<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>227</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>493</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>77</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>14</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00090 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00100 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsAndComprehensiveLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00200 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00205 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/StatementConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00300 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00400 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10101 - Disclosure - Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10301 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureRecentAccountingPronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10401 - Disclosure - Acquisition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisition</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10501 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCash</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10601 - Disclosure - Fair Value Accounting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureFairValueAccounting</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Accounting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10701 - Disclosure - Accounts Receivable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivable</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Receivable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10801 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureInventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>10901 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11001 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11101 - Disclosure - Credit Facilities and Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCreditFacilitiesAndDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Credit Facilities and Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11201 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11301 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11401 - Disclosure - Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11501 - Disclosure - Segment Data and Related Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Data and Related Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11601 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>11701 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvent</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>20202 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30203 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30403 - Disclosure - Acquisition (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisition</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30503 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCash</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30703 - Disclosure - Accounts Receivable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Receivable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivable</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30803 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureInventoryTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureInventory</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>30903 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31003 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31203 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31303 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31403 - Disclosure - Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquity</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31503 - Disclosure - Segment Data and Related Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Data and Related Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>31603 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40101 - Disclosure - Description of Business (Business Overview) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusinessBusinessOverviewDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business (Business Overview) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusiness</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40202 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40203 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Performance obligations) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPerformanceObligationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Performance obligations) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40204 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Revenue by Product) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueByProductDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Revenue by Product) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40205 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Adoption of ASC 842 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdoptionOfAsc842Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Adoption of ASC 842 (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40206 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental cash information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSupplementalCashInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental cash information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40207 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Leases) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Leases) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40401 - Disclosure - Acquisition (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40402 - Disclosure - Acquisition - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40403 - Disclosure - Acquisition - Pro Forma Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAcquisitionProFormaInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition - Pro Forma Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40501 - Disclosure - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndRestrictedCashTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40701 - Disclosure - Accounts Receivable (Schedule of Components of Accounts Receivable) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableScheduleOfComponentsOfAccountsReceivableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Receivable (Schedule of Components of Accounts Receivable) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40702 - Disclosure - Accounts Receivable (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsRollforwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Receivable (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccountsReceivableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40801 - Disclosure - Inventory (Schedule of Components of Inventory) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureInventoryScheduleOfComponentsOfInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Schedule of Components of Inventory) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureInventoryTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40901 - Disclosure - Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, Plant, and Equipment, net (Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>40902 - Disclosure - Property plant and equipment - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property plant and equipment - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41001 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41002 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfProductWarrantyAccrualsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Product Warranty Accruals) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41003 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Severance and Restructuring Accruals) (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesSeveranceAndRestructuringAccrualsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Severance and Restructuring Accruals) (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41004 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41101 - Disclosure - Credit Facilities and Debt (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCreditFacilitiesAndDebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Credit Facilities and Debt (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCreditFacilitiesAndDebt</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41201 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41202 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Income Tax (Benefit) Expense) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Income Tax (Benefit) Expense) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41203 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41204 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41205 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41206 - Disclosure - Income and Other Taxes (Unrecognized Gross Tax Benefit) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesUnrecognizedGrossTaxBenefitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income and Other Taxes (Unrecognized Gross Tax Benefit) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureIncomeAndOtherTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41301 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41302 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (ARO Rollforward) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAroRollforwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (ARO Rollforward) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41303 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Phoenix Navigation Components, LLC Legal Proceeding (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesPhoenixNavigationComponentsLlcLegalProceedingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Phoenix Navigation Components, LLC Legal Proceeding (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41401 - Disclosure - Equity (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41402 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Stock Options Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfStockOptionsActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Stock Options Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41403 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfRestrictedStockActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41404 - Disclosure - Equity (Restricted Stock Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityRestrictedStockNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Restricted Stock Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41405 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Performance Stock Activity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfPerformanceStockActivityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Performance Stock Activity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41406 - Disclosure - Equity (Performance Stock Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityPerformanceStockNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Performance Stock Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41407 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Award Type) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfStockBasedCompensationExpenseByAwardTypeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Award Type) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41408 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Expense Category) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfStockBasedCompensationExpenseByExpenseCategoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense - by Expense Category) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41409 - Disclosure - Equity (Capital Stock) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityCapitalStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Capital Stock) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41410 - Disclosure - Equity (401k) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquity401kDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (401k) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41411 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Earnings per Share) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Earnings per Share) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41412 - Disclosure - Equity (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityEmployeeStockPurchasePlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41413 - Disclosure - Equity (Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityScheduleOfCommonStockReservedForFutureIssuancesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Schedule of Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuances) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureEquityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41501 - Disclosure - Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Reportable Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationScheduleOfReportableSegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Reportable Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41502 - Disclosure - Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationScheduleOfRevenueByGeographicRegionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Data and Related Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41503 - Disclosure - Segment Data and Related Information (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Data and Related Information (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSegmentDataAndRelatedInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41601 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Summary of Selected Quarter Financial Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedSummaryOfSelectedQuarterFinancialInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Summary of Selected Quarter Financial Information) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationUnauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>41701 - Disclosure - Subsequent Event (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Event (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.emcore.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvent</ParentRole>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" original="tmb-20200930x10k.htm">tmb-20200930x10k.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930.xsd</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930_def.xml</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930_pre.xml</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex21d1.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex23d1.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex31d1.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex31d2.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex32d1.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex32d2.htm</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930xex4d2.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k002.jpg</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k003.jpg</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k004.jpg</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k005.jpg</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k006.jpg</File>
    <File>tmb-20200930x10k007.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
