Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

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+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Topic 210

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

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+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
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- Definition

Minimum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

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-Publisher FASB

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-Topic 210

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

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Balance Type:	na
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- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

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+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

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-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

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+ Details

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Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 19, 22

-Article 5

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Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Period Two, Principal

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	vrtx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

Minimum Age of Patients

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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Long-term Obligations - Term Loan (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
Long-term Obligations - Term Loan (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 09, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Jul. 09, 2014
Senior Secured Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of term loan	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	7.20%		7.20%
Contingent interest rate (percent)	6.20%
Minimum age of patients (in years)	12 years
Amount of principal repayment on quarterly installment payments through July 2016	15,000,000
Amount of principal repayment on quarterly installment payments from October 2016	60,000,000
Unamortized discount on term loan	5,300,000	5,200,000	5,300,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Minimum \| Senior Secured Term Loan \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)	5.00%
Maximum \| Senior Secured Term Loan \| LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)	7.50%