Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Emergent BioSolutions Inc.	$ 31,135	$ 23,524	$ 23,019
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment to income, net of tax	58	0	0
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	606	(816)	(1,203)
Comprehensive income	$ 31,799	$ 22,708	$ 21,816