v3.4.0.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
May. 03, 2016
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name Vericel Corp  
Entity Central Index Key 0000887359  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2016  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   23,934,124
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1