Variable interest entities, summary of the stockholders' equity attributable to the Company and the noncontrolling interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2012			$ 442,128
Non-cash development expenses from variable interest entities			(348)
Net income (loss)	13,491	5,620	15,042	3,141
Other			10,035
Stockholders' equity at September 30, 2013	466,857		466,857
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2012			441,358
Non-cash development expenses from variable interest entities			0
Net income (loss)			15,913
Other			10,035
Stockholders' equity at September 30, 2013	467,306		467,306
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2012			770
Non-cash development expenses from variable interest entities			(348)
Net income (loss)			(871)
Other			0
Stockholders' equity at September 30, 2013	$ (449)		$ (449)