Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Accrued expenses
Research, development and commercial contract costs	$ 63,960		$ 66,426
Payroll and benefits	62,140		57,453
Product revenue allowances	69,936		58,201
Royalty payable	29,007		28,603
Unrecognized tax benefits	4,106		4,360		2,374
Interest	3,395		3,363
Professional fees	11,226		12,785
Other	21,114		11,996
Total	$ 264,884	[1]	$ 243,187	[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.