Inventories Inventories- Schedule of Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory, Raw Materials	$ 3,754		$ 32,213
Inventory, Work in Process	11,317		47,010
Inventory, Finished Goods	15,393		33,207
Total	$ 30,464	[1]	$ 112,430	[1]

[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.