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

For transactions that are recognized separately from the acquisition of assets and assumptions of liabilities in the business combination, such as related to pre-existing relationships with the acquiree, this element represents the disclosure of the amount of acquisition related costs which have been expensed.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463

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

The fair value of the consideration from the Company to VIE that does not constitute consideration transferred pursuant to ASC 805, Business Combinations.

No definition available.

Name:	vrtx_BusinessCombinationConsiderationVIE
Namespace Prefix:	vrtx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Collaborative Arrangement, Additional Maximum Milestone Payments Based on Regulatory Approval

No definition available.

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

Collaborative Arrangement, Development and Commercialization Rights Potential Maximum Milestone Payments

No definition available.

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

This element represents the funding under collaborative agreement 2016 amendment for research and development.

No definition available.