Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 2,087,103	$ 91,635	$ (84,031)
Changes in other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities, net of tax of zero, $(2.7) million and $(3.8) million, respectively	58	6,954	17,395
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax of $(7.1) million, $3.4 million and $(3.9) million, respectively	27,438	(26,530)	7,736
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,855	(13,169)	(5,782)
Total changes in other comprehensive income (loss)	36,351	(32,745)	19,349
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,123,454	58,890	(64,682)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	9,793	171,849	(28,021)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Vertex	$ 2,133,247	$ 230,739	$ (92,703)