Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payment from landlord for Infrastructure Development Assistance Agreement	$ 36.7

Proceeds from Landlord, Infrastructure Development Assistance Agreement

No definition available.

Name:	vrtx_ProceedsfromLandlordInfrastructureDevelopmentAssistanceAgreement
Namespace Prefix:	vrtx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration