| Cover Document | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Cover page [Abstract] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, no par value |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MI |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Entity File Number | 001-35280 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3096597 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 64 Sidney Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Cambridge, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02139 |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Vericel Corporation |
| City Area Code | 800 |
| Local Phone Number | 556-0311 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Trading Symbol | VCEL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Cover Non-printing | Feb. 25, 2020 |
| Cover page [Abstract] | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000887359 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
