v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 19, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name VIVUS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000881524    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 2,847,137,500
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   100,660,029  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY