Acquisition of ViroChem Pharma Inc. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Mar. 12, 2009
Business Acquisition
Intangible assets	$ 663,500	[1]	$ 663,500	[1]
Goodwill	30,992	[1]	30,992	[1]
Deferred tax liability	241,426	[1]	243,707	[1]
ViroChem
Business Acquisition
Percent of voting interest acquired in ViroChem (as a percent)					100.00%
Goodwill	26,100		26,100
Deferred tax liability	127,600		127,600
ViroChem | VX-222
Business Acquisition
Intangible assets	$ 412,900		$ 412,900

[1] Amounts include the assets and liabilities of Vertex's variable interest entity ("VIE"), Alios BioPharma, Inc. ("Alios"). Vertex's interests and obligations with respect to the VIE's assets and liabilities are limited to those accorded to Vertex in its agreement with Alios. See Note C, "Collaborative Arrangements," to these condensed consolidated financial statements for amounts.