Restructuring Expense (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended				108 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2003	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring activities
Liability, beginning of the period				$ 26,313				$ 29,595	$ 26,313	$ 29,595	$ 34,017		$ 69,526
Cash payments									(14,853)	(14,904)	(14,759)	(17,816)	(163,697)
Cash received from subleases									10,024	9,548	8,836		65,038
Credit for portion of facility Vertex decided to occupy in 2005									0	0	0		(10,018)
Restructuring expense	194	696	594	360	992	(419)	741	760	1,844	2,074	1,501	91,824	62,479
Liability, end of the period	$ 23,328				$ 26,313				$ 23,328	$ 26,313	$ 29,595	$ 69,526	$ 23,328