Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Product revenues, net	$ 375,375
Royalty revenues	38,981	6,061
Collaborative revenues	24,381	67,601
Total revenues	438,737	73,662
Costs and expenses:
Cost of product revenues	25,918
Royalty expenses	13,293	2,666
Research and development expenses	196,371	158,612
Sales, general and administrative expenses	111,146	71,523
Restructuring expense	360	760
Total costs and expenses	347,088	233,561
Income (loss) from operations	91,649	(159,899)
Interest income	364	1,402
Interest expense	(4,105)	(12,001)
Change in fair value of derivative instruments		(5,598)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	87,908	(176,096)
Provision for income taxes	32
Net income (loss)	87,876	(176,096)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (Alios)	(3,714)
Net income (loss) attributable to Vertex	$ 91,590	$ (176,096)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Vertex common shareholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ (0.87)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ (0.87)
Shares used in per share calculations:
Basic (in shares)	208,018	202,329
Diluted (in shares)	219,264	202,329