Emergent BioSolutions (EBS) 10-K/A 9 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Emergent BioSolutions Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1367644
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$0
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,918,377
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$280,499	$179,338
Accounts receivable	58,834	60,587
Inventories	65,674	14,643
Deferred tax assets, net	1,710	0
Income tax receivable, net	1,357	5,651
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,101	12,896
Total current assets	432,175	273,115
Property, plant and equipment, net	313,979	264,240
In-process research and development	77,800	41,800
Intangible assets, net	58,344	30,148
Goodwill, net book value	41,984	13,954
Deferred tax assets, net	12,764	0
Other assets	8,216	3,373
Total assets	945,262	626,630
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	40,930	27,521
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	6,274	1,252
Accrued compensation	31,654	24,615
Contingent purchase consideration, current portion	6,487	1,341
Provision for chargebacks	2,246	0
Deferred tax liability, net	0	88
Short-term deferred revenue	5,345	1,834
Total current liabilities	92,936	56,651
Contingent purchase consideration, net of current portion	41,170	15,278
Long-term indebtedness, net of current portion	251,000	62,000
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	5,713	0
Deferred tax liability, net of current portion	0	1,419
Other liabilities	1,242	2,117
Total liabilities	392,061	137,465
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,129,872 shares issued and 37,709,683, shares outstanding at December 31, 2014; 37,036,996 shares issued and 36,624,043, shares outstanding at December 31, 2013	38	37
Treasury stock, at cost, 420,189 and 412,953 common shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-6,320	-6,119
Additional paid-in capital	274,222	247,637
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,008	-3,465
Retained earnings	288,269	251,528
Total Emergent BioSolutions Inc. stockholders' equity	553,201	489,618
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	0	-453
Total stockholders' equity	553,201	489,165
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$945,262	$626,630

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	38,129,872	37,036,996
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,709,683	36,624,043
Treasury stock ( in shares)	420,189	412,953

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Product sales	$308,345	$257,922	$215,879
Contract manufacturing	30,944	0	0
Contracts, grants and collaborations	110,849	54,823	66,009
Total revenues	450,138	312,745	281,888
Operating expenses:
Cost of product sales	118,412	62,127	46,077
Research and development	150,829	119,933	120,226
Selling, general and administrative	122,841	87,883	76,018
Impairment of in-process research and development	0	0	9,600
Income from operations	58,056	42,802	29,967
Other income (expense):
Interest income	320	139	134
Interest expense	-8,240	0	-6
Other income (expense), net	2,926	426	1,970
Total other income (expense)	-4,994	565	2,098
Income before provision for income taxes	53,062	43,367	32,065
Provision for income taxes	16,321	13,108	13,922
Net income	36,741	30,259	18,143
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	876	5,381
Net income attributable to Emergent BioSolutions Inc.	$36,741	$31,135	$23,524
Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.98	$0.86	$0.65
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.88	$0.85	$0.65
Weighted-average number of shares - basic (in shares)	37,344,891	36,201,283	36,080,495
Weighted-average number of shares - diluted (in shares)	45,802,807	36,747,556	36,420,662

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Emergent BioSolutions Inc.	$36,741	$31,135	$23,524
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment to income, net of tax	0	58	0
Foreign currency translations, net of tax	457	606	-816
Comprehensive income	$37,198	$31,799	$22,708

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$36,741	$30,259	$18,143
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense	12,829	11,238	11,115
Other Depreciation and Amortization	32,453	18,958	11,197
Deferred income taxes	16,493	13,858	3,383
Non-cash development expenses from joint venture	0	-347	3,670
Change in fair value of contingent obligations	3,133	735	-3,005
Write off of debt issuance costs	1,831	0	0
Impairment of in-process research and development	0	0	9,600
Impairment of long-lived assets	0	1,172	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-5,987	-3,099	-1,588
Other	1,284	51	-40
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	21,405	35,456	-21,890
Inventories	4,229	518	-500
Income taxes	-4,711	-7,179	8,055
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-8,472	-6,226	-1,038
Accounts payable	-9,279	-551	274
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,685	7	169
Accrued compensation	4,539	2,092	1,649
Provision for chargebacks	299	0	0
Deferred revenue	2,846	26	449
Net cash provided by operating activities	112,318	96,968	39,643
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-30,673	-42,021	-53,845
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0	11,765
Proceeds from maturity of investments	0	0	1,966
Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division	-179,379	-25,873	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-210,052	-67,894	-40,114
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from convertible debenture, net of debt issuance costs	241,588	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term indebtedness	1,000	62,000	13,547
Issuance of common stock subject to employee equity plans	14,078	6,848	761
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	5,987	3,099	1,588
Principal payments on long-term indebtedness and line of credit	-62,000	-62,774	-10,227
Contingent obligation payments	-1,579	-348	-1,748
Purchase of treasury stock	-200	-213	-5,906
Restricted cash deposit	0	0	220
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	198,874	8,612	-1,765
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	21	-14	1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	101,161	37,672	-2,235
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	179,338	141,666	143,901
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	280,499	179,338	141,666
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for interest	3,761	2,055	2,137
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	4,711	6,331	6,537
Supplemental information on non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment unpaid at year end	$5,394	$2,755	$5,612

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	$0.001 Par Value Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$36	$220,654	$0	($3,313)	$2,481	$196,869	$416,727
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	36,002,698		0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Employee equity award plans activity	0	10,310		0	0	0	10,310
Employee equity award plans activity (in shares)	269,852
Non-cash development expenses from joint venture					3,670	0	3,670
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest					-5,381	0	-5,381
Treasury stock			-5,906	0	0		-5,906
Treasury stock (in shares)			-403,158
Net income					0	23,524	23,524
Foreign currency translations, net of tax				-816	0	0	-816
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	36	230,964	-5,906	-4,129	770	220,393	442,128
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	36,272,550		-403,158
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Employee equity award plans activity	1	16,673		0	0	0	16,674
Employee equity award plans activity (in shares)	764,446
Non-cash development expenses from joint venture				0	-347	0	-347
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest				0	-876	0	-876
Treasury stock			-213	0	0		-213
Treasury stock (in shares)			-9,795
Net income				0	0	31,135	31,135
Foreign currency translations, net of tax				664	0	0	664
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	37	247,637	-6,119	-3,465	-453	251,528	489,165
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	37,036,996		-412,953				36,624,043
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Employee equity award plans activity	1	26,585		0	0	0	26,586
Employee equity award plans activity (in shares)	1,092,876
Non-cash development expenses from joint venture				0	453	0	453
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest							0
Treasury stock			-201	0	0		-201
Treasury stock (in shares)			-7,236
Net income				0	0	36,741	36,741
Foreign currency translations, net of tax				457	0	0	457
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$38	$274,222	($6,320)	($3,008)	$0	$288,269	$553,201
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	38,129,872		-420,189				37,709,683

Nature_of_the_business_and_org

Nature of the business and organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Nature of the business and organization [Abstract]
Nature of the business and organization	1. Nature of the business and organization
	Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (the "Company" or "Emergent") is a specialty pharmaceutical company seeking to protect and enhance life by offering specialized products to healthcare providers and governments for use in addressing medical needs and emerging health threats. The Company markets and develops products to be offered both to biodefense and commercial markets. The Company commenced operations as BioPort Corporation ("BioPort") in September 1998 through an acquisition from the Michigan Biologic Products Institute which includes: acquired rights to the marketed product BioThrax, vaccine manufacturing facilities at a multi-building campus on approximately 12.5 acres in Lansing, Michigan and vaccine development and production know-how. In December 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") approved a supplement to the Company's manufacturing facility license for the manufacture of BioThrax at the renovated facilities. In June 2004, the Company completed a corporate reorganization ("Reorganization").
	As a result of the Reorganization, BioPort became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company subsequently renamed and converted this subsidiary to Emergent Biodefense Operations Lansing LLC ("Emergent Biodefense Operations"). The Company acquired a portion of its portfolio of vaccine and therapeutic product candidates through an acquisition of Microscience Limited ("Microscience") in a share exchange in June 2005, and acquisitions of substantially all of the assets, for cash, of Antex Biologics Inc. ("Antex") in May 2003 and ViVacs GmbH, Germany ("ViVacs") in July 2006. The Company renamed Microscience as Emergent Product Development UK Limited. The assets acquired from Antex are held in an entity incorporated as Emergent Product Development Gaithersburg Inc., and the assets acquired from ViVacs are held in an entity incorporated as Emergent Product Development Germany GmbH. On October 28, 2010, the Company acquired Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Trubion") for cash, equity and contingent value rights. Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company converted Trubion to Emergent Product Development Seattle, LLC. In August 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the Health Protective Products Division ("HPPD") of Bracco Diagnostics Inc. ("Bracco") for cash along with contingent purchase consideration obligations. In February 2014, the Company acquired all the shares of Cangene Corporation ("Cangene") for cash.

Summary_of_significant_account

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	2. Summary of significant accounting policies
	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Emergent and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For investments in variable interest entities, the Company consolidates when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase and consist of time deposits and investments in money market funds with commercial banks and financial institutions. Also, the Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company does not anticipate any losses with such cash balances.
	Fair value of measurements
	The Company measures and records cash equivalents and investment securities considered available-for-sale at fair value in the accompanying financial statements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value include:
		Level 1 —	Observable inputs for identical assets or liabilities such as quoted prices in active markets;
		Level 2 —	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
		Level 3 —	Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, which are therefore developed by the Company using estimates and assumptions that reflect those that a market participant would use.
	The carrying amounts of the Company's short-term financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
	Significant customers and accounts receivable
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's primary customer was the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"). For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, revenues from HHS and HHS agencies comprised 74.3%, 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively, of total revenues and are included in the Company's Biodefense segment. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's receivable balances were comprised of 40.4% and 96.2%, respectively, from this customer. The overall decrease in the percentage of receivables attributed to HHS was due to the additional non-U.S. government revenue generating products from the Company's acquisition of Cangene in February 2014. Unbilled accounts receivable, included in accounts receivable, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $18.9 million and $14.8 million, respectively, relates to various service contracts for which work has been performed, though invoicing has not yet occurred. Accounts receivable are stated at invoice amounts and consist primarily of amounts due from the U.S. government and collaborative partners as well as amounts due under reimbursement contracts with other government entities and non-government and philanthropic organizations. If necessary, the Company records a provision for doubtful receivables to allow for any amounts which may be unrecoverable. This provision is based upon an analysis of the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, an allowance for doubtful accounts was not recorded as the collection history from the Company's customers indicated that collection was probable.
	Concentrations of credit risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Management believes that the financial risks associated with its cash and cash equivalents are minimal. Because accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from the U.S. government for product sales and from government agencies under government grants and development contracts, management deems there to be minimal credit risk.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined using a standard cost method, which approximates average cost. Average cost consists primarily of material, labor and manufacturing overhead expenses (including fixed production-overhead costs) and includes the services and products of third party suppliers. The Company analyzes its inventory levels quarterly and writes down, in the applicable period, inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value and inventory in excess of expected customer demand. The Company also writes off, in the applicable period, the costs related to expired inventory. Costs of purchased inventories are recorded using weighted-average costing. The Company determines normal capacity for each production facility and allocates fixed production-overhead costs on that basis.
	Property, plant and equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings	31-39 years
	Building improvements	10-39 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-15 years
	Software	Lesser of 3-5 years or product life
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of the asset life or lease term
	Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
	Income taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and research and development tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	The Company's ability to realize deferred tax assets depends upon future taxable income as well as the limitations discussed below. For financial reporting purposes, a deferred tax asset must be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized prior to expiration. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances. In general, if the Company determines that it is more likely than not to realize more than the recorded amounts of net deferred tax assets in the future, the Company will reverse all or a portion of the valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets, resulting in a decrease to the provision for income taxes in the period in which the determination is made. Likewise, if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, the Company will establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, with an offsetting increase to the provision for income taxes, in the period in which the determination is made.
	Under sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, if an ownership change occurs with respect to a "loss corporation", as defined, there are annual limitations on the amount of net operating losses and deductions that are available. The Company believes the use of net operating losses and research and development tax credits acquired in the Trubion acquisition will not be significantly limited. Due to the acquisition of Microscience in 2005 and the Company's initial public offering, the Company believes the use of the operating losses incurred prior to 2005 will be significantly limited.
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from product sales if four basic criteria have been met:
			there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement;
			delivery has occurred or title has passed to the Company's customer;
			the fee is fixed or determinable; and
			collectibility is reasonably assured.
	All revenues from product sales are recorded net of applicable allowances for sales rebates, special promotional programs, and discounts. The Company estimates allowances for revenue reducing obligations using a combination of information received from third parties including market data, inventory reports from major wholesalers, historical information and analysis. These estimates are subject to the inherent limitations of estimates that rely on third-party data, as certain third-party information may itself rely on estimates and reflect other limitations. Provisions for estimated rebates and other allowances, such as discounts and promotional and other credits, are estimated based on historical payment experience, historical relationship to revenues, estimated customer inventory levels and contract terms, and actual discounts offered.
	The Company markets and sells its Biosciences products through commercial wholesalers (direct customers) who purchase the products at a price referred to as the wholesale acquisition cost ("WAC"). Additionally, the Company enters into agreements with indirect customers for a contracted price that is less than the WAC. The indirect customers, such as group-purchasing organizations, physician practice-management groups and hospitals, purchase the Company's products from the wholesalers. Under these agreements with wholesalers, the Company guarantees to credit the wholeseller for the difference between the WAC and the indirect customers' contracted price. This credit is referred to as a chargeback. Adjustments to the Company's chargeback provisions are made periodically to reflect new facts and circumstances that may indicate that historical experience may not be indicative of current and/or future results. The Company makes subjective judgments primarily based on its evaluation of current market conditions and trade inventory levels related to the Company's products. This evaluation may result in an increase or decrease in the experience rate that is applied to current and future sales, or as an adjustment to past sales, or both.
	Under previous contracts with HHS, the Company invoiced HHS and recognized the related revenues upon delivery of the product to the government carrier, at which time title to the product passed to HHS. Effective September 30, 2011, the Company has a contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"), an operating division of HHS, to supply up to 44.75 million doses of BioThrax over a five year period. Under the Company's contract from the CDC, the Company invoices the CDC and recognizes the related revenue upon acceptance by the government at delivery site, at which time title to the product passes to the CDC. In addition, the Company has generated RSDL sales under its indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with the U.S. government and recognizes revenue upon delivery.
	Collaborative research and development agreements can provide for one or more of upfront license fees, research payments, and milestone payments. The Company analyzes its multiple element revenue-generating arrangements to determine whether the elements can be separated and accounted for individually as separate units of accounting. An item can generally be considered a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met: the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and if the arrangement includes a general right of return and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. Items that cannot be divided into separate units are combined with other units of accounting, as appropriate. Consideration received is allocated among the separate units based on the unit's relative selling price and is recognized when the appropriate revenue recognition criteria are met. The Company deems services to be rendered if no continuing obligation exists on the part of the Company.
	Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees under arrangements where the license fees and research and development activities cannot be accounted for as separate units of accounting is deferred and recognized as revenue either on a straight-line basis over the Company's continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligation under the contract. Revenues from the achievement of research and development milestones, if deemed substantive, are recognized as revenue when the milestones are achieved, and the milestone payments are due and collectible. If not deemed substantive, the Company recognizes such milestone as revenue on a straight-line basis over the remaining expected term of continued involvement in the research and development process.
	Milestones are considered substantive if all of the following conditions are met; (1) the milestone is non-refundable; (2) achievement of the milestone was not reasonably assured at the inception of the arrangement; (3) substantive effort is involved to achieve the milestone; and (4) the amount of the milestone appears reasonable in relation to the effort expended. Payments received in advance of work performed are recorded as deferred revenue.
	The Company generates contract and grant revenue from cost-plus-fee contracts. Revenues on reimbursable contracts are recognized as costs are incurred, generally based on allowable costs incurred during the period, plus any recognizable earned fee. The Company considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract. The Company analyzes costs for contracts and reimbursable grants to ensure reporting of revenues gross versus net is appropriate. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, the costs incurred under the contracts and grants approximated the revenue earned.
	Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees that can be treated as a single unit of accounting are recognized when all ongoing obligations have been delivered. Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees under arrangements where the license fees and research and development activities cannot be accounted for as separate units of accounting are deferred and recognized as revenue either on a straight-line basis over the Company's continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligations under the contract. Revenues from the achievement of research and development milestones, if deemed substantive, are recognized as revenue when the milestones are achieved, and the milestone payments are due and collectible. If not deemed substantive, the Company recognizes such milestone as revenue on a straight-line basis over the remaining expected term of continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligations under the contract.
	The Company's contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ("BARDA") to establish a Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing ("CIADM") is a service arrangement that includes multiple elements. The CIADM contract requires the Company to provide a flexible infrastructure to supply medical countermeasures to the U.S. government over the contract period and includes such items as construction and facility design, workforce development and licensure of a pandemic flu vaccine. Since none of the individual elements by themselves satisfy the purpose of the contract, the Company has concluded that the CIADM contract elements cannot be separated as they do not have stand-alone value to the U.S. government. Therefore, the Company has concluded that there is a single unit of accounting associated with the CIADM contract. The Company recognizes revenue under the CIADM contract on a straight-line basis, based upon its estimate of the total payments to be received under the contract. The Company analyzes the estimated payments to be received on a quarterly basis to determine if an adjustment to revenue is required. Changes in estimates attributed to modifications in the estimate of total payments to be received are recorded prospectively.
	Mergers and Acquisitions
	In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the merger or acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value if fair value can reasonably be estimated. If the acquisition date fair value of an asset acquired or liability assumed that arises from a contingency cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect our intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in our consolidated financial statements after the date of the merger or acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. The fair values of intangible assets, including acquired in-process research and development, or IPR&D, are determined utilizing information available near the merger or acquisition date based on expectations and assumptions that are deemed reasonable by management. Given the considerable judgment involved in determining fair values, the Company typically obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists for significant items. Amounts allocated to acquired IPR&D are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. Upon successful completion of each project, the Company will make a separate determination as to the then useful life of the asset and begin amortization. The judgments made in determining estimated fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, as well as asset lives, can materially affect the Company's results of operations.
	The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to currently marketed products and product rights are primarily determined by using an "income approach" through which fair value is estimated based on each asset's discounted projected net cash flows. Our estimates of market participant net cash flows consider historical and projected pricing, margins and expense levels; the performance of competing products where applicable; relevant industry and therapeutic area growth drivers and factors; current and expected trends in technology and product life cycles; the time and investment that will be required to develop products and technologies; the ability to obtain marketing and regulatory approvals; the ability to manufacture and commercialize the products; the extent and timing of potential new product introductions by the Company's competitors; and the life of each asset's underlying patent, if any. The net cash flows are then probability-adjusted where appropriate to consider the uncertainties associated with the underlying assumptions, as well as the risk profile of the net cash flows utilized in the valuation. The probability-adjusted future net cash flows of each product are then discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate discount rate.
	The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D are determined using an income approach, through which fair value is estimated based on each asset's probability-adjusted future net cash flows, which reflect the different stages of development of each product and the associated probability of successful completion. The net cash flows are then discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.
	Goodwill
	The Company assesses the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, to determine whether any impairment in this asset may exist and, if so, the extent of such impairment. The provisions of the relevant accounting guidance require that the Company perform a two-step impairment test. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of its reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference is recognized. The Company calculates the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing the income approach. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow model, using a discount rate based on the Company's estimated weighted average cost of capital. The Company also evaluates goodwill for certain reporting units using the qualitative assessment method, which permits companies to qualitatively assess whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company considers developments in its operations, the industry in which it operates and overall macroeconomic factors that could have affected the fair value of the reporting unit since the date of the most recent quantitative analysis of a reporting unit's fair value.
	The determination of the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions used in calculating fair value include identifying future cash flows, which requires that the Company makes a number of critical legal, economic, market and business assumptions that reflect best estimates as of the testing date. The Company's assumptions and estimates may differ significantly from actual results, or circumstances could change that would cause the Company to conclude that an impairment now exists or that it previously understated the extent of impairment. The Company selected October 1st as its annual impairment test date.
	Contingent purchase consideration obligations
	The Company records contingent purchase obligations at fair value. Obligations are based on sales royalties, primarily for RSDL. The fair value model used to calculate this obligation is based on the income approach (a discounted cash flow model) that has been risk adjusted based on the probability of achievement of net sales.
	The inputs the Company uses for determining the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration are Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company re-evaluates the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation on a quarterly basis. Changes in the fair value can result from adjustments to the discount rates and updates in the assumed timing of or achievement of net sales. Any future increase in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation is based on an increased likelihood that the underlying net sales will be achieved and the associated payment or payments which will therefore become due and payable. These increases in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation will result in a charge to cost of product sales in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation will result in a reduction in cost of product sales.
	Contingent value rights
	The Company records contingent value right ("CVR") obligations at fair value. Obligations generally become due and payable only upon achievement of certain developmental, regulatory or commercial milestones. The fair value model used for the CVR obligations are based on a discounted cash flow model that has been risk adjusted based on the probability of achievement of the milestones.
	The Company believes that the inputs it uses for determining the fair value of the CVR obligations are Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company re-evaluates the fair value on a quarterly basis. Changes in the fair value of the CVR obligations can result from adjustments to the discount rates, updates in the assumed timing of achievement of any development milestones or changes in the probability of certain events and changes in the assumed probability associated with approval. Any future increase in the fair value of the CVR obligations, based on an increased likelihood that the underlying milestones will be achieved and the associated payment or payments will therefore become due and payable, will result in a charge to research and development expense in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of the CVR obligations will result in a reduction in research and development expense.
	Impairment of in process research and development and long-lived assets
	The Company assesses IPR&D assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. The Company's annual assessment includes a comparison of the fair value of IPR&D assets to existing carrying value, and recognizes an impairment when the carrying value is greater than the determined fair value. The Company believes that the assumptions used in valuing the intangible and IPR&D assets are reasonable and are based upon its best estimate of likely outcomes of sales and clinical development. The underlying assumptions and estimates used to value these assets are subject to change in the future, and actual results may differ significantly from the assumptions and estimates. The Company has selected October 1st as its annual impairment test date for indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets or asset groups for which an indicator of impairment exists by determining whether the carrying value of such assets can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. If the Company concludes that the carrying value will not be recovered, the Company measures the amount of such impairment by comparing the fair value to the carrying value of the assets or asset groups.
	Research and development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries and fees paid to outside service providers and the costs of materials used in clinical trials and research and development. Other research and development expenses include fees paid to consultants, materials and related expenses for personnel and facility expenses.
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other changes in equity that are excluded from net income. The Company includes translation gains and losses incurred when converting its subsidiaries' financial statements from their functional currency to the U.S. dollar in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Foreign currencies
Except for the Company's Canadian subsidiaries, the local currency is the functional currency for the Company's foreign subsidiaries and, as such, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to other comprehensive income. The Company's Canadian subsidiaries local currency is U.S. dollars due to substantially all the transactions of the subsidiaries being denominated in U.S. dollars.
Capitalized interest
The Company capitalizes interest based on the cost of major ongoing capital projects which have not yet been placed in service. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred interest of $7.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Of these amounts, the Company capitalized $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
Certain risks and uncertainties
The Company has derived a majority of all of its revenue from sales of BioThrax under contracts with the U.S. government. The Company's CDC contract does not necessarily increase the likelihood that it will secure future comparable contracts with the U.S. government. The Company expects that a significant portion of the business that it will seek in the near future, in particular for BioThrax, will be under government contracts that present a number of risks that are not typically present in the commercial contracting process. U.S. government contracts for BioThrax are subject to unilateral termination or modification by the government. The Company may fail to achieve significant sales of BioThrax to customers in addition to the U.S. government, which would harm its growth opportunities. The Company may not be able to sustain or increase profitability. The Company may not be able to manufacture BioThrax consistently in accordance with FDA specifications.
Earnings per share
The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Notes"). Due to the issuance, the Company calculates diluted earnings per share using the if-converted method by dividing the adjusted net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The adjusted net income is adjusted for interest expense and amortization of debt issuance cost, both net of tax, associated with the Notes. The weighted average number of shares-diluted is adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units along with the assumption of the conversion of the Notes, at the beginning of the period.
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury method by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of other securities if such securities were converted or exercised.
Accounting for stock-based compensation
The Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans, the Third Amended and Restated Emergent BioSolutions Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the Emergent BioSolutions Employee Stock Option Plan (the "2004 Plan" and together with the 2006 Plan, the "Emergent Plans"). The Company has granted options to purchase shares of common stock under the Emergent Plans and has granted restricted stock units under the 2006 Plan. The Emergent Plans have both incentive and non-qualified stock option features. The Company no longer grants equity awards under the 2004 Plan.
On May 22, 2014, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan, which increased the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under plan awards by 4,000,000. As part of this amendment, awards of restricted stock units granted after May 22, 2014 are counted against the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2006 Plan as 2.3 shares of common stock for every one restricted stock unit granted. The maximum number of shares subject to awards that may be granted per year under the 2006 Plan to a single participant is 1,000,000.
As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 15,178,826 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2006 Plan, of which a total of 4,461,925 shares of common stock remain available for future awards to be made to plan participants. The exercise price of each option must be not less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares underlying such option on the date of grant. Awards granted under the 2006 Plan have a contractual life of no more than 10 years. The terms and conditions of equity awards (such as price, vesting schedule, term and number of shares) under the Emergent Plans are determined by the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors, which administers the Emergent Plans. Each equity award granted under the Emergent Plans vests as specified in the relevant agreement with the award recipient and no option can be exercised after ten years from the date of grant.
On May 17, 2012, the Company's shareholders approved the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), as defined in Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. All employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the ESPP, except those owning 5% or more of the Company's stock. One million shares of common stock have been authorized for issuance under the ESPP. The ESPP has two plan periods: December 1st to May 31st and June 1st to November 30th. Employees are permitted to contribute between 1 % and 10 % of compensation during a plan period. The ESPP allows for employees to purchase shares of the Company's stock at a 15% discount at the end of each plan period based on the share price at that time. The maximum number of shares an employee may purchase during any plan period is 800 shares. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of all shares under its ESPP. The fair value of each ESPP share is estimated at the beginning of each plan period.
The Company determines the fair value of restricted stock units and stock options using the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of all stock options granted. Set forth below are the assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted and a discussion of the Company's methodology for developing each of the assumptions used:
	Year Ended December 31,
		2014	2013	2012
Expected dividend yield		0%	0%	0%
Expected volatility		35-38%	39-49%	41-52%
Risk-free interest rate		1.14-1.65%	0.32-0.70%	0.36-0.54%
Expected average life of options		4.5 years	4.4 years	3.4 years
		Expected dividend yield — the Company does not pay regular dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
		Expected volatility — a measure of the amount by which a financial variable, such as share price, has fluctuated (historical volatility) or is expected to fluctuate (implied volatility) during a period. The Company analyzed its own historical volatility to estimate expected volatility over the same period as the expected average life of the options.
		Risk-free interest rate — the range of U.S. Treasury rates with a term that most closely resembles the expected life of the option as of the date on which the option is granted.
		Expected average life of options — the period of time that options granted are expected to remain outstanding, based primarily on the Company's expectation of optionee exercise behavior subsequent to vesting of options.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. Acquisitions
	Cangene Corporation
	On February 21, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the voting interest of Cangene for $3.24 per share in cash (on a fully-diluted basis), which represents a total purchase price of $221.5 million. This transaction was accounted for by the Company under the acquisition method of accounting, with the Company as the acquirer. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Cangene were recorded as of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and combined with those of the Company. This acquisition diversified the product portfolio of the Company's Biodefense and Biosciences divisions and expanded the Company's manufacturing capabilities.
	The table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based upon estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at February 21, 2014.
	(in thousands)
	Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash		$	43,631
	Accounts receivable			19,652
	Inventory (i)			55,259
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,375
	Property, plant and equipment			40,264
	Deferred taxes, net			21,337
	Income tax receivable			2,452
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(22,918	)
	Provision for chargebacks			(1,946	)
	Contingent purchase consideration			(1,284	)
	Deferred revenue			(6,378	)
	Total fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed			152,444
	Acquired in-process research and development			8,300
	Acquired intangible assets			36,200
	Goodwill			24,566
	Total purchase price		$	221,510
	(i) Acquired inventory reflects a $8.8 million adjustment to record inventory at fair value, referred to as a step-up adjustment. The $8.8 million step-up is estimated to be amortized through cost of product sales and contract manufacturing over the next five years based on expected inventory turnover, which will increase cost of product sales and contract manufacturing during such period.
	The table below summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods:
						Amortization
						Period
	( in thousands)	Amount				in years
	Corporate Trade Name		$	2,800				5
	Marketed Products			8,100				10
	Licensed Products			3,100				7
	Biodefense Products			16,700				12
	Contract Manufacturing			5,500				8
	Total identified intangible assets		$	36,200
	The Company determined the estimated fair value of the intangible assets using the income approach, which is based on the present value of future cash flows. The fair value measurements are based on significant unobservable inputs that are developed by the Company using estimates and assumptions of the respective market and market penetration of the Company's products.
	A portion of the assets acquired from Cangene consisted of intangible assets. The Marketed Products intangible asset consists of WinRho® SDF [Rho(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)] and VARIZIG® (Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human)]. The Licensed Products intangible asset primarily consists of HepaGam B® (Hepatitis B Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human). The Biodefense intangible asset consist of BATTM [Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent (A, B, C, D, E, F, G)-Equine], Anthrasil (Anthrax Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)) and VIGIV (Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)). The Contract Manufacturing intangible asset is primarily related to contract manufacturing contracts with current and expected future third-party customers.
	The Company estimated the fair value of the Marketed, Licensed and Biodefense Product intangible assets using the income approach with a present value discount rate of 15%, which is based on the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for companies with profiles substantially similar to that of Cangene. This is comparable to the estimated internal rate of return for the acquisition and represents the rate that market participants would use to value these intangible assets. The projected cash flows from these Marketed, Licensed and Biodefense Product intangible assets were based on key assumptions including: estimates of revenues and operating profits; the life of the potential commercialized product and associated risks; and risks related to the viability of and potential alternative treatments in any future target markets.
	The Company estimated the fair value of the Contract Manufacturing intangible asset using the income approach with a present value discount rate of 15%, which is based on the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for companies with profiles substantially similar to that of Cangene. This is comparable to the estimated internal rate of return for the acquisition and represents the rate that market participants would use to value this intangible asset. The projected cash flows from the Contract Manufacturing intangible asset were based on key assumptions including: estimates of revenues and operating profits; and viability of attaining/maintaining future third-party manufacturing relationships with the Company's customers.
	The Company estimated the fair value of the Corporate Trade Name intangible asset using the relief of royalty method with a present value discount rate of 15%, which is based on the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for companies with profiles substantially similar to that of Cangene. This is comparable to the estimated internal rate of return for the acquisition and represents the rate that market participants would use to value this intangible asset.
	The weighted average amortization period of the intangible assets from the Cangene acquisition is 110 months. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded amortization expense of $3.3 million for intangible assets acquired from Cangene, of which $478,000 and $2.8 million, respectively, has been recorded in selling, general and administrative and cost of product sales and contract manufacturing. Amortization expense of $2.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, was recorded within the Biosciences and Biodefense segments for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The intangible asset associated with IPR&D acquired from Cangene is the IXINITY product candidate. Management determined that the estimated acquisition-date fair value of intangible assets related to IPR&D was $8.3 million. The estimated fair value was determined using the income approach, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value. The Company estimated the fair value using a present value discount rate of 16%, which is based on the estimated weighted-average cost of capital for companies with that profiles substantially similar to that of Cangene and IPR&D assets at a similar stage of development as IXINITY. This is comparable to the estimated internal rate of return for the acquisition and represents the rate that market participants would use to value the IPR&D. The projected cash flows for IXINITY was based on key assumptions including: estimates of revenues and operating profits, considering its stage of development on the acquisition date; the time and resources needed to complete the development and approval of the product candidate; the life of the potential commercialized product and associated risks, including the inherent difficulties and uncertainties in developing a product candidate, such as obtaining marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and other regulatory agencies; and risks related to the viability of and potential for alternative treatments in any future target markets. IPR&D assets are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts (see Note 9).
	The Company recorded approximately $24.6 million in goodwill related to the Cangene acquisition, representing the purchase price paid in the acquisition that was in excess of the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. None of the goodwill generated from the Cangene acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	The Company has incurred transaction costs related to the Cangene acquisition of approximately $3.7 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which has been recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses within the Company's Biosciences segment.
	The following pro forma information is presented as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, and combines the historical results of operations of the Company and Cangene for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013
	Pro forma revenue		$	462,446			$	428,194
	Pro forma net income		$	34,624			$	10,994
	EV-035 Molecules
	On December 17, 2014, the Company acquired the EV-035 series of molecules from Evolva Holding SA ("Evolva") for approximately $1.5 million in cash along with contingent purchase consideration obligations to Evolva. EV-035 is a series of novel small molecule broad spectrum antibiotics of the 4-oxoquinolizine class and targets bacterial type IIa topoisomerase. The lead molecule in the series, GC-072, has demonstrated protection in vivo from lethal B. pseudomallei infection when administered orally. GC-072 is being developed as a potential oral and IV treatment for B. pseudomallei under a three-year, $15 million contract with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency ("DTRA") of the U.S. Department of Defense. B. pseudomallei is a gram-negative pathogen classified by the CDC as a Category B bioterrorism agent and a priority threat capable of being easily weaponized and disseminated. The acquisition diversifies the Biodefense segment by adding a clinical stage product that is currently being funded through preclinical development and has been accounted for a business acquisition.
	The contingent values rights are based on the novation of the DTRA contract ($4.0 million) along with the achievement of certain development ($15.0 million) and regulatory filing ($50.0 million) milestones. In addition, the Company is required to make sales-based royalty payments of between 5 %-10 % based on levels of annual net sales.
	The total preliminary purchase price is summarized below:
	(in thousands)
	Amount of cash paid to Evolva Holdings SA		$	1,500
	Fair value of contingent consideration			28,200
	Total purchase price		$	29,700
	The table below summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price based upon fair values of assets acquired. As of the date of this filing, the valuation of acquired intangible assets and other fair value adjustments are not complete as the Company is obtaining and analyzing additional information related to the aforementioned items.  As such, the purchase price allocation is subject to change.
	(in thousands)
	Acquired intangible assets		$	27,700
	Goodwill			2,000
	Total purchase price		$	29,700
	The assets acquired from Evolva consisted of the EV-035 molecules IPR&D asset. Management determined that the estimated acquisition-date fair value of intangible assets related to IPR&D was $27.7 million. The estimated fair value was determined using the income approach, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value. The Company estimated the fair value using a present value discount rate of 12%. This is comparable to the estimated internal rate of return for the acquisition and represents the rate that market participants would use to value the IPR&D. The projected cash flows for EV-035 was based on key assumptions including: estimates of revenues and operating profits, considering its stage of development on the acquisition date; the time and resources needed to complete the development and approval of the product candidate; the life of the potential commercialized product and associated risks, including the inherent difficulties and uncertainties in developing a product candidate, such as obtaining marketing approval from the FDA and other regulatory agencies; and risks related to the viability of and potential for alternative treatments in any future target markets. IPR&D assets are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. From the acquisition date through the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no indicators present that would require the Company to complete an interim impairment assessment.
	Healthcare Protective Products Division
	In August 2013, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of the HPPD, a division of Bracco, for approximately $25.9 million in cash along with contingent purchase consideration obligations to Bracco. The assets acquired in this acquisition include HPPD's product, RSDL, and a majority of the customer and distributor agreements associated with RSDL along with approximately $1.5 million of manufacturing equipment. The acquisition diversifies the Biodefense segment by adding product sales from RSDL. In addition, the Company assumed a $1.5 million liability associated with the Canadian Technology Development Fund ("TDF").
	The contingent purchase consideration obligation is based on a percentage of RSDL net sales, ranging from 5 %-10%, for the period August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2028. At August 1, 2013, the contingent purchase consideration obligation was recorded at a fair value of $16.2 million. The Level 3 fair value of this obligation is based on management's assessment of the potential future realization of the contingent purchase consideration payments. This assessment is based on inputs that have no observable market. The obligation is measured using the income approach (a discounted cash flow model).
The total purchase price is summarized below:
(in thousands)
Amount of cash paid to Bracco Diagnostics Inc.		$	25,873
Fair value of contingent purchase consideration			16,232
Total purchase price		$	42,105
The table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based upon fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at August 1, 2013.
(in thousands)
Acquired intangible assets			32,099
Goodwill			9,916
Acquired equipment			1,543
Other			11
Assumed liabilities			(1,464	)
Total purchase price		$	42,105
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company updated its purchase price to include an assumed liability from the TDF resulting in additional goodwill of $1.5 million.
A substantial portion of the assets acquired from Bracco consisted of intangible assets associated with the RSDL product.  As of the date of acquisition, the Company has recorded intangible assets of approximately $28.6 million related to RSDL, which is being amortized over 8 years, and $3.5 million related to a manufacturing agreement with Bracco, which is being amortized over 3 years. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company recorded $4.7 million and $2.0 million in amortization for intangible assets, which have been recorded in cost of product sales and contract manufacturing within the Company's Biodefense segment. The weighted average amortization period for the intangible assets is 72 months.
The Company recorded approximately $9.9 million in goodwill related to the HPPD acquisition representing the purchase price paid in the acquisition in excess of the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. This goodwill is included in the Company's Biodefense segment. None of the goodwill generated from the HPPD acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The Company has determined the historical results of the EV-035 Series and HPPD were not significant to the Company's results of operations, and as such no proforma disclosures have been presented.

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value measurements [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	4. Fair value measurements
	The following table represents the Company's fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		At December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Investment in money market funds (1)		$	111,912		$	-	$	-	$	111,912
	Total assets		$	111,912		$	-	$	-	$	111,912
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration		$	-		$	-	$	47,657	$	47,657
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	-	$	47,657	$	47,657
		At December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Investment in money market funds (1)		$	37,701		$	-	$	-	$	37,701
	Total assets		$	37,701		$	-	$	-	$	37,701
	Liabilities:
	Contingent price consideration		$	-		$	-	$	16,619	$	16,619
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	-	$	16,619	$	16,619
	(1) Included in cash and cash equivalents in accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets or liabilities.
	The fair value of contingent purchase consideration obligations are based on management's assessment of changes as a result of adjustments to the discount rates and updates in the assumed and actual achievement of future net sales for RSDL and HepaGam B, which are inputs that have no observable market (Level 3). For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the contingent purchase consideration obligation increased by $3.1 million and $735,000, respectively, primarily due to an adjustment to the actual and expected timing of RSDL and HepaGam B sales. This increase resulted in a charge that is classified in the Company's statement of operations as cost of product sales and contract manufacturing. In addition, contingent value rights increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 due to the acquisition of EV-035 series (see Note 3).
	The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	-
	Expense (income) included in earnings			735
	Settlements			(348	)
	Purchases, sales and issuances			16,232
	Transfers in/(out) of Level 3			-
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	16,619
	Expense (income) included in earnings			3,133
	Settlements			(1,579	)
	Purchases, sales and issuances			29,484
	Transfers in/(out) of Level 3			-
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	47,657
	Separate disclosure is required for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as documented above, from those measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the Cangene and EV-035 molecules acquisitions (Note 3) and the evaluation of the IXINITY IPR&D asset for impairment (Note 9) were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For the year ended December 31, 2013, some of the Company's equipment was measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis (see Note 7), which is categorized as a Level 3 fair value measurement.

MorphSys_collaboration_agreeme

MorphSys collaboration agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Morphosys Collaboration Agreement [Abstract]
Morphosys Collaboration Agreements	5. MorphoSys collaboration agreement
	In August 2014, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement ("MorphoSys Agreement") with MorphoSys AG ("MorphoSys") for the joint worldwide development and commercialization of MOR209/ES414, a targeted immunotherapeutic protein, constructed using the Company's proprietary ADAPTIR technology platform, which activates host T-cell immunity specifically against cells expressing prostate specific membrane antigen, an antigen commonly overexpressed on prostate cancer cells.
	In accordance with the terms of the MorphoSys Agreement, the Company received a nonrefundable $20 million upfront payment and may receive up to $163 million in additional contingent payments, of which $80.0 million and $83.0 million, respectively, are due upon the achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones. The Company has determined that payments for the achievement of the development and regulatory milestones are substantive milestones and will be accounted for as revenue in the period in which the milestone is achieved.
	MorphoSys and the Company will jointly fund further development of MOR209/ES414, with the Company responsible for 36% of the total development cost and MorphoSys responsible for the remainder. The Company's funding requirement is capped at $186 million. The Company will retain commercialization rights in the U.S. and Canada, with a tiered royalty obligation to MorphoSys, ranging from mid-single digits up to 20%. MorphoSys will gain worldwide commercialization rights excluding the United States and Canada, with a low single digit royalty obligation to the Company. The Company's current obligations under the collaboration includes the performance of non-clinical, clinical, manufacturing and regulatory activities.
	The Company has evaluated the MorphoSys Agreement and determined that it is a revenue arrangement with multiple deliverables, or performance obligations. The Company determined there were two units of accounting under the collaboration agreement with MorphoSys: (1) the delivered license to further develop and commercialize MOR209/ES414 and (2) undelivered items related to development services. The Company determined that the license had standalone value as the drug candidate has been (1) developed and is currently Phase 1 clinical trial ready, (2) MorphoSys possesses the knowledge, technology, skills, experience and infrastructure necessary to complete all further development of the drug through commercialization, and (3) MorphoSys has the right to further sublicense the product. The Company allocated the $20.0 million upfront payment to the two units of accounting using the relative selling price method. The Company determined the estimated selling price for the license using the income approach and a discount rate of 12%. The estimated selling price includes unobservable inputs (Level 3), such as estimates of revenues and operating margins; the time and resources needed to complete the development and approval of the product candidate; and the risk related to the viability of and potential for alternative treatments. The Company determined the estimated selling price of the development services unit of accounting based on the estimated number of full-time equivalent personnel at the contractual rate as defined in the MorphoSys Agreement, which represents the approximate terms of other service related contracts both entered by the Company and observed generally through other collaboration negotiations. The allocation resulted in $15.3 million of the upfront payment being allocated to the license and $4.7 million being allocated to the development services. The Company determined the license fee unit of accounting was delivered on the date the MorphoSys agreement was executed and therefore has recognized revenue of $15.3 million, which is included in contracts, grants and collaborations revenues within the Company's Biosciences segment. Revenue related to the undelivered item will be recognized as the services are performed. The current estimated service period for the undelivered item under the MorphoSys Agreement is through 2022.
	The amount allocable to the units of accounting is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions (the noncontingent amount). As such, the Company excluded from the allocable arrangement consideration the milestone payments and royalties regardless of the probability of receipt.
	The collaboration provides for sharing of development and clinical costs, with the Company responsible for 36% of such costs and MorphoSys responsible for the remainder. In the event the Company's share of the total cost for a given quarter exceeds 36% of the total costs for the project, the Company records a net receivable in its financial statements equal to the difference between the Company's costs and 36% of the total costs for the period, and reduces research and development expense in this amount. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has recorded a reduction to research and development expense of $1.5 million. As of December 31, 2014, accounts receivable from MorphoSys was $972,000.
	As of December 31, 2014, deferred revenue related to the MorphoSys Agreement consisted of $890,000 and $3.5 million of current and long-term deferred revenue, respectively.

Accounts_receivable

Accounts receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	6. Accounts receivable
	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Billed		$	39,948		$	45,757
	Unbilled			18,886			14,830
	Total		$	58,834		$	60,587

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	7. Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	17,375	$	2,656
	Work-in-process		33,477		9,819
	Finished goods		14,822		2,168
	Total inventories	$	65,674	$	14,643

Property_plant_and_equipment

Property, plant and equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	8. Property, plant and equipment
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	12,838		$	10,605
	Buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements		107,202			83,823
	Furniture and equipment		130,131			107,006
	Software		25,354			21,832
	Construction-in-progress		117,884			98,345
			393,409			321,611
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(79,430	)		(57,371	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	313,979		$	264,240
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, construction-in-progress included costs related to Building 55, the Company's large-scale manufacturing facility, for which the Company is in the process of receiving regulatory approval.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment related to idle equipment of $1.2 million. The fair value of the asset group was determined via observable prices for similar equipment along with the estimated prices for scrap (salvage value). The impairment is classified in the Company's statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expense with in the Company's Biodefense segment. The impairment reflects management's assessment of the estimated recoverability of the equipment.
	Depreciation and amortization expense was $23.0 million, $17.0 million and $11.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in depreciation expense as compared to December 31, 2013 was primarily due to the Company's Baltimore facility being placed-in-service in December 2013. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 there was no unamortized internal use software-cost.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had $2.4 million of capitalized software development costs.

Inprocess_research_and_develop

In-process research and development and goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible assets, in-process research and development and goodwill [Abstract]
In-process research and development and goodwill	9. Intangible assets, in-process research and development and goodwill
	The Company completed its annual impairment assessments for its IPR&D asset and goodwill as of October 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and determined that the fair value of the Company's IPR&D assets and reporting units was significantly in excess of carrying value. The Company performed a quantitative assessment of goodwill associated with the Bioscience Therapeutics and Contract Manufacturing reporting units, components of the Biosciences segment along with the Biodefense medical device reporting unit, a component of the Biodefense segment. The Company performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill associated with the Biodefense Therapeutics and Vaccines reporting unit, a component of the Biodefense segment.
	On July 29, 2014, the FDA issued a complete response letter for the New Drug Application ("NDA") of IXINITY. The complete response letter requested additional analyses of data from completed studies and noted deficiencies in the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls section of the license application, all of which must be resolved before approval can be granted by the FDA. The Company determined that the FDA's response to its NDA is a potential indicator of impairment of the related IXINITY IPR&D asset. The Company performed its interim impairment analysis and concluded its estimated fair value for the IXINITY IPR&D asset was in excess of carrying value, therefore the Company determined there was no impairment of the IXINITY IPR&D asset as of December 31, 2014. The determination of fair value involved unobservable inputs, such as estimates of future revenues and operating profits, probabilities of success and discount rates. The Company believes these inputs represent the highest and best use of the IXINITY IPR&D asset.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, Pfizer Inc. ("Pfizer") terminated its development programs with respect to the Company's SBI-087 product candidate. The Company considered this termination a potential indicator of impairment of the related SBI-087 IPR&D asset, and assessed the fair value of this asset. As part of the assessment, the Company considered the impact of Pfizer's decision, along with the Company's decision to no longer pursue further development of this asset due to reduced overall probability of success and increased development costs for the product candidate. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $9.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented the entire carrying value of the SBI-087 IPR&D asset. This charge is classified in the Company's statement of operations as impairment of in-process research and development, within the Company's Biosciences segment.
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
					Manufacturing			Corporate			Marketed			Licensed			Biodefense			Contract
	(in thousands)	RSDL			Agreement			Tradename			Products			Products			Products			Manufacturing			Total
	Cost basis
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	28,621		$	3,478		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-			32,099
	Additions		-			-			2,800			8,100			3,100			16,700			5,500			36,200
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	28,621		$	3,478		$	2,800		$	8,100		$	3,100			16,700		$	5,500			68,299
	Accumulated amortization
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(1,468	)	$	(483	)	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-			(1,951	)
	Amortization		(3,519	)		(1,159	)		(478	)		(692	)		(378	)		(1,191	)		(587	)		(8,004	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,987	)	$	(1,642	)	$	(478	)	$	(692	)	$	(378	)	$	(1,191	)	$	(587	)		(9,955	)
	Net book value at December 31, 2014	$	23,634		$	1,836		$	2,322		$	7,408		$	2,722		$	15,509			4,913			58,344
	Future amortization expense as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	8,629
	2016		8,146
	2017		7,470
	2018		7,470
	2019 and beyond		26,629
	Total remaining amortization	$	58,344
	The following table is a summary of changes in goodwill by reporting unit:
	(in thousands)	Biosciences therapeutics			Biosciences contracts manufacturing			Biodefense therapeutics			Biodefense medical device(s)			Total
	Cost Basis
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,502			-			-			8,452			13,954
	Additions		8,400			6,736			11,430			1,464			28,030
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,902			6,736			11,430			9,916			41,984

Longterm_debt

Long-term debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Long-term debt	10. Long-term debt
	On January 29, 2014, the Company issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Notes"). The Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.875% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Notes mature on January 15, 2021, unless earlier purchased by the Company or converted. The conversion rate is equal to 30.8821 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $32.38 per share of common stock). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. The Company incurred approximately $8.3 million in debt issuance costs associated with the Notes, which has been capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets and is being amortized over seven years, using the effective interest method.
	On December 11, 2013, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with three lending financial institutions (the "Lenders"), led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement originally provided for a revolving credit facility of up to $100.0 million through December 11, 2018 (or such earlier date required by the terms of the Credit Agreement) and a term loan facility of up to $125.0 million to be drawn in full, if at all, on or prior to March 31, 2014. In connection with the Credit Agreement, the Company borrowed $62.0 million under the revolving credit facility primarily to repay obligations under existing loan agreements. On January 29, 2014, in connection with the Company's issuance of the Notes, the unused $125.0 million term loan portion of the Credit Agreement terminated automatically in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. In addition, following the closing of the Notes offering, the Company repaid the $62.0 million outstanding indebtedness under the revolving credit facility, which restored the full $100.0 million revolving credit capacity under this facility. Under the revolving credit facility, the Company is required to pay an unused fee of approximately 0.6% per quarter. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company expensed $1.8 million of debt issuance cost associated with the term loan facility. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts were drawn under the revolving credit facility.
	The Company's payment obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company's assets, including the stock of all of the Company's subsidiaries, and the assets of the subsidiary guarantors, including mortgages over certain of their real properties, including the Company's large-scale vaccine manufacturing facility in Lansing, Michigan and the Company's product development and manufacturing facility in Baltimore, Maryland.
	The Credit Agreement, as amended, contains affirmative and negative covenants customary for financings of this type. Negative covenants in the Credit Agreement limit the Company's ability to, among other things: incur indebtedness (other than the issuance of the Notes) and liens; dispose of assets; make investments including loans, advances or guarantees; and enter into certain mergers or similar transactions. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, tested quarterly and in connection with any triggering events under the Credit Agreement that include the maintenance of: (1) a minimum consolidated debt service coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.00, (2) a maximum consolidated leverage ratio for the period ending on or prior to September 30, 2014 of 4.00 to 1.00, for the measurement period ending December 31, 2014 of 3.75 to 1.00, and thereafter of 3.50 to 1.00, (3) a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio of 2.00 to 1.00 and (4) a minimum liquidity requirement of $50 million. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the Credit Agreement, the commitments of the lenders to make loans under the Credit Agreement may be terminated and the Company's payment obligations under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated. The events of default under the Credit Agreement include, among others, subject in some cases to specified cure periods: payment defaults; inaccuracy of representations and warranties in any material respect; defaults in the observance or performance of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency related defaults; the entry of a final judgment in excess of a threshold amount; change of control; and the invalidity of loan documents relating to the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2014.

Stockholders_equity

Stockholders' equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' equity	11. Stockholders' equity
	Preferred stock
	The Company is authorized to issue up to 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share ("Preferred Stock"). Any Preferred Stock issued may have dividend rights, voting rights, conversion privileges, redemption characteristics, and sinking fund requirements as approved by the Company's board of directors.
	Common stock
	The Company currently has one class of common stock, $0.001 par value per share common stock ("Common Stock"), authorized and outstanding. The Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters, except as may be provided by law.
	Treasury stock
	On May 17, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $35.0 million of its common stock through a share repurchase program. The Company repurchased 398,481 shares for $5.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no repurchases under the plan during the year ended December 31, 2013. The repurchase program was terminated on December 31, 2013.
	Stock options and restricted stock units
	The following is a summary of option award activity under the Emergent Plans:
			2006 Plan							2004 Plan
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,633,146			$	17.01			53,156		$	8.86	$	23,148,738
	Granted			1,125,321				27.46			-			-
	Exercised			(784,811	)			16.72			(10,000	)		2.74
	Forfeited			(135,663	)			19.96			-			-
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			3,837,993			$	20.04			43,156		$	10.28	$	29,181,534
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,993,261			$	17.81			43,156		$	10.28	$	19,499,871
	Options expected to vest at December 31, 2014			1,158,434			$	21.41			-		$	-	$	7,193,136
	The following is a summary of restricted stock unit award activity under the 2006 Plan:
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average Grant Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			789,951			$	16.53		$	18,246,611
	Granted			562,662				27.46
	Vested			(361,010	)			17.79
	Forfeited			(64,247	)			19.84
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			927,356			$	22.44		$	25,251,904
	The weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 4.0 and 4.1 years, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.2 and 3.4  years, respectively.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8.84, $5.38 and $5.16 respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.5 million, $6.9 million and $589,000, respectively. The total fair value of awards vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $12.3 million, $9.1 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
	Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following financial statement line items:
		Years Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Cost of product sales		$	1,145			$	575		$	513
	Research and development			3,606				3,283			3,451
	General and administrative			8,078				7,380			7,151
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	12,829			$	11,238		$	11,115

Income_taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income taxes [Abstract]
Income taxes	12. Income taxes
	Significant components of the provisions for income taxes attributable to operations consist of the following:
		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	10,412		$	(878	)	$	11,481
	State		479			(173	)		(1,045	)
	International		112			300			103
	Total current		11,003			(751	)		10,539
	Deferred
	Federal		7,693			12,679			3,758
	State		128			1,028			(375	)
	International		(2,503	)		152			-
	Total deferred		5,318			13,859			3,383
	Total provision for income taxes	$	16,321		$	13,108		$	13,922
	The Company's net deferred tax asset (liability) consists of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Net operating loss carryforward	$	20,530		$	23,256
	Research and development carryforward		8,049			7,395
	Scientific research and experimental development credit carryforward		29,556			-
	Intangible assets		5,689			3,300
	Stock compensation		8,196			6,378
	Foreign deferrals		75,511			64,090
	Inventory reserves		4,122			-
	Deferred revenue		244			-
	Other		7,219			1,222
	Deferred tax asset		159,116			105,641
	Fixed assets		(34,839	)		(32,588	)
	Intangible assets		(6,538	)		-
	Other		(10,891	)		(5,714	)
	Deferred tax liability		(52,268	)		(38,302	)
	Valuation allowance		(92,374	)		(68,846	)
	Net deferred tax (liabilities)/ asset	$	14,474		$	(1,507	)
	The Company currently has approximately $24.2 million in net operating loss carryforwards along with $8.1 million in research and development tax credit carryforwards for U.S. federal tax purposes that will begin to expire in 2026 and 2023, respectively. The U.S. federal tax carryforwards are recorded with no valuation allowance. The Company has $224.6 million in state net operating loss carryforwards, primarily in Maryland, that will begin to expire in 2018. The Company has approximately $274.4 million in net operating losses from foreign jurisdictions that will have an indefinite life unless the foreign entities have a change in the nature or conduct of the business in the three years following a change in ownership. The Company currently has approximately $9.3 million of Canadian federal scientific research and experimental development credit carryforwards that will begin to expire in 2032. In addition, the Company has approximately $22.9 million in Manitoba scientific research and experimental development credit carryforwards that will begin to expire in 2019. Due to the timing of the expiry of the Manitoba credits, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance with respect to the Manitoba credits in the amount of $22.9 million, as it is uncertain whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated in Manitoba during the carryforward period. The foreign and state net operating losses are recorded with a valuation allowance as their realization is not more-likely-than-not. The use of any of these net operating losses and research and development tax credit carryforwards may be restricted due to changes in the Company's ownership.
	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of taxes determined by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to loss before provision for income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	US	$	59,764		$	52,749		$	52,391
	International		(6,702	)		(8,506	)		(14,945	)
	Earnings before taxes on income		53,062			44,243			37,446
	Federal tax at statutory rates	$	18,572		$	15,485		$	13,106
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		257			538			(2,079	)
	Impact of foreign operations		186			(1,116	)		(3,604	)
	Change in valuation allowance		1,808			1,434			4,629
	Effect of foreign rates		-			-			(22	)
	Tax credits		(7,137	)		(5,918	)		(2,904	)
	Other differences		124			(227	)		139
	Permanent differences		2,511			2,912			4,657
	Provision for income taxes	$	16,321		$	13,108		$	13,922
	The effective annual tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 31%, 30% and 37%, respectively. The decrease in the effective annual tax rate in 2013 from 2012 is primarily related to research and development tax credits and orphan drug tax credits related to otlertuzumab (formerly TRU-016) product candidate.
	The Company recognizes interest in interest expense and recognizes potential penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in selling, general and administrative expense. The Company accrued approximately $26,000 and $15,000 for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the total unrecognized tax benefits recorded at December 31, 2014 and 2013, $183,000 and $132,000, respectively, is classified as a current liability and $1.1 million and $991,000, respectively, is classified as a non-current liability on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2014, $140,000 of unrecognized tax benefits will reverse within the next twelve months.
	The table below presents the gross unrecognized tax benefits activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(in thousands)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011	$	1,056
	Increases for tax positions for prior years		25
	Decreases for tax positions for prior years		(65	)
	Increases for tax positions for current year		-
	Settlements		-
	Lapse of statute of limitations		-
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012		1,016
	Increases for tax positions for prior years		165
	Decreases for tax positions for prior years		-
	Increases for tax positions for current year		15
Settlements		-
Lapse of statute of limitations		(75	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013		1,121
Increases for tax positions for prior years		150
Decreases for tax positions for prior years		-
Increases for tax positions for current year		102
Settlements		-
Lapse of statute of limitations		(125	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014	$	1,248
When resolved, substantially all of these reserves would impact the effective tax rate.
The Company's federal and state income tax returns for the tax years 2011 to 2013 remain open to examination. The Company's tax returns in the United Kingdom remain open to examination for the tax years 2007 to 2013, and tax returns in Germany remain open indefinitely. The Company's tax returns for Canada remains open to examination for the tax years 2009 to 2013.
As of December 31, 2014, the Company's 2009 and 2011 federal income tax returns are in appeals with the Internal Revenue service. The Company believes appropriate provisions have been made for any outstanding issues. As of December 31, 2014, the Company's 2011 and 2012 federal income tax returns are under audit.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring	13. Restructuring
	In February 2013, the Company adopted a plan to restructure the operations of Emergent Product Development UK Limited ("EPDU") and OETC due to the results of the Phase 2b clinical trial for the Company's tuberculosis vaccine product candidate. The Company completed this restructuring in 2013.
	The restructuring plan included a headcount reduction of 14 employees at EPDU, the termination of a facility lease, and the impairment of leasehold improvements and equipment. These costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company's statement of operations and are included within the Biosciences segment, are detailed below:
		Incurred during
		the year ended
	(in thousands)	31-Dec-13
	Termination benefits	$	2,114
	Contract termination costs		431
	Other costs		261
	Total	$	2,806
	The following is a summary of the activity for the liabilities related to the EPDU restructuring:
					Contract
		Termination			Termination			Other
	(in thousands)	Benefits			Costs			Costs			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Expenses incurred		2,114			431			134			2,679
	Amount paid		(1,660	)		(431	)		(134	)		(2,225	)
	Other adjustments		-			-			-			-
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	454		$	-		$	-		$	454
	Expenses incurred		-			-			-			-
	Amount paid		(454	)		-			-			(454	)
	Other adjustments	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Balance at December 31, 2014		-			-			-			-

Assets_held_for_sale

Assets held for sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets held for sale [Abstract]
Assets held for sale [Text Block]	14. Assets held for sale
	The Company currently owns a manufacturing and development facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that it is actively seeking to sell. In October 2014, the Company determined that this facility, along with associated equipment, would not be placed into service and committed to a plan to sell the facility. Therefore, this facility and related equipment are classified on the Company's balance sheet as an asset held for sale within the prepaid and other current assets line item. The Company recorded the assets held for sale at fair market value of $2.4 million, based on factors that include recent purchase offers less estimated selling costs.

Purchase_commitment

Purchase commitment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Purchase commitment [Abstract]
Purchase commitment [Text Block]	15. Purchase commitment
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into a contract with Norwood Laboratories Inc. ("Norwood") to purchase $15.2 million of raw materials related to the Company's RSDL product. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company has purchased $1.5 million of materials under this commitment.

401k_savings_plan

401(k) savings plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
401(k) savings plan [Abstract]
401(k) savings plan	16. 401(k) savings plan
	The Company has established a defined contribution savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The 401(k) Plan covers substantially all U.S. employees. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may make elective salary deferrals. The Company currently provides for matching of qualified deferrals up to 50% of the first 6% of the employee's salary. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company made matching contributions of approximately $2.4 million, $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	17. Leases
	The Company leases laboratory and office facilities, office equipment and vehicles under various operating lease agreements. The Company leases office and laboratory space in Seattle, Washington under a operating lease that contains a 2% escalation clause, which expires in April 2020. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, total lease expense was $4.6 million, $3.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded lease income of $3.1 million and $446,000, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments under operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	2,558
	2016		2,204
	2017		1,950
	2018		1,813
	2019		1,697
	2020 and beyond		904
	Total minimum lease payments		11,126
	Minimum lease receipts		(1,388	)
	Total minimum lease payments	$	$9,738

Business_interruption_insuranc

Business interruption insurance recovery	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business interruption insurance recovery [Abstract]
Business interruption insurance recovery	18. Business interruption insurance recovery
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $1.7 million in insurance recovery related to a power outage at its Lansing, Michigan facility. The insurance recovery is classified in the Company's statement of operations as other income (expense), net.

Related_party_transactions

Related party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related party transactions [Abstract]
Related party transactions	19. Related party transactions
	The Company entered into an agreement in February 2009 with an entity controlled by family members of the Company's Executive Chairman to market and sell BioThrax. The agreement was effective as of November 2008 and requires payment based on a percentage of net sales of biodefense products of 17.5% in Saudi Arabia and 15% in Qatar and United Arab Emirates, and reimbursement of certain expenses. No expenses were incurred under this agreement during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Earnings_per_share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	20. Earnings per share
	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	36,741	$	31,135	$	23,524
	Interest expense applicable to convertible debt, net of tax		2,879		-		-
	Amortization of debt issuance costs, net of tax		735		-		-
	Adjusted net income		40,355		31,135		23,524
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average number of shares—basic		37,344,891		36,201,283		36,080,495
	Dilutive securities—equity awards		737,391		546,273		340,167
	Dilutive securities—convertible debt		7,720,525		-		-
	Weighted-average number of shares—diluted		45,802,807		36,747,556		36,420,662
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.98	$	0.86	$	0.65
	Earnings per share-diluted	$	0.88	$	0.85	$	0.65
	For the years ending December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, outstanding stock options to purchase approximately 1.4 million, 1.5 million and 2.9 million shares of common stock, respectively, are not considered in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the exercise price of these options is greater than the average per share closing price during the year.

Segment_information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment information [Abstract]
Segment information	21. Segment information
	For financial reporting purposes, the Company reports financial information for two business segments: Biodefense and Biosciences. The Company's two business segments, or divisions, engage in business activities for which discrete financial information is provided to and resources are allocated by the chief operating decision maker. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company's reportable segments are business units that offer different products and product candidates and are managed separately because they manufacture and develop distinct products with different manufacturing and development processes, along with having separate and distinct sales and marketing processes.
	The Biodefense division is a specialty biopharmaceutical business focused on countermeasures that address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive threats and consists of two business units: vaccines and therapeutics, and medical devices. Revenues in this segment are primarily from sales of the Company's FDA-licensed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), to the U.S. government. The Biosciences division is directed to commercial opportunities and primarily targets hematology/oncology, transplantation and infectious diseases, and consists of three business units: therapeutics, vaccines and contract manufacturing. The "All Other" segment relates to the general operating costs of the Company and includes costs of the centralized services departments, which are not allocated to the other segments, as well as spending on activities that are not classified as Biodefense or Biosciences. The assets in this segment consist primarily of cash. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company had total assets of $242.5 million, $56.7 million and $5.5 million located in foreign jurisdictions.
		Reportable Segments
	(in thousands)	Biodefense		Biosciences			All Other			Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	External revenue	$	370,547	$	79,591		$	-		$	450,138
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		81,975		60,821			8,033			150,829
	Interest income		62		-			258			320
	Interest expense		-		-			(8,240	)		(8,240	)
	Depreciation and amortization		17,669		5,070			267			23,006
	Net income (loss)		96,966		(51,300	)		(8,925	)		36,741
	Intangible assets		40,979		17,365			-			58,344
	In-process research and development assets		27,700		50,100			-			77,800
	Goodwill		20,638		21,346			-			41,984
	Total assets		439,797		344,420			161,045			945,262
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		26,736		2,444			1,493			30,673
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	External revenue	$	311,564	$	1,181		$	-		$	312,745
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		62,663		50,652			6,618			119,933
	Interest income		-		-			139			139
	Interest expense		-		-			-			-
	Depreciation and amortization		15,584		1,238			186			17,008
	Net income (loss)		87,289		(50,925	)		(5,229	)		31,135
	Intangible assets		30,148		-			-			30,148
	In-process research and development assets		-		41,800			-			41,800
	Goodwill		8,452		5,502			-			13,954
	Total assets		331,827		98,510			196,293			626,630
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		30,700		1,343			9,978			42,021
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	External revenue	$	276,469	$	5,419		$	-		$	281,888
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		68,579		44,588			7,059			120,226
	Interest income		-		-			134			134
	Interest expense		-		-			(6	)		(6	)
	Depreciation and amortization		8,951		2,147			99			11,197
	Net income (loss)		94,865		(63,928	)		(7,413	)		23,524
	In-process research and development assets		-		41,800			-			41,800
	Goodwill		-		5,502			-			5,502
	Total assets		354,010		56,148			154,072			564,230
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		52,957		810			78			53,845

Quarterly_financial_data_unaud

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly financial data (unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	22. Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 is presented in the following tables:
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	Fiscal year 2014
	Revenue	$	53,884		$	110,325	$	137,954	$	147,975
	Income (loss) from operations		(25,458	)		7,862		31,032		44,620
	Net income (loss)		(20,236	)		5,029		21,832		30,116
	Net income (loss) per share, basic		(0.55	)		0.13		0.58		0.8
	Net income (loss) per share, diluted		(0.55	)		0.13		0.49		0.66
	Fiscal year 2013
	Revenue	$	43,100		$	82,436	$	89,102	$	98,107
	Income (loss) from operations		(13,350	)		14,712		18,147		23,293
	Net income (loss)		(8,062	)		10,484		13,491		15,222
	Net income (loss) per share, basic		(0.22	)		0.29		0.37		0.42
	Net income (loss) per share, diluted		(0.22	)		0.29		0.36		0.41

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent events [Abstract]
Subsequent events [Text Block]	23. Subsequent events
	Beginning on January 28, 2015, during standard quality inspections performed in accordance with customary procedures, the Company discovered foreign particles in a limited number of vials in two manufactured lots of BioThrax. In order to determine the source of the foreign particles, the Company has been investigating its operations as well as those of its suppliers and contract manufacturers. Under the Company's quality standards, these two BioThrax lots will be rejected. Currently, there is no evidence that any other BioThrax lots have been affected, but as a precautionary measure, the Company has quarantined 13 additional lots in inventory pending the findings of its investigation. It is the Company's goal to complete this investigation within the next 60 days. Consequently, no BioThrax deliveries will be made in the first quarter. Based upon current information and depending on the disposition of the quarantined lots, the impact on previously forecasted 2015 BioThrax revenues is anticipated to be between $0 and $65 million. Additionally, the cost of inventory for which there is a reasonable possibility of loss is estimated to be approximately $2 million to $15 million. Since the investigation is ongoing and the full scope of the issue has not been determined with certainty, the actual impact may be greater than anticipated.

Summary_of_significant_account1

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and consolidation	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Emergent and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For investments in variable interest entities, the Company consolidates when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase and consist of time deposits and investments in money market funds with commercial banks and financial institutions. Also, the Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions in excess of insured limits. The Company does not anticipate any losses with such cash balances.
Fair value of measurements	Fair value of measurements
	The Company measures and records cash equivalents and investment securities considered available-for-sale at fair value in the accompanying financial statements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability, an exit price, in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value include:
		Level 1 —	Observable inputs for identical assets or liabilities such as quoted prices in active markets;
		Level 2 —	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and
		Level 3 —	Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, which are therefore developed by the Company using estimates and assumptions that reflect those that a market participant would use.
	The carrying amounts of the Company's short-term financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.
Significant customers and accounts receivable	Significant customers and accounts receivable
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company's primary customer was the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ("HHS"). For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, revenues from HHS and HHS agencies comprised 74.3%, 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively, of total revenues and are included in the Company's Biodefense segment. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's receivable balances were comprised of 40.4% and 96.2%, respectively, from this customer. The overall decrease in the percentage of receivables attributed to HHS was due to the additional non-U.S. government revenue generating products from the Company's acquisition of Cangene in February 2014. Unbilled accounts receivable, included in accounts receivable, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $18.9 million and $14.8 million, respectively, relates to various service contracts for which work has been performed, though invoicing has not yet occurred. Accounts receivable are stated at invoice amounts and consist primarily of amounts due from the U.S. government and collaborative partners as well as amounts due under reimbursement contracts with other government entities and non-government and philanthropic organizations. If necessary, the Company records a provision for doubtful receivables to allow for any amounts which may be unrecoverable. This provision is based upon an analysis of the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, an allowance for doubtful accounts was not recorded as the collection history from the Company's customers indicated that collection was probable.
Concentrations of credit risk	Concentrations of credit risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Management believes that the financial risks associated with its cash and cash equivalents are minimal. Because accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from the U.S. government for product sales and from government agencies under government grants and development contracts, management deems there to be minimal credit risk.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined using a standard cost method, which approximates average cost. Average cost consists primarily of material, labor and manufacturing overhead expenses (including fixed production-overhead costs) and includes the services and products of third party suppliers. The Company analyzes its inventory levels quarterly and writes down, in the applicable period, inventory that has become obsolete, inventory that has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value and inventory in excess of expected customer demand. The Company also writes off, in the applicable period, the costs related to expired inventory. Costs of purchased inventories are recorded using weighted-average costing. The Company determines normal capacity for each production facility and allocates fixed production-overhead costs on that basis.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings	31-39 years
	Building improvements	10-39 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-15 years
	Software	Lesser of 3-5 years or product life
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of the asset life or lease term
	Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Income taxes	Income taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and research and development tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	The Company's ability to realize deferred tax assets depends upon future taxable income as well as the limitations discussed below. For financial reporting purposes, a deferred tax asset must be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized prior to expiration. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances. In general, if the Company determines that it is more likely than not to realize more than the recorded amounts of net deferred tax assets in the future, the Company will reverse all or a portion of the valuation allowance established against its deferred tax assets, resulting in a decrease to the provision for income taxes in the period in which the determination is made. Likewise, if the Company determines that it is not more likely than not to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, the Company will establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, with an offsetting increase to the provision for income taxes, in the period in which the determination is made.
	Under sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code, if an ownership change occurs with respect to a "loss corporation", as defined, there are annual limitations on the amount of net operating losses and deductions that are available. The Company believes the use of net operating losses and research and development tax credits acquired in the Trubion acquisition will not be significantly limited. Due to the acquisition of Microscience in 2005 and the Company's initial public offering, the Company believes the use of the operating losses incurred prior to 2005 will be significantly limited.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenues from product sales if four basic criteria have been met:
			there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement;
			delivery has occurred or title has passed to the Company's customer;
			the fee is fixed or determinable; and
			collectibility is reasonably assured.
	All revenues from product sales are recorded net of applicable allowances for sales rebates, special promotional programs, and discounts. The Company estimates allowances for revenue reducing obligations using a combination of information received from third parties including market data, inventory reports from major wholesalers, historical information and analysis. These estimates are subject to the inherent limitations of estimates that rely on third-party data, as certain third-party information may itself rely on estimates and reflect other limitations. Provisions for estimated rebates and other allowances, such as discounts and promotional and other credits, are estimated based on historical payment experience, historical relationship to revenues, estimated customer inventory levels and contract terms, and actual discounts offered.
	The Company markets and sells its Biosciences products through commercial wholesalers (direct customers) who purchase the products at a price referred to as the wholesale acquisition cost ("WAC"). Additionally, the Company enters into agreements with indirect customers for a contracted price that is less than the WAC. The indirect customers, such as group-purchasing organizations, physician practice-management groups and hospitals, purchase the Company's products from the wholesalers. Under these agreements with wholesalers, the Company guarantees to credit the wholeseller for the difference between the WAC and the indirect customers' contracted price. This credit is referred to as a chargeback. Adjustments to the Company's chargeback provisions are made periodically to reflect new facts and circumstances that may indicate that historical experience may not be indicative of current and/or future results. The Company makes subjective judgments primarily based on its evaluation of current market conditions and trade inventory levels related to the Company's products. This evaluation may result in an increase or decrease in the experience rate that is applied to current and future sales, or as an adjustment to past sales, or both.
	Under previous contracts with HHS, the Company invoiced HHS and recognized the related revenues upon delivery of the product to the government carrier, at which time title to the product passed to HHS. Effective September 30, 2011, the Company has a contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"), an operating division of HHS, to supply up to 44.75 million doses of BioThrax over a five year period. Under the Company's contract from the CDC, the Company invoices the CDC and recognizes the related revenue upon acceptance by the government at delivery site, at which time title to the product passes to the CDC. In addition, the Company has generated RSDL sales under its indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with the U.S. government and recognizes revenue upon delivery.
	Collaborative research and development agreements can provide for one or more of upfront license fees, research payments, and milestone payments. The Company analyzes its multiple element revenue-generating arrangements to determine whether the elements can be separated and accounted for individually as separate units of accounting. An item can generally be considered a separate unit of accounting if both of the following criteria are met: the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis and if the arrangement includes a general right of return and delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Company. Items that cannot be divided into separate units are combined with other units of accounting, as appropriate. Consideration received is allocated among the separate units based on the unit's relative selling price and is recognized when the appropriate revenue recognition criteria are met. The Company deems services to be rendered if no continuing obligation exists on the part of the Company.
	Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees under arrangements where the license fees and research and development activities cannot be accounted for as separate units of accounting is deferred and recognized as revenue either on a straight-line basis over the Company's continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligation under the contract. Revenues from the achievement of research and development milestones, if deemed substantive, are recognized as revenue when the milestones are achieved, and the milestone payments are due and collectible. If not deemed substantive, the Company recognizes such milestone as revenue on a straight-line basis over the remaining expected term of continued involvement in the research and development process.
	Milestones are considered substantive if all of the following conditions are met; (1) the milestone is non-refundable; (2) achievement of the milestone was not reasonably assured at the inception of the arrangement; (3) substantive effort is involved to achieve the milestone; and (4) the amount of the milestone appears reasonable in relation to the effort expended. Payments received in advance of work performed are recorded as deferred revenue.
	The Company generates contract and grant revenue from cost-plus-fee contracts. Revenues on reimbursable contracts are recognized as costs are incurred, generally based on allowable costs incurred during the period, plus any recognizable earned fee. The Company considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs incurred in performance of the contract. The Company analyzes costs for contracts and reimbursable grants to ensure reporting of revenues gross versus net is appropriate. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, the costs incurred under the contracts and grants approximated the revenue earned.
	Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees that can be treated as a single unit of accounting are recognized when all ongoing obligations have been delivered. Revenue associated with non-refundable upfront license fees under arrangements where the license fees and research and development activities cannot be accounted for as separate units of accounting are deferred and recognized as revenue either on a straight-line basis over the Company's continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligations under the contract. Revenues from the achievement of research and development milestones, if deemed substantive, are recognized as revenue when the milestones are achieved, and the milestone payments are due and collectible. If not deemed substantive, the Company recognizes such milestone as revenue on a straight-line basis over the remaining expected term of continued involvement in the research and development process or based on the proportional performance of the Company's expected future obligations under the contract.
	The Company's contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ("BARDA") to establish a Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing ("CIADM") is a service arrangement that includes multiple elements. The CIADM contract requires the Company to provide a flexible infrastructure to supply medical countermeasures to the U.S. government over the contract period and includes such items as construction and facility design, workforce development and licensure of a pandemic flu vaccine. Since none of the individual elements by themselves satisfy the purpose of the contract, the Company has concluded that the CIADM contract elements cannot be separated as they do not have stand-alone value to the U.S. government. Therefore, the Company has concluded that there is a single unit of accounting associated with the CIADM contract. The Company recognizes revenue under the CIADM contract on a straight-line basis, based upon its estimate of the total payments to be received under the contract. The Company analyzes the estimated payments to be received on a quarterly basis to determine if an adjustment to revenue is required. Changes in estimates attributed to modifications in the estimate of total payments to be received are recorded prospectively.
Mergers and Acquisitions	Mergers and Acquisitions
	In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the merger or acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are recognized at fair value if fair value can reasonably be estimated. If the acquisition date fair value of an asset acquired or liability assumed that arises from a contingency cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect our intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in our consolidated financial statements after the date of the merger or acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. The fair values of intangible assets, including acquired in-process research and development, or IPR&D, are determined utilizing information available near the merger or acquisition date based on expectations and assumptions that are deemed reasonable by management. Given the considerable judgment involved in determining fair values, the Company typically obtains assistance from third-party valuation specialists for significant items. Amounts allocated to acquired IPR&D are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets. Upon successful completion of each project, the Company will make a separate determination as to the then useful life of the asset and begin amortization. The judgments made in determining estimated fair values assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, as well as asset lives, can materially affect the Company's results of operations.
	The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to currently marketed products and product rights are primarily determined by using an "income approach" through which fair value is estimated based on each asset's discounted projected net cash flows. Our estimates of market participant net cash flows consider historical and projected pricing, margins and expense levels; the performance of competing products where applicable; relevant industry and therapeutic area growth drivers and factors; current and expected trends in technology and product life cycles; the time and investment that will be required to develop products and technologies; the ability to obtain marketing and regulatory approvals; the ability to manufacture and commercialize the products; the extent and timing of potential new product introductions by the Company's competitors; and the life of each asset's underlying patent, if any. The net cash flows are then probability-adjusted where appropriate to consider the uncertainties associated with the underlying assumptions, as well as the risk profile of the net cash flows utilized in the valuation. The probability-adjusted future net cash flows of each product are then discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate discount rate.
	The fair values of identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D are determined using an income approach, through which fair value is estimated based on each asset's probability-adjusted future net cash flows, which reflect the different stages of development of each product and the associated probability of successful completion. The net cash flows are then discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The Company assesses the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, to determine whether any impairment in this asset may exist and, if so, the extent of such impairment. The provisions of the relevant accounting guidance require that the Company perform a two-step impairment test. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of its reporting unit to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to the difference is recognized. The Company calculates the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing the income approach. The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow model, using a discount rate based on the Company's estimated weighted average cost of capital. The Company also evaluates goodwill for certain reporting units using the qualitative assessment method, which permits companies to qualitatively assess whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The Company considers developments in its operations, the industry in which it operates and overall macroeconomic factors that could have affected the fair value of the reporting unit since the date of the most recent quantitative analysis of a reporting unit's fair value.
	The determination of the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The estimates and assumptions used in calculating fair value include identifying future cash flows, which requires that the Company makes a number of critical legal, economic, market and business assumptions that reflect best estimates as of the testing date. The Company's assumptions and estimates may differ significantly from actual results, or circumstances could change that would cause the Company to conclude that an impairment now exists or that it previously understated the extent of impairment. The Company selected October 1st as its annual impairment test date.
Contingent purchase consideration obligations	Contingent purchase consideration obligations
	The Company records contingent purchase obligations at fair value. Obligations are based on sales royalties, primarily for RSDL. The fair value model used to calculate this obligation is based on the income approach (a discounted cash flow model) that has been risk adjusted based on the probability of achievement of net sales.
	The inputs the Company uses for determining the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration are Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company re-evaluates the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation on a quarterly basis. Changes in the fair value can result from adjustments to the discount rates and updates in the assumed timing of or achievement of net sales. Any future increase in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation is based on an increased likelihood that the underlying net sales will be achieved and the associated payment or payments which will therefore become due and payable. These increases in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation will result in a charge to cost of product sales in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of the contingent purchase consideration obligation will result in a reduction in cost of product sales.
Contingent value rights	Contingent value rights
	The Company records contingent value right ("CVR") obligations at fair value. Obligations generally become due and payable only upon achievement of certain developmental, regulatory or commercial milestones. The fair value model used for the CVR obligations are based on a discounted cash flow model that has been risk adjusted based on the probability of achievement of the milestones.
	The Company believes that the inputs it uses for determining the fair value of the CVR obligations are Level 3 fair value measurements. The Company re-evaluates the fair value on a quarterly basis. Changes in the fair value of the CVR obligations can result from adjustments to the discount rates, updates in the assumed timing of achievement of any development milestones or changes in the probability of certain events and changes in the assumed probability associated with approval. Any future increase in the fair value of the CVR obligations, based on an increased likelihood that the underlying milestones will be achieved and the associated payment or payments will therefore become due and payable, will result in a charge to research and development expense in the period in which the increase is determined. Similarly, any future decrease in the fair value of the CVR obligations will result in a reduction in research and development expense.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of in process research and development and long-lived assets
	The Company assesses IPR&D assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. The Company's annual assessment includes a comparison of the fair value of IPR&D assets to existing carrying value, and recognizes an impairment when the carrying value is greater than the determined fair value. The Company believes that the assumptions used in valuing the intangible and IPR&D assets are reasonable and are based upon its best estimate of likely outcomes of sales and clinical development. The underlying assumptions and estimates used to value these assets are subject to change in the future, and actual results may differ significantly from the assumptions and estimates. The Company has selected October 1st as its annual impairment test date for indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets or asset groups for which an indicator of impairment exists by determining whether the carrying value of such assets can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. If the Company concludes that the carrying value will not be recovered, the Company measures the amount of such impairment by comparing the fair value to the carrying value of the assets or asset groups.
Research and development	Research and development
	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs primarily consist of salaries and fees paid to outside service providers and the costs of materials used in clinical trials and research and development. Other research and development expenses include fees paid to consultants, materials and related expenses for personnel and facility expenses.
Comprehensive income	Comprehensive income
	Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other changes in equity that are excluded from net income. The Company includes translation gains and losses incurred when converting its subsidiaries' financial statements from their functional currency to the U.S. dollar in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Foreign currencies	Foreign currencies
	Except for the Company's Canadian subsidiaries, the local currency is the functional currency for the Company's foreign subsidiaries and, as such, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are charged or credited to other comprehensive income. The Company's Canadian subsidiaries local currency is U.S. dollars due to substantially all the transactions of the subsidiaries being denominated in U.S. dollars.
Capitalized interest	Capitalized interest
	The Company capitalizes interest based on the cost of major ongoing capital projects which have not yet been placed in service. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred interest of $7.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Of these amounts, the Company capitalized $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
Certain risks and uncertainties	Certain risks and uncertainties
	The Company has derived a majority of all of its revenue from sales of BioThrax under contracts with the U.S. government. The Company's CDC contract does not necessarily increase the likelihood that it will secure future comparable contracts with the U.S. government. The Company expects that a significant portion of the business that it will seek in the near future, in particular for BioThrax, will be under government contracts that present a number of risks that are not typically present in the commercial contracting process. U.S. government contracts for BioThrax are subject to unilateral termination or modification by the government. The Company may fail to achieve significant sales of BioThrax to customers in addition to the U.S. government, which would harm its growth opportunities. The Company may not be able to sustain or increase profitability. The Company may not be able to manufacture BioThrax consistently in accordance with FDA specifications.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per share
	The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Notes"). Due to the issuance, the Company calculates diluted earnings per share using the if-converted method by dividing the adjusted net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The adjusted net income is adjusted for interest expense and amortization of debt issuance cost, both net of tax, associated with the Notes. The weighted average number of shares-diluted is adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units along with the assumption of the conversion of the Notes, at the beginning of the period.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury method by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of other securities if such securities were converted or exercised.
Accounting for stock-based compensation	Accounting for stock-based compensation
	The Company has two stock-based employee compensation plans, the Third Amended and Restated Emergent BioSolutions Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the Emergent BioSolutions Employee Stock Option Plan (the "2004 Plan" and together with the 2006 Plan, the "Emergent Plans"). The Company has granted options to purchase shares of common stock under the Emergent Plans and has granted restricted stock units under the 2006 Plan. The Emergent Plans have both incentive and non-qualified stock option features. The Company no longer grants equity awards under the 2004 Plan.
	On May 22, 2014, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan, which increased the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under plan awards by 4,000,000. As part of this amendment, awards of restricted stock units granted after May 22, 2014 are counted against the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2006 Plan as 2.3 shares of common stock for every one restricted stock unit granted. The maximum number of shares subject to awards that may be granted per year under the 2006 Plan to a single participant is 1,000,000.
	As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 15,178,826 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2006 Plan, of which a total of 4,461,925 shares of common stock remain available for future awards to be made to plan participants. The exercise price of each option must be not less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares underlying such option on the date of grant. Awards granted under the 2006 Plan have a contractual life of no more than 10 years. The terms and conditions of equity awards (such as price, vesting schedule, term and number of shares) under the Emergent Plans are determined by the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors, which administers the Emergent Plans. Each equity award granted under the Emergent Plans vests as specified in the relevant agreement with the award recipient and no option can be exercised after ten years from the date of grant.
	On May 17, 2012, the Company's shareholders approved the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), as defined in Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. All employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the ESPP, except those owning 5% or more of the Company's stock. One million shares of common stock have been authorized for issuance under the ESPP. The ESPP has two plan periods: December 1st to May 31st and June 1st to November 30th. Employees are permitted to contribute between 1 % and 10 % of compensation during a plan period. The ESPP allows for employees to purchase shares of the Company's stock at a 15% discount at the end of each plan period based on the share price at that time. The maximum number of shares an employee may purchase during any plan period is 800 shares. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of all shares under its ESPP. The fair value of each ESPP share is estimated at the beginning of each plan period.
	The Company determines the fair value of restricted stock units and stock options using the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of all stock options granted. Set forth below are the assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted and a discussion of the Company's methodology for developing each of the assumptions used:
		Year Ended December 31,
			2014	2013	2012
	Expected dividend yield		0%	0%	0%
	Expected volatility		35-38%	39-49%	41-52%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.14-1.65%	0.32-0.70%	0.36-0.54%
	Expected average life of options		4.5 years	4.4 years	3.4 years
			Expected dividend yield — the Company does not pay regular dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.
			Expected volatility — a measure of the amount by which a financial variable, such as share price, has fluctuated (historical volatility) or is expected to fluctuate (implied volatility) during a period. The Company analyzed its own historical volatility to estimate expected volatility over the same period as the expected average life of the options.
			Risk-free interest rate — the range of U.S. Treasury rates with a term that most closely resembles the expected life of the option as of the date on which the option is granted.
			Expected average life of options — the period of time that options granted are expected to remain outstanding, based primarily on the Company's expectation of optionee exercise behavior subsequent to vesting of options.

Summary_of_significant_account2

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Buildings	31-39 years
	Building improvements	10-39 years
	Furniture and equipment	3-15 years
	Software	Lesser of 3-5 years or product life
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of the asset life or lease term
Assumptions used in valuing stock options granted	The Company determines the fair value of restricted stock units and stock options using the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of all stock options granted. Set forth below are the assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted and a discussion of the Company's methodology for developing each of the assumptions used:
		Year Ended December 31,
			2014	2013	2012
	Expected dividend yield		0%	0%	0%
	Expected volatility		35-38%	39-49%	41-52%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.14-1.65%	0.32-0.70%	0.36-0.54%
	Expected average life of options		4.5 years	4.4 years	3.4 years

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cangene pro forma	The following pro forma information is presented as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2013, and combines the historical results of operations of the Company and Cangene for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
			December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013
	Pro forma revenue		$	462,446			$	428,194
	Pro forma net income		$	34,624			$	10,994
Cangene Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	The table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based upon estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at February 21, 2014.
	(in thousands)
	Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash		$	43,631
	Accounts receivable			19,652
	Inventory (i)			55,259
	Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,375
	Property, plant and equipment			40,264
	Deferred taxes, net			21,337
	Income tax receivable			2,452
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(22,918	)
	Provision for chargebacks			(1,946	)
	Contingent purchase consideration			(1,284	)
	Deferred revenue			(6,378	)
	Total fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed			152,444
	Acquired in-process research and development			8,300
	Acquired intangible assets			36,200
	Goodwill			24,566
	Total purchase price		$	221,510
	(i) Acquired inventory reflects a $8.8 million adjustment to record inventory at fair value, referred to as a step-up adjustment. The $8.8 million step-up is estimated to be amortized through cost of product sales and contract manufacturing over the next five years based on expected inventory turnover, which will increase cost of product sales and contract manufacturing during such period.
Fair Value of Intangible Assets	The table below summarizes the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods:
						Amortization
						Period
	( in thousands)	Amount				in years
	Corporate Trade Name		$	2,800				5
	Marketed Products			8,100				10
	Licensed Products			3,100				7
	Biodefense Products			16,700				12
	Contract Manufacturing			5,500				8
	Total identified intangible assets		$	36,200
EV 035 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	The table below summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price based upon fair values of assets acquired. As of the date of this filing, the valuation of acquired intangible assets and other fair value adjustments are not complete as the Company is obtaining and analyzing additional information related to the aforementioned items.  As such, the purchase price allocation is subject to change.
	(in thousands)
	Acquired intangible assets		$	27,700
	Goodwill			2,000
	Total purchase price		$	29,700
Preliminary Purchase Price	The total preliminary purchase price is summarized below:
	(in thousands)
	Amount of cash paid to Evolva Holdings SA		$	1,500
	Fair value of contingent consideration			28,200
	Total purchase price		$	29,700
HPPD [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price Allocation	The table below summarizes the allocation of the purchase price based upon fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at August 1, 2013.
	(in thousands)
	Acquired intangible assets			32,099
	Goodwill			9,916
	Acquired equipment			1,543
	Other			11
	Assumed liabilities			(1,464	)
	Total purchase price		$	42,105
Preliminary Purchase Price	The total purchase price is summarized below:
	(in thousands)
	Amount of cash paid to Bracco Diagnostics Inc.		$	25,873
	Fair value of contingent purchase consideration			16,232
	Total purchase price		$	42,105

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair value measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Hierarchy for Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table represents the Company's fair value hierarchy for its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		At December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Investment in money market funds (1)		$	111,912		$	-	$	-	$	111,912
	Total assets		$	111,912		$	-	$	-	$	111,912
	Liabilities:
	Contingent consideration		$	-		$	-	$	47,657	$	47,657
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	-	$	47,657	$	47,657
		At December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Investment in money market funds (1)		$	37,701		$	-	$	-	$	37,701
	Total assets		$	37,701		$	-	$	-	$	37,701
	Liabilities:
	Contingent price consideration		$	-		$	-	$	16,619	$	16,619
	Total liabilities		$	-		$	-	$	16,619	$	16,619
	(1) Included in cash and cash equivalents in accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Reconciliation of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	-
	Expense (income) included in earnings			735
	Settlements			(348	)
	Purchases, sales and issuances			16,232
	Transfers in/(out) of Level 3			-
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	16,619
	Expense (income) included in earnings			3,133
	Settlements			(1,579	)
	Purchases, sales and issuances			29,484
	Transfers in/(out) of Level 3			-
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	47,657

Accounts_receivable_Tables

Accounts receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Billed		$	39,948		$	45,757
	Unbilled			18,886			14,830
	Total		$	58,834		$	60,587

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	17,375	$	2,656
	Work-in-process		33,477		9,819
	Finished goods		14,822		2,168
	Total inventories	$	65,674	$	14,643

Property_plant_and_equipment_T

Property, plant and equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land and improvements	$	12,838		$	10,605
	Buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements		107,202			83,823
	Furniture and equipment		130,131			107,006
	Software		25,354			21,832
	Construction-in-progress		117,884			98,345
			393,409			321,611
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(79,430	)		(57,371	)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	313,979		$	264,240

Intangible_assets_inprocess_re

Intangible assets, in-process research and development and goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible assets, in-process research and development and goodwill [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consist of the following:
					Manufacturing			Corporate			Marketed			Licensed			Biodefense			Contract
	(in thousands)	RSDL			Agreement			Tradename			Products			Products			Products			Manufacturing			Total
	Cost basis
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	28,621		$	3,478		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-			32,099
	Additions		-			-			2,800			8,100			3,100			16,700			5,500			36,200
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	28,621		$	3,478		$	2,800		$	8,100		$	3,100			16,700		$	5,500			68,299
	Accumulated amortization
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(1,468	)	$	(483	)	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-			(1,951	)
	Amortization		(3,519	)		(1,159	)		(478	)		(692	)		(378	)		(1,191	)		(587	)		(8,004	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(4,987	)	$	(1,642	)	$	(478	)	$	(692	)	$	(378	)	$	(1,191	)	$	(587	)		(9,955	)
	Net book value at December 31, 2014	$	23,634		$	1,836		$	2,322		$	7,408		$	2,722		$	15,509			4,913			58,344
Goodwill	The following table is a summary of changes in goodwill by reporting unit:
	(in thousands)	Biosciences therapeutics			Biosciences contracts manufacturing			Biodefense therapeutics			Biodefense medical device(s)			Total
	Cost Basis
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,502			-			-			8,452			13,954
	Additions		8,400			6,736			11,430			1,464			28,030
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,902			6,736			11,430			9,916			41,984

Stockholders_equity_Tables

Stockholders' equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' equity [Abstract]
Option award activity	The following is a summary of option award activity under the Emergent Plans:
			2006 Plan							2004 Plan
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,633,146			$	17.01			53,156		$	8.86	$	23,148,738
	Granted			1,125,321				27.46			-			-
	Exercised			(784,811	)			16.72			(10,000	)		2.74
	Forfeited			(135,663	)			19.96			-			-
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			3,837,993			$	20.04			43,156		$	10.28	$	29,181,534
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,993,261			$	17.81			43,156		$	10.28	$	19,499,871
	Options expected to vest at December 31, 2014			1,158,434			$	21.41			-		$	-	$	7,193,136
Restricted stock units activity	The following is a summary of restricted stock unit award activity under the 2006 Plan:
			Number of Shares				Weighted-Average Grant Price			Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			789,951			$	16.53		$	18,246,611
	Granted			562,662				27.46
	Vested			(361,010	)			17.79
	Forfeited			(64,247	)			19.84
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			927,356			$	22.44		$	25,251,904
Allocated stock-based compensation expense	Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following financial statement line items:
		Years Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Cost of product sales		$	1,145			$	575		$	513
	Research and development			3,606				3,283			3,451
	General and administrative			8,078				7,380			7,151
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	12,829			$	11,238		$	11,115

Income_taxes_Tables

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income taxes [Abstract]
Components of the provision for income taxes attributable to operations	Significant components of the provisions for income taxes attributable to operations consist of the following:
		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	10,412		$	(878	)	$	11,481
	State		479			(173	)		(1,045	)
	International		112			300			103
	Total current		11,003			(751	)		10,539
	Deferred
	Federal		7,693			12,679			3,758
	State		128			1,028			(375	)
	International		(2,503	)		152			-
	Total deferred		5,318			13,859			3,383
	Total provision for income taxes	$	16,321		$	13,108		$	13,922
Net deferred tax asset	The Company's net deferred tax asset (liability) consists of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Net operating loss carryforward	$	20,530		$	23,256
	Research and development carryforward		8,049			7,395
	Scientific research and experimental development credit carryforward		29,556			-
	Intangible assets		5,689			3,300
	Stock compensation		8,196			6,378
	Foreign deferrals		75,511			64,090
	Inventory reserves		4,122			-
	Deferred revenue		244			-
	Other		7,219			1,222
	Deferred tax asset		159,116			105,641
	Fixed assets		(34,839	)		(32,588	)
	Intangible assets		(6,538	)		-
	Other		(10,891	)		(5,714	)
	Deferred tax liability		(52,268	)		(38,302	)
	Valuation allowance		(92,374	)		(68,846	)
	Net deferred tax (liabilities)/ asset	$	14,474		$	(1,507	)
Reconciliation of taxes determined by applying U.S. federal statutory rate to loss before provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of taxes determined by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to loss before provision for income taxes as a result of the following:
		Year ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	US	$	59,764		$	52,749		$	52,391
	International		(6,702	)		(8,506	)		(14,945	)
	Earnings before taxes on income		53,062			44,243			37,446
	Federal tax at statutory rates	$	18,572		$	15,485		$	13,106
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		257			538			(2,079	)
	Impact of foreign operations		186			(1,116	)		(3,604	)
	Change in valuation allowance		1,808			1,434			4,629
	Effect of foreign rates		-			-			(22	)
	Tax credits		(7,137	)		(5,918	)		(2,904	)
	Other differences		124			(227	)		139
	Permanent differences		2,511			2,912			4,657
	Provision for income taxes	$	16,321		$	13,108		$	13,922
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity	The table below presents the gross unrecognized tax benefits activity for 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(in thousands)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011	$	1,056
	Increases for tax positions for prior years		25
	Decreases for tax positions for prior years		(65	)
	Increases for tax positions for current year		-
	Settlements		-
	Lapse of statute of limitations		-
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012		1,016
	Increases for tax positions for prior years		165
	Decreases for tax positions for prior years		-
	Increases for tax positions for current year		15
	Settlements		-
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(75	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013		1,121
	Increases for tax positions for prior years		150
	Decreases for tax positions for prior years		-
	Increases for tax positions for current year		102
	Settlements		-
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(125	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014	$	1,248

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring [Abstract]
Costs of the restructuring	The restructuring plan included a headcount reduction of 14 employees at EPDU, the termination of a facility lease, and the impairment of leasehold improvements and equipment. These costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company's statement of operations and are included within the Biosciences segment, are detailed below:
		Incurred during
		the year ended
	(in thousands)	31-Dec-13
	Termination benefits	$	2,114
	Contract termination costs		431
	Other costs		261
	Total	$	2,806
Summary of the activity for liabilities related to EPDU restructuring	The following is a summary of the activity for the liabilities related to the EPDU restructuring:
					Contract
		Termination			Termination			Other
	(in thousands)	Benefits			Costs			Costs			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Expenses incurred		2,114			431			134			2,679
	Amount paid		(1,660	)		(431	)		(134	)		(2,225	)
	Other adjustments		-			-			-			-
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	454		$	-		$	-		$	454
	Expenses incurred		-			-			-			-
	Amount paid		(454	)		-			-			(454	)
	Other adjustments	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
	Balance at December 31, 2014		-			-			-			-

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Lease Obligations	Future minimum lease payments under operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	2,558
	2016		2,204
	2017		1,950
	2018		1,813
	2019		1,697
	2020 and beyond		904
	Total minimum lease payments		11,126
	Minimum lease receipts		(1,388	)
	Total minimum lease payments	$	$9,738

Earnings_per_share_Tables

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Summary of basic and diluted net income per share	The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:
	(in thousands, except share and per share data)	2014		2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	36,741	$	31,135	$	23,524
	Interest expense applicable to convertible debt, net of tax		2,879		-		-
	Amortization of debt issuance costs, net of tax		735		-		-
	Adjusted net income		40,355		31,135		23,524
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average number of shares—basic		37,344,891		36,201,283		36,080,495
	Dilutive securities—equity awards		737,391		546,273		340,167
	Dilutive securities—convertible debt		7,720,525		-		-
	Weighted-average number of shares—diluted		45,802,807		36,747,556		36,420,662
	Earnings per share-basic	$	0.98	$	0.86	$	0.65
	Earnings per share-diluted	$	0.88	$	0.85	$	0.65

Segment_information_Tables

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment information [Abstract]
Segment information	21. Segment information
	For financial reporting purposes, the Company reports financial information for two business segments: Biodefense and Biosciences. The Company's two business segments, or divisions, engage in business activities for which discrete financial information is provided to and resources are allocated by the chief operating decision maker. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company's reportable segments are business units that offer different products and product candidates and are managed separately because they manufacture and develop distinct products with different manufacturing and development processes, along with having separate and distinct sales and marketing processes.
	The Biodefense division is a specialty biopharmaceutical business focused on countermeasures that address Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive threats and consists of two business units: vaccines and therapeutics, and medical devices. Revenues in this segment are primarily from sales of the Company's FDA-licensed product, BioThrax® (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), to the U.S. government. The Biosciences division is directed to commercial opportunities and primarily targets hematology/oncology, transplantation and infectious diseases, and consists of three business units: therapeutics, vaccines and contract manufacturing. The "All Other" segment relates to the general operating costs of the Company and includes costs of the centralized services departments, which are not allocated to the other segments, as well as spending on activities that are not classified as Biodefense or Biosciences. The assets in this segment consist primarily of cash. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company had total assets of $242.5 million, $56.7 million and $5.5 million located in foreign jurisdictions.
		Reportable Segments
	(in thousands)	Biodefense		Biosciences			All Other			Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	External revenue	$	370,547	$	79,591		$	-		$	450,138
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		81,975		60,821			8,033			150,829
	Interest income		62		-			258			320
	Interest expense		-		-			(8,240	)		(8,240	)
	Depreciation and amortization		17,669		5,070			267			23,006
	Net income (loss)		96,966		(51,300	)		(8,925	)		36,741
	Intangible assets		40,979		17,365			-			58,344
	In-process research and development assets		27,700		50,100			-			77,800
	Goodwill		20,638		21,346			-			41,984
	Total assets		439,797		344,420			161,045			945,262
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		26,736		2,444			1,493			30,673
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	External revenue	$	311,564	$	1,181		$	-		$	312,745
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		62,663		50,652			6,618			119,933
	Interest income		-		-			139			139
	Interest expense		-		-			-			-
	Depreciation and amortization		15,584		1,238			186			17,008
	Net income (loss)		87,289		(50,925	)		(5,229	)		31,135
	Intangible assets		30,148		-			-			30,148
	In-process research and development assets		-		41,800			-			41,800
	Goodwill		8,452		5,502			-			13,954
	Total assets		331,827		98,510			196,293			626,630
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		30,700		1,343			9,978			42,021
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	External revenue	$	276,469	$	5,419		$	-		$	281,888
	Intersegment revenue (expense)		-		-			-			-
	Research and development		68,579		44,588			7,059			120,226
	Interest income		-		-			134			134
	Interest expense		-		-			(6	)		(6	)
	Depreciation and amortization		8,951		2,147			99			11,197
	Net income (loss)		94,865		(63,928	)		(7,413	)		23,524
	In-process research and development assets		-		41,800			-			41,800
	Goodwill		-		5,502			-			5,502
	Total assets		354,010		56,148			154,072			564,230
	Expenditures for long-lived assets		52,957		810			78			53,845

Quarterly_financial_data_unaud1

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly financial data (unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information	Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 is presented in the following tables:
		Three months ended
	(in thousands)	March 31,			June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	Fiscal year 2014
	Revenue	$	53,884		$	110,325	$	137,954	$	147,975
	Income (loss) from operations		(25,458	)		7,862		31,032		44,620
	Net income (loss)		(20,236	)		5,029		21,832		30,116
	Net income (loss) per share, basic		(0.55	)		0.13		0.58		0.8
	Net income (loss) per share, diluted		(0.55	)		0.13		0.49		0.66
	Fiscal year 2013
	Revenue	$	43,100		$	82,436	$	89,102	$	98,107
	Income (loss) from operations		(13,350	)		14,712		18,147		23,293
	Net income (loss)		(8,062	)		10,484		13,491		15,222
	Net income (loss) per share, basic		(0.22	)		0.29		0.37		0.42
	Net income (loss) per share, diluted		(0.22	)		0.29		0.36		0.41

Nature_of_the_business_and_org1

Nature of the business and organization (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
	acre
Nature of the business and organization [Abstract]
Area of land in Lansing, Michigan (in acres)	12.5

Summary_of_significant_account3

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Dose
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unbilled accounts receivable	$58,834,000	$60,587,000
Revenue recognition [Abstract]
Number of doses of BioThrax to be supplied under contract	44,750,000
Period of contractual agreement	5 years
Percentage of total spending in collaboration used to determine the receivable, revenue, payable and expense during period (in hundredths)	0.00%
Capitalized interest [Abstract]
Interest costs incurred	7,500,000	2,000,000	2,200,000
Interest costs capitalized	2,500,000	2,000,000	2,200,000
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in number of shares of common stock available for issuance (in shares)	4,000,000
2006 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock authorized for issuance under the plan (in shares)	15,178,826
Common stock available for future awards (in shares)	4,461,925
Contractual life of awards	10 years
Exercise period of options, maximum	10 years
Assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted [Abstract]
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected average life of options	4 years 6 months	4 years 4 months 24 days	3 years 4 months 24 days
2006 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock unit conversion ratio	2.3
Emergent Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock based employee compensation plans	2
Minimum [Member] | 2006 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price of option as percentage of fair market value at grant date, minimum (in hundredths)	100.00%
Assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted [Abstract]
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	35.00%	39.00%	41.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)	1.14%	0.32%	0.36%
Maximum [Member] | 2006 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares that may be granted per year to a single participant (in shares)	1,000,000
Assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted [Abstract]
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	38.00%	49.00%	52.00%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)	1.65%	0.70%	0.54%
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	31 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	39 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	39 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	Lesser of 3-5 years or product life
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	Lesser of the asset life or lease term
Unbilled [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unbilled accounts receivable	$18,886,000	$14,830,000
Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	74.30%	95.50%	97.90%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (in hundredths)	40.40%	96.20%

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014		Dec. 17, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Goodwill, net book value	$41,984,000	$13,954,000					$5,502,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Amortization	-8,004,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Goodwill	41,984,000	13,954,000					5,502,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	32,099,000
Additions	36,200,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	68,299,000	32,099,000
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-1,951,000
Amortization	-8,004,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-9,955,000	-1,951,000
Net book value of intangible assets	58,344,000
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Pro forma revenue	462,446,000	428,194,000
Pro forma net income	34,624,000	10,994,000
Biodefense Products [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Amortization	1,200,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization	1,200,000
Biosciences [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Amortization	2,100,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization	2,100,000
Cangene Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interest acquired (in hundredths)			100.00%
Step up adjustment to inventory			8,800,000
Price paid per share of acquisition (in dollars per share)			$3.24
Amortization period of step up adjustment	5 years
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Cash			43,631,000
Accounts receivable			19,652,000
Inventory			55,259,000	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,375,000
Property, plant and equipment			40,264,000
Deferred taxes, net			21,337,000
Income tax receivable			2,452,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			-22,918,000
Provision for chargebacks			-1,946,000
Contingent consideration			-1,284,000
Deferred revenue			-6,378,000
Total fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed			152,444,000
Acquired in-process research and development			8,300,000
Acquired intangible assets			36,200,000
Goodwill, net book value	24,600,000		24,566,000
Total purchase price			221,510,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			36,200,000
Amortization period	110 months
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			16.00%
Amortization	3,300,000
Transaction costs	3,700,000	3,300,000
Purchase Price [Abstract]
Total purchase price			221,510,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			36,200,000
Goodwill	24,600,000		24,566,000
Acquired equipment			40,264,000
Amortization period of intangible assets	110 months
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization	3,300,000
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Amortization	478,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization	478,000
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Corporate Trade Name [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			2,800,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			2,800,000
Amortization period			5 years
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			15.00%
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			2,800,000
Amortization period of intangible assets			5 years
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Marketed Products [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			8,100,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			8,100,000
Amortization period			10 years
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			15.00%
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			8,100,000
Amortization period of intangible assets			10 years
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Licensed Products [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			3,100,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			3,100,000
Amortization period			7 years
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			15.00%
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			3,100,000
Amortization period of intangible assets			7 years
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Biodefense Products [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			16,700,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			16,700,000
Amortization period			12 years
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			15.00%
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			16,700,000
Amortization period of intangible assets			12 years
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Contract Manufacturing [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			5,500,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			5,500,000
Amortization period			8 years
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)			15.00%
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets			5,500,000
Amortization period of intangible assets			8 years
Cangene Corporation [Member] | Contract Manufacturing [Member] | Cost of Product Sales [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Amortization	2,800,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization	2,800,000
EV 035 [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets					27,700,000
Goodwill, net book value					2,000,000
Total purchase price					29,700,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets					27,700,000
Present value discount rate (in hundredths)					12.00%
Transaction costs					0
Research and development contract costs					15,000,000
Contingent value rights based on the novation of the contract					4,000,000
Contingent value rights based on the achievement of certain development					15,000,000
Contingent value rights based on the regulatory filing milestones					50,000,000
Purchase Price [Abstract]
Amount of cash paid					1,500,000
Fair value of contingent purchase consideration					28,200,000
Total purchase price					29,700,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets					27,700,000
Goodwill					2,000,000
Total purchase price					29,700,000
EV 035 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Sales-based royalty payments					5.00%
EV 035 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Sales-based royalty payments					10.00%
HPPD [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment						1,543,000
Acquired intangible assets						32,099,000
Goodwill, net book value						9,916,000
Total purchase price						42,105,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						32,099,000
Purchase Price [Abstract]
Amount of cash paid						25,873,000
Fair value of contingent purchase consideration						16,232,000
Total purchase price						42,105,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						32,099,000
Goodwill						9,916,000
Acquired equipment						1,543,000
Other						11,000
Assumed liabilities						-1,464,000
Total purchase price						42,105,000
Weighted average amortization period of intangible assets	72 months
HPPD [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Contingent consideration, percentage of RSDL net sales (in hundredths)						5.00%
HPPD [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Contingent consideration, percentage of RSDL net sales (in hundredths)						10.00%
HPPD [Member] | RSDL [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						28,600,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						28,600,000
Amortization period						8 years
Amortization	-3,519,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						28,600,000
Amortization period of intangible assets						8 years
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	28,621,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	28,621,000
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-1,468,000
Amortization	-3,519,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-4,987,000
Net book value of intangible assets	23,634,000
HPPD [Member] | Manufacturing Agreement [Member]
Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						3,500,000
Summary of the preliminary estimated fair value of intangible assets acquired and the estimated amortization periods [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						3,500,000
Amortization period						3 years
Amortization	-1,159,000
Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]
Acquired intangible assets						3,500,000
Amortization period of intangible assets						3 years
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	3,478,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	3,478,000
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-483,000
Amortization	-1,159,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-1,642,000
Net book value of intangible assets	$1,836,000
[1]	Acquired inventory reflects a $6.2 million adjustment to record inventory at fair value, referred to as a step-up adjustment. The $6.2 million step-up is estimated to be amortized through cost of product sales and contract manufacturing over the next five years based on expected inventory turnover, which will increase cost of product sales and contract manufacturing during such period.

Fair_value_measurements_Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Liabilities:
Fair value adjustment for contingent obligations	$3,100,000		$735,000
Payment of contingent obligations
Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	16,619,000		0
Expense (income) included in earnings	3,133,000		735,000
Settlements	-1,579,000		-348,000
Purchases, sales and issuances	29,484,000		16,232,000
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3	0		0
Balance, end of period	47,657,000		16,619,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Investment in money market funds	111,912,000	[1]	37,701,000	[1]
Total assets	111,912,000		37,701,000
Liabilities:
Contingent price consideration	47,657,000		16,619,000
Total liabilities	47,657,000		16,619,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Investment in money market funds	111,912,000	[1]	37,701,000	[1]
Total assets	111,912,000		37,701,000
Liabilities:
Contingent price consideration	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Investment in money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total assets	0		0
Liabilities:
Contingent price consideration	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Investment in money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total assets	0		0
Liabilities:
Contingent price consideration	47,657,000		16,619,000
Total liabilities	$47,657,000		$16,619,000
[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents in accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

MorphoSys_Collaboration_Agreem

MorphoSys Collaboration Agreement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Unit
Collaborative arrangements [Line Items]
Short-term deferred revenue	$5,345,000	$1,834,000
Long-term deferred revenue	5,713,000	0
Morphosys [Member]
Collaborative arrangements [Line Items]
Non refundable receipt	20,000,000
Additional contingent payment that may be received	163,000,000
First contingent payment received based upon development and regulatory milestones	80,000,000
Second contingent payment received based upon development and regulatory milestones	83,000,000
Description of rights and obligations	MorphoSys and the Company will jointly fund further development of MOR209/ES414, with the Company responsible for 36% of the total development cost and MorphoSys responsible for the remainder
Funding requirement cap	186,000,000
Tiered royalty obligation (in hundredths)	20.00%
Number of units of accounting	2
Proceeds allocated to two units of accounting	20,000,000
Proceeds allocated to license	15,300,000
Proceeds allocated to development services	4,700,000
Present value factor for estimating selling price of license (in hundredths)	12.00%
Revenue from license fee	15,300,000
Reduction of research and development expense	1,509,000
Accounts receivable	972,000
Short-term deferred revenue	890,000
Long-term deferred revenue	$3,500,000

Accounts_receivable_Details

Accounts receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$58,834	$60,587
Billed [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	39,948	45,757
Unbilled [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$18,886	$14,830

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$17,375	$2,656
Work-in-process	33,477	9,819
Finished goods	14,822	2,168
Total inventories	$65,674	$14,643

Property_plant_and_equipment_D

Property, plant and equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$393,409,000	$321,611,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-79,430,000	-57,371,000
Total Property, plant and equipment, net	313,979,000	264,240,000
Impairment related to equipment	0	1,172,000
Depreciation and amortization	23,006,000	17,008,000	11,197,000
Capitalized Software Development Costs	2,400,000
Land and improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	12,838,000	10,605,000
Buildings, building improvements and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	107,202,000	83,823,000
Furniture and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	130,131,000	107,006,000
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	25,354,000	21,832,000
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$117,884,000	$98,345,000

Inprocess_research_and_develop1

In-process research and development and goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	$32,099,000
Additions	36,200,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	68,299,000	32,099,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-1,951,000
Amortization	-8,004,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-9,955,000	-1,951,000
Net book value of intangible assets	58,344,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2015	8,629,000
2016	8,146,000
2017	7,470,000
2018	7,470,000
2019 and beyond	26,629,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	58,344,000
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	13,954,000
Goodwill, Additions	28,030,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	41,984,000	13,954,000
Goodwill, net book value	41,984,000	13,954,000	5,502,000
Impairment of IPR&D assets		9,600,000
Biosciences [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, net book value	21,346,000	5,502,000	5,502,000
Biosciences [Member] | Manufacturing Agreement [Member]
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Net book value of intangible assets	1,836,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	1,836,000
Biosciences [Member] | Corporate Tradename [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	0
Additions	2,800,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	2,800,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	0
Amortization	-478,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-478,000
Net book value of intangible assets	2,322,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,322,000
Biosciences [Member] | Marketed Products [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	0
Additions	8,100,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	8,100,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	0
Amortization	-692,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-692,000
Net book value of intangible assets	7,408,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	7,408,000
Biosciences [Member] | Licensed Products [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	0
Additions	3,100,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	3,100,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	0
Amortization	-378,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-378,000
Net book value of intangible assets	2,722,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	2,722,000
Biosciences [Member] | Contract Manufacturing [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	0
Additions	5,500,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	5,500,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	0
Amortization	-587,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-587,000
Net book value of intangible assets	4,913,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	4,913,000
Biosciences [Member] | Biosciences Therapeutics [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	5,502,000
Goodwill, Additions	8,400,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	13,902,000
Biosciences [Member] | Biosciences contracts manufacturing [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	0
Goodwill, Additions	6,736,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	6,736,000
Biodefense [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, net book value	20,638,000	8,452,000	0
Biodefense [Member] | RSDL [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	28,621,000
Additions	0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	28,621,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-1,468,000
Amortization	-3,519,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-4,987,000
Net book value of intangible assets	23,634,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	23,634,000
Biodefense [Member] | Manufacturing Agreement [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	3,478,000
Additions	0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	3,478,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	-483,000
Amortization	-1,159,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-1,642,000
Biodefense [Member] | Biodefense Products [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance	0
Additions	16,700,000
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	16,700,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance	0
Amortization	-1,191,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance	-1,191,000
Net book value of intangible assets	15,509,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	15,509,000
Biodefense [Member] | Biodefense therapeutics [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	0
Goodwill, Additions	11,430,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	11,430,000
Biodefense [Member] | Biodefense medical devices [Member]
Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	8,452,000
Goodwill, Additions	1,464,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$9,916,000

Longterm_debt_Details

Long-term debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014
				Unit	Unit
Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
Payments on borrowings on long-term indebtedness	$62,000,000	$62,774,000	$10,227,000
BAML Revolving Credit Facility [Memeber]
Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
Maturity date	11-Dec-18
Maximum borrowing capacity				100,000,000
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term indebtedness		62,000,000
Payments on borrowings on long-term indebtedness	62,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
Number of lending institutions	3
Debt covenant, consolidated debt service coverage ratio, minimum	2.5
Debt covenant, leverage ratio, maximum	3.5			4	3.75
Debt Instrument, covenant, senior leverage ratio, maximum	2
Debt covenant, minimum cash and liquid investments balance	50,000,000
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument						250,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage (in hundredths)						2.88%
Maturity date						15-Jan-21
Conversion rate of notes per $1,000 principal amount (in shares)						30.8821
Conversion price per share (in dollars per share)						$32.38
Debt issuance costs						8,300,000
BAML Term Loan [Member]
Long-Term Debt [Line Items]
Maturity date	11-Dec-18
Maximum borrowing capacity	$125,000,000

Stockholders_equity_Details

Stockholders' equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, voting rights	1
Treasury Stock [Abstract]
Stock repurchased during period, value	$201,000	$213,000	$5,906,000
Senior Managment [Member]
Treasury Stock [Abstract]
Stock repurchased as part of stock swap (in shares)
Stock Repurchase Plan of 2012 [Member]
Treasury Stock [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	35,000,000
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	398,481
Stock repurchased during period, value	$5,800,000

Stockholders_equity_Sharebased

Stockholders' equity, Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$12,829,000	$11,238,000	$11,115,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	12,829,000	11,238,000	11,115,000
Cost of Product Sales [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	1,145,000	575,000	513,000
Research and Development [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	3,606,000	3,283,000	3,451,000
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	8,078,000	7,380,000	7,151,000
Stock Options [Member]
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period	23,148,738
Outstanding, end of period	29,181,534	23,148,738
Exercisable, end of period	19,499,871
Options expected to vest, end of period	7,193,136
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding	4 years	4 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	3 years 2 months 12 days	3 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 1 month 28 days
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$8.84		$5.38
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	7,500,000	6,900,000	589,000
Total fair value of awards vested	12,300,000	9,100,000	10,300,000
2006 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock authorized for issuance under the plan (in shares)	15,178,826
Options outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	3,633,146
Granted (in shares)	1,125,321
Exercised (in shares)	-784,811
Forfeited (in shares)	-135,663
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	3,837,993
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)	1,993,261
Options expected to vest, end of period (in shares)	1,158,434
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$17.01
Granted (in dollars per share)	$27.46
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$16.72
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$19.96
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$20.04
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$17.81
Options expected to vest, end of period (in dollars per share)	$21.41
2006 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares that may be granted per year to a single participant (in shares)	1,000,000
2006 Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Restricted stock unit award activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	789,951
Granted (in shares)	562,662
Vested (in shares)	-361,010
Forfeited (in shares)	-64,247
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	927,356
Weighted-Average Grant Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$16.53
Granted (in dollars per share)	$27.46
Vested (in dollars per share)	$17.79
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$19.84
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$22.44
Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period	18,246,611
Outstanding, end of period	$25,251,904
2004 Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Options outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	53,156
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	-10,000
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	43,156
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)	43,156
Options expected to vest, end of period (in shares)	0
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$8.86
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$2.74
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$10.28
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$10.28
Options expected to vest, end of period (in dollars per share)	$0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Threshold limit for common stock ownership to be ineligible to participate in ESPP (in hundredths)	5.00%
Common stock authorized for issuance under the plan (in shares)	1,000,000
Number of plan periods	2
Discount from market price (in hundredths)	15.00%
Maximum number of shares that may be granted per year to a single participant (in shares)	800
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee subscription rate (in hundredths)	1.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee subscription rate (in hundredths)	10.00%

Income_taxes_Details

Income taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$10,412,000	($878,000)	$11,481,000
State	479,000	-173,000	-1,045,000
International	112,000	300,000	103,000
Total current	11,003,000	-751,000	10,539,000
Deferred
Federal	7,693,000	12,679,000	3,758,000
State	128,000	1,028,000	-375,000
International	-2,503,000	152,000	0
Total deferred	5,318,000	13,859,000	3,383,000
Total provision for income taxes	16,321,000	13,108,000	13,922,000
Net deferred tax asset [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforward	20,530,000	23,256,000
Research and development carryforward	8,049,000	7,395,000
Stock compensation	8,196,000	6,378,000
Foreign deferrals	75,511,000	64,090,000
Deferred revenue	244,000	0
Other	7,219,000	1,222,000
Deferred tax asset	159,116,000	105,641,000
Fixed assets	-34,839,000	-32,588,000
Other	-10,891,000	-5,714,000
Deferred tax liability	-52,268,000	-38,302,000
Valuation allowance	-92,374,000	-68,846,000
Net deferred tax asset	14,474,000	-1,507,000
Income tax reconciliation [Abstract]
US	59,764,000	52,749,000	52,391,000
International	-6,702,000	-8,506,000	-14,945,000
Earnings before taxes on income	53,062,000	44,243,000	37,446,000
Federal tax at statutory rates	18,572,000	15,485,000	13,106,000
State taxes, net of federal benefit	257,000	538,000	-2,079,000
Impact of foreign operations	186,000	-1,116,000	-3,604,000
Change in valuation allowance	1,808,000	1,434,000	4,629,000
Effect of foreign rates	0	0	-22,000
Tax credits	-7,137,000	-5,918,000	-2,904,000
Other differences	124,000	-227,000	139,000
Permanent differences	2,511,000	2,912,000	4,657,000
Total provision for income taxes	16,321,000	13,108,000	13,922,000
Effective annual tax rate (in hundredths)	31.00%	30.00%	37.00%
Research and Development Tax Credit [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount	8,100,000
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	31-Dec-23
EBS_CanadianFederalScientificResearchAndExperimentalDevelopment [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount	9,300,000
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	31-Dec-32
EBS_ManitobaScientificResearchAndExperimentalDevelopment [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount	22,900,000
Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date	31-Dec-19
U.S. Federal Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	24,200,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	31-Dec-26
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	224,600,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	31-Dec-18
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$274,400,000
Period of change in the nature or conduct of business following change in ownership	3 years

Income_taxes_Income_Tax_Contin

Income taxes, Income Tax Contingency (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	$26,000	$15,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, current	183,000	132,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, noncurrent	1,064,000	991,000
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits expected to be reversed within next twelve months	140,000	152,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	1,121,000	1,016,000	1,056,000
Increases for tax positions for prior years	150,000	165,000	25,000
Decreases for tax positions for prior years	0	0	-65,000
Increases for tax positions for current year	102,000	15,000	0
Settlements	0	0	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	-125,000	-75,000	0
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	$1,248,000	$1,121,000	$1,016,000
U.S. Federal Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward]
Open tax year	2011
Federal income tax year selected for audit	2009
U.S. Federal Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward]
Open tax year	2013
Federal income tax year selected for audit	2012
United Kingdom Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward]
Open tax year	2007
United Kingdom Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward]
Open tax year	2013

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Headcount reduction	14
Total incurred	$2,806
Summary of activity for liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	454	0
Expenses incurred	0	2,679
Amount paid	-454	-2,225
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance		454
Restructuring expenses	0	2,679
EPDU Restructuring Plan [Member]
Summary of activity for liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Expenses incurred	0	134
Amount paid	0	-134
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	0
Restructuring expenses	0	134
Termination benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total incurred	2,114
Termination benefits [Member] | EPDU Restructuring Plan [Member]
Summary of activity for liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Expenses incurred	0	2,114
Amount paid	-454	-1,660
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	454
Restructuring expenses	0	2,114
Contract termination costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total incurred	431
Contract termination costs [Member] | EPDU Restructuring Plan [Member]
Summary of activity for liabilities [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Expenses incurred	0	431
Amount paid	0	-431
Other adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	0
Restructuring expenses	0	431
Other costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total incurred	$261

Assets_held_for_sale_Details

Assets held for sale (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets held for sale [Abstract]
Facility and equipment held for sale in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada	$2.40

Purchase_commitment_Details

Purchase commitment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Purchase commitment [Abstract]
Total purchase commitment to Norwood Laboratories Inc.	$15,200,000
Materials purchased from Norwood Laboratories Inc as of December 31, 2014	$1,500,000

401k_savings_plan_Details

401(k) savings plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
401(k) savings plan [Abstract]
Matching of qualified deferrals by employer, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%
Percentage of employee's gross salary subject to employer's matching contribution (in hundredths)	6.00%
Matching contributions made by employer	$2.40	$2	$1.90

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total lease expense	$4,600,000	$3,900,000	$3,600,000
Rental income	3,100,000	446,000
Future minimum lease payments under operating lease
2015	2,558,000
2016	2,204,000
2017	1,950,000
2018	1,813,000
2019	1,697,000
2020 and beyond	904,000
Total minimum lease payments	11,126,000
Minimum lease receipts	-1,388,000
Total net minimum lease payments	$9,738,000
Office and laboratory space - Germany [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease expiration date	30-Jun-15
Office space - England [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease expiration date	30-Nov-16
Office and laboratory space - Maryland [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease expiration date	31-Dec-16
Annual escalation percentage (in hundredths)	3.00%
Office and laboratory space - Washington [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease expiration date	30-Apr-20

Business_interruption_insuranc1

Business interruption insurance recovery (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Business interruption insurance recovery [Abstract]
Business interruption insurance revenue	$1.70

Related_party_transactions_Det

Related party transactions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Saudi Arabia [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales of biodefense products subject to payment to related party (in hundredths)	17.50%
Qatar [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales of biodefense products subject to payment to related party (in hundredths)	15.00%
United Arab Emirates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales of biodefense products subject to payment to related party (in hundredths)	15.00%

Earnings_per_share_Details

Earnings per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income	$30,116	$21,832	$5,029	($20,236)	$15,222	$13,491	$10,484	($8,062)	$36,741	$31,135	$23,524
Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax									2,879	0	0
Amortization of Financing Costs									735	0	0
Adjusted net loss									$40,355	$31,135	$23,524
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of shares-basic (in shares)									37,344,891	36,201,283	36,080,495
Dilutive securities-equity awards (in shares)									737,391	546,273	340,167
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities									7,720,525	0	0
Weighted-average number of shares-diluted (in shares)									45,802,807	36,747,556	36,420,662
Earnings per share-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.80	$0.58	$0.13	($0.55)	$0.42	$0.37	$0.29	($0.22)	$0.98	$0.86	$0.65
Earnings per share-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.66	$0.49	$0.13	($0.55)	$0.41	$0.36	$0.29	($0.22)	$0.88	$0.85	$0.65
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive shares excluded from calculation (in shares)									1,400,000	1,500,000	2,900,000

Segment_information_Details

Segment information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
									Segment
									BusinessUnit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of business segments									2
Number of business units									2
Assets	$945,262				$626,630				$945,262	$626,630	$564,230
Revenue									450,138	312,745	281,888
Research and development									150,829	119,933	120,226
Interest revenue									320	139	134
Interest expense									-8,240	0	-6
Depreciation and amortization									23,006	17,008	11,197
Net income (loss)	30,116	21,832	5,029	-20,236	15,222	13,491	10,484	-8,062	36,741	31,135	23,524
Intangible assets	58,344				30,148				58,344	30,148
In-process research and development assets	77,800				41,800				77,800	41,800	41,800
Goodwill, net book value	41,984				13,954				41,984	13,954	5,502
Total assets	945,262				626,630				945,262	626,630	564,230
Expenditures for long-lived assets									30,673	42,021	53,845
EBS_ForeignJurisdictions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	242,500				56,700				242,500	56,700	5,500
Total assets	242,500				56,700				242,500	56,700	5,500
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Biodefense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	439,797				331,827				439,797	331,827	354,010
Revenue									370,547	311,564	276,469
Research and development									81,975	62,663	68,579
Interest revenue									62	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									17,669	15,584	8,951
Net income (loss)									96,966	87,289	94,865
Intangible assets	40,979				30,148				40,979	30,148
In-process research and development assets	27,700				0				27,700	0	0
Goodwill, net book value	20,638				8,452				20,638	8,452	0
Total assets	439,797				331,827				439,797	331,827	354,010
Expenditures for long-lived assets									26,736	30,700	52,957
Biodefense [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
Biosciences [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	344,420				98,510				344,420	98,510	56,148
Revenue									79,591	1,181	5,419
Research and development									60,821	50,652	44,588
Interest revenue									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									5,070	1,238	2,147
Net income (loss)									-51,300	-50,925	-63,928
Intangible assets	17,365				0				17,365	0
In-process research and development assets	50,100				41,800				50,100	41,800	41,800
Goodwill, net book value	21,346				5,502				21,346	5,502	5,502
Total assets	344,420				98,510				344,420	98,510	56,148
Expenditures for long-lived assets									2,444	1,343	810
Biosciences [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									0	0	0
All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	161,045				196,293				161,045	196,293	154,072
Revenue									0	0	0
Research and development									8,033	6,618	7,059
Interest revenue									258	139	134
Interest expense									-8,240	0	-6
Depreciation and amortization									267	186	99
Net income (loss)									-8,925	-5,229	-7,413
Intangible assets	0				0				0	0
In-process research and development assets	0				0				0	0	0
Goodwill, net book value					0					0	0
Total assets	161,045				196,293				161,045	196,293	154,072
Expenditures for long-lived assets									1,493	9,978	78
All Other [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_financial_data_unaud2

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly financial data (unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$147,975	$137,954	$110,325	$53,884	$98,107	$89,102	$82,436	$43,100	$450,138	$312,745	$281,888
Income (loss) from operations	44,620	31,032	7,862	-25,458	23,293	18,147	14,712	-13,350	58,056	42,802	29,967
Net income (loss)	$30,116	$21,832	$5,029	($20,236)	$15,222	$13,491	$10,484	($8,062)	$36,741	$31,135	$23,524
Net income (loss) per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.80	$0.58	$0.13	($0.55)	$0.42	$0.37	$0.29	($0.22)	$0.98	$0.86	$0.65
Net income (loss) per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.66	$0.49	$0.13	($0.55)	$0.41	$0.36	$0.29	($0.22)	$0.88	$0.85	$0.65