Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (128,662)	$ (26,467)	$ (503,001)	$ 26,941
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	166	69	7	324
Foreign currency translation adjustment	514	188	(7)	313
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	680	257	0	637
Comprehensive income (loss)	(127,982)	(26,210)	(503,001)	27,578
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest (Alios)	4,530	(31,076)	13,688	(57,825)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vertex	$ (123,452)	$ (57,286)	$ (489,313)	$ (30,247)