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

The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 70
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170846&loc=d3e28014-114942

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerDiscretionaryContributionAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Number of shares issued during the period to an employee benefit plan, such as a defined contribution or defined benefit plan.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeBenefitPlan
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of shares available for grant under 401(k) retirement plan during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	vrtx_DefinedContributionPlanNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
Namespace Prefix:	vrtx_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The maximum percentage of compensation that can be contributed by employees into the 401(k) retirement plan.

No definition available.

Name:	vrtx_MaximumDefinedContributionPlanEmployeeContributionPercentageOfCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	vrtx_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Represents shares issuable under 401(k) retirement plan as of period end.

No definition available.