Inventories Inventories- Schedule of Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Write-down of inventories to net realizable value	$ 5,100		$ 78,000	$ 5,083		$ 78,000
Raw materials	3,103			3,103			3,754
Work-in-process	4,655			4,655			11,317
Finished goods	11,751			11,751			15,393
Total	$ 19,509	[1]		$ 19,509	[1]		$ 30,464	[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 C, "Collaborative Arrangements," to these condensed consolidated financial statements for amounts.