Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Research and development contract costs	$ 66,426		$ 55,506
Payroll and benefits	57,453		50,041
Product revenue allowances	58,201
State income taxes	3,691
Unrecognized tax benefits	4,360		2,374	1,858
Royalty payable	28,603		2,869
Professional fees	12,785		8,629
Other	20,780		14,995
Total	$ 252,299	[1]	$ 134,414

[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 B , "Collaborative Arrangements," to these consolidated financial statements for amounts.