Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Loss from continuing operations	$ (169,996)	$ (121,455)	$ (561,196)	$ (482,702)
Loss from discontinued operations	(64)	(7,207)	(703)	(20,299)
Net loss	(170,060)	(128,662)	(561,899)	(503,001)
Changes in other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities	(30)	166	25	7
Unrealized gains on foreign currency forward contracts	1,838	0	1,713	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(624)	514	(271)	(7)
Total changes in other comprehensive loss	1,184	680	1,467	0
Comprehensive loss	(168,876)	(127,982)	(560,432)	(503,001)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (Alios)	0	4,530	0	13,688
Comprehensive loss attributable to Vertex	$ (168,876)	$ (123,452)	$ (560,432)	$ (489,313)