Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Emergent BioSolutions Inc.	$ 62,870	$ 36,741	$ 31,135
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment to income, net of tax	0	0	58
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	295	457	606
Comprehensive income	$ 63,165	$ 37,198	$ 31,799