Net Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Vertex Common Shareholders (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	16,807	20,226	16,807	20,226
Convertible senior subordinated notes
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0	8,192	0	8,192
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	2,838	2,222	2,838	2,222