Inventories-By Product (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 30,464	[1]		$ 30,464	[1]	$ 112,430	[1]
Write-downs of inventories to net realizable value	55,200		78,000	133,189		0		0
Write-down of inventories effect on net income (loss) per share	$ (0.25)		$ (0.36)	$ (0.61)
INCIVEK
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	22,792			22,792		112,430
KALYDECO
Product Information [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 7,672			$ 7,672		$ 0

[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.