Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Basic net income (loss) attributable to Vertex per common share calculation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex common shareholders	$ (64,931)	$ (174,069)	$ 26,659	$ (350,165)
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities			(260)
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex common shareholders-basic	(64,931)	(174,069)	26,399	(350,165)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	211,344	204,413	209,681	203,377
Basic net income (loss) attributable to Vertex per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.85)	$ 0.13	$ (1.72)
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Vertex per common share calculation:
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex common shareholders	(64,931)	(174,069)	26,659	(350,165)
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities			(256)
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex common shareholders-diluted	$ (64,931)	$ (174,069)	$ 26,403	$ (350,165)
Weighted-average shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per common share	211,344	204,413	209,681	203,377
Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
Stock Options (in shares)			3,188
Other (in shares)			88
Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per common share	211,344	204,413	212,957	203,377
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Vertex per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ (0.85)	$ 0.12	$ (1.72)
Stock options.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	18,771	20,589	10,624	20,589
Convertible senior subordinated notes.
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	8,192	8,192	8,192	8,192
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	2,087	1,971	8	1,971