Acquisition of ViroChem Pharma Inc. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2009	Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 12, 2009
Acquisition-date fair value of the consideration
Intangible assets		$ 769,300	[1]	$ 518,700
Deferred tax liability, net		260,448	[1]	160,278
ViroChem Pharma Inc.
Business Acquisition
Percent of voting interest acquired in ViroChem (as a percent)					100.00%
Number of clinical-development stage HCV drugs added to drug development portfolio	2
Portion of purchase price paid in common shares for the acquisition of ViroChem (in shares)	10,733,527
Acquisition-date fair value of the consideration
Cash					100,000
Intangible assets		518,700		518,700
Deferred tax liability, net		160,300		160,300
ViroChem Pharma Inc. | VX-222
Acquisition-date fair value of the consideration
Intangible assets		412,900		412,900
ViroChem Pharma Inc. | VX-759
Acquisition-date fair value of the consideration
Intangible assets		$ 105,800		$ 105,800

[1] Amounts include the assets and liabilities of Vertex's variable interest entity ("VIE"), Alios BioPharma, Inc. ("Alios"). Vertex's interests and obligations with respect to the VIE's assets and liabilities are limited to those accorded to Vertex in its agreement with Alios. See Note K to these condensed consolidated financial statements for amounts.