare the principal of the notes due and payable upon occurrence of certain events of default.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCostRoyaltyExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterpriseSecuritiesCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>Represents the carrying value of cash equivalent investments in debentures, bonds and other debt securities issued by GSEs, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). Excludes debt issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the US Government.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock">
    <definition>Tabular disclosure of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitiesValue">
    <definition>This element represents a liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_FinancialAssetsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>Represents the carrying value of all financial assets that are valued at fair value in the financial statements as of the balance sheet date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationCostsOnNonvestedAwards">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtRestructuringCosts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_September2009FinancialTransactionExpenses">
    <definition>The total September 2009 financial transaction expenses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_SaleOfHIVProteaseInhibitorRoyaltyStreamDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>Disclosure related to the sale of the HIV protease inhibitor royalty stream.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementRevenuesNetReimbursementDevelopmentProgramExpense">
    <definition>This element represents the net amount of reimbursable costs incurred by the entity that the collaborator is obligated to pay the entity, after offsetting any reimbursable expenses incurred by the collaborator, which are recognized as collaborative revenues.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsGoodwillPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>This element describes an entity's accounting policy for goodwill. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill, how reporting units are determined, how goodwill is allocated to such units, and how the fair values of the reporting units are determined.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ConvertibleSubordinatedDebtNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LineOfCreditFacilitySpreadOnVariableRates">
    <definition>The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the line of credit facility.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementAggregateValueMilestonesRelatedToFinancialTransactions">
    <definition>The value of the milestones for regulatory filing and approval, and product launch, pursuant to the Janssen collaboration agreement, that related to the September 2009 financial transactions.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtInstrumentsConvertibleConversionPrice">
    <definition>The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in a debt instrument.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCash">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DebtConversionOrExchangeAccruedInterestAmount">
    <definition>Accrued interest offset to additional paid-in capital on conversion/exchange of convertible notes.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LineOfCreditFacilityVariableRateBasis">
    <definition>The reference rate for the variable rate of the line of credit facility, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>For new accounting pronouncements or guidance that have been issued but not yet adopted, an entity's disclosure (1) describing the new pronouncement, the date that adoption is required and the date that the entity plans to adopt, if earlier; (2) discussion of the methods of adoption allowed by the pronouncement and the method expected to be utilized by the entity, if determined; and/or (3) discussion the impact that adoption of the pronouncement is expected to have on the financial statements of the entity, unless such impact is not known or reasonably estimable (in which case, a statement to that effect should be made).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementUpFrontLicenseFee">
    <definition>The amount of the up-front license fee received by the entity pursuant to a collaborative arrangement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_CollaborativeArrangementNoticePeriodRequiredForTerminationDays">
    <definition>The number of days notice required to terminate a collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_DeferredRevenueRoyaltyPurchaseAgreement">
    <definition>This element represents the carrying value of deferred revenue recorded with regard to agreement to sell rights to receive royalty payments, as on the balance sheet date.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_ScheduleOfRecognizedCollaborativeRevenueTableTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents the collaborative revenues recognized by the entity during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="vrtx_LeaseAgreementNumberOfBuildings">
    <definition>Represents number of building under lease agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsAndOtherPurchaseOfBusinessTransactionsPolicyTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
