Intangible assets, in-process research and development and goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)		$ 701	$ 9,827	$ 0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net		33,865		33,865
Goodwill		41,001	41,001
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance		57,099
Additions		0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance		57,099	57,099
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance		(16,341)
Amortization		6,893	7,376	6,991
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance		$ (23,234)	(16,341)
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life		75 months
Net book value of intangible assets		$ 33,865		33,865
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2017		6,217
2018		6,217
2019		5,738
2020		5,657
2021 and beyond		10,036
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net		33,865		$ 33,865
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		41,001
Goodwill, Additions		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		41,001	41,001
In-process research and development assets		0	701
EV-035 [Member]
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 9,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	700
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Net book value of intangible assets	700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	700
Therapeutics and Vaccines [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		24,349
Goodwill, Additions		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		24,349	24,349
Therapeutics and Vaccines [Member] | EV-035 [Member]
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 22,000
Contract Manufacturing [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		6,736
Goodwill, Additions		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		6,736	6,736
Medical Devices [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		9,916
Goodwill, Additions		0
Goodwill, Ending Balance		$ 9,916	$ 9,916