v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Nov. 02, 2018
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name Vericel Corp  
Entity Central Index Key 0000887359  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   43,347,348