| Cover Page Cover Page | Nov. 04, 2021 | Jan. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS INC. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 001-33137 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 14-1902018 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 400 Professional Drive | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Gaithersburg | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20879 | |
| City Area Code | 240 | |
| Local Phone Number | 631-3200 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par Value $0.001 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | EBS | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001367644 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K |
