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Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Apr. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INC / MA  
Entity Central Index Key 0000875320  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2014  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)   236,194,337