Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Entity Shell Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Ex Transition Period Entity Small Business Award Type [Axis] Summary of significant accounting policies [Abstract] ASU 2016-02 [Member] ASC 606 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] ASU 2014-09 [Member] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts receivable, net Total, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Income taxes payable Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Weighted average amortization period of the intangible assets Intangible assets, weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Amortization [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Total stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization Amortization expense Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive shares excluded from calculation (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Total assets Long-lived assets Total current assets Assets, Current Current assets: Base Rate [Member] Billed, net Buildings, Building Improvements and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Building Improvements [Member] Building Improvements [Member] Buildings [Member] Building [Member] Accounts receivable Acquired intangible asset Acquired intangible assets Acquired intangible asset Amount of common stock issued for acquisition including adjustments Remaining consideration payable for acquisition cash amount Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Cash Share price (in dollars per share) Total purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Fair value of contingent purchase consideration Fair value adjustment for contingent obligations Prepaid expenses and other assets Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Deferred tax liability, net of current Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred tax assets, net Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Capitalized transaction costs Pro forma net income Proforma information Net income per share - basic Net income per share - diluted Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Pro forma revenue Common stock issued for acquisition (in shares) Business Acquisition [Axis] Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions Total fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Summary of total purchase price [Abstract] Business Acquisition [Abstract] Acquisitions [Abstract] Inventory Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquired in-process research and development Acquired in-process research and development Transaction costs related to acquisition Transaction costs Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract] Fair value of tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Abstract] Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Canada Revenue Agency [Member] Purchases of property, plant and equipment unpaid at year end Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net cash used in operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status Litigation [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies $0.001 Par Value Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common stock [Abstract] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common stock, voting rights Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200.0 shares authorized, 52.4 shares issued and 51.2 shares outstanding at December 31, 2018; 50.6 shares issued and 49.4 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 Defined benefit and 401(k) savings plan [Abstract] Net deferred tax asset (liability) [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Significant components of provision for income taxes attributable to operations [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Software [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Table] Basis of presentation and consolidation Construction-In-Progress [Member] Recognition of revenue included in beginning of year contract liability Deferred revenue, net of current portion Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Abstract] Contract liability Contract liability Contract liability Contract with Customer, Liability Contract liability, current Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Rollforward of Contract Liabilities Cost of product sales and contract manufacturing Cost of Product Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Adoption of new accounting standard (ASC 606), net of tax State Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) International Current [Abstract] Federal U.S. Government [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of revenue [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue Long-term debt [Abstract] Debt instrument amortization period Conversion price per share (in dollars per share) Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Face amount of debt instrument Long-term debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Term Debt [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest rate, stated percentage Interest rate percentage Maturity date Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Intangible assets Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Debt issuance costs Less net of debt issuance, long-term Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred costs Debt issuance costs capitalized Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) International Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred [Abstract] Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net deferred tax (liabilities)/ asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets, net Other Deferred revenue Federal losses carryforward Inventory reserves Deferred tax assets, current portion, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Foreign deferrals Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Stock compensation Research and development carryforward Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance Intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Fixed assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Benefits paid (refunded) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Employee contributions Currency impact Benefits paid 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Matching of qualified deferrals by employer, maximum Minimum investment return percentage 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Actual administration expenses, taxes 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Matching contributions made by employer Thereafter Actual administration expenses 2023 Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract] Total Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Remainder of Fiscal Year Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Rate of future compensation increases Actual return on plan assets Amortization of loss Discount rate Expected rate of return Amortization of prior service cost Net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Acquisitions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations [Abstract] Expected Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] Reconciliation of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Projected benefit obligation, end of year Projected Benefit Obligation, beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Employer contributions Acquisitions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Business Combination Funded status, end of year Currency impact Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Interest Cost Interest cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Plan amendment Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Calculate Projected Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Net Periodic Benefit Costs [Abstract] Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year Fair value of plan assets, end of year Total contributions expected Funded Status [Abstract] Service cost Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Depreciation and amortization Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] TSA revenue from Aptevo Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Discontinued operations [Abstract] Net loss per share from discontinued operations-basic (in dollars per share) Net loss per share from discontinued operations-basic (in dollars per share) Net loss per share from discontinued operations-basic (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations-diluted (in dollars per share) Net loss per share from discontinued operations-diluted (in dollars per share) Net loss per share-diluted from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Loss from discontinued operations before benefit from income taxes Net loss from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax Benefit from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax (Expense) Benefit from Provision for (Gain) Loss on Disposal Other income (expense), net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Total operation expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Loss from operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group Name [Domain] Discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Cost of product sales Total revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Abstract] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net income per share-basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share Net income (loss) per share - basic: Net income per share-diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income (loss) per share - diluted: Earnings per share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Federal corporate tax rate Effective annual tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Weighted average period expected to be recognized related to unvested equity awards Stock Options [Member] Compensation cost expected to be recognized related to unvested equity awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate [Abstract] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Equity Component [Domain] Eurocurrency [Member] Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Additions Fair value of measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair value measurements [Abstract] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Transfers in/(out) of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair value measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Expense included in earnings Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Net book value of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance Intangible Assets, Ending Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Amortization period of intangible asset 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance Accumulated Amortization, Ending balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] United Kingdom Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Translation of Foreign Currencies Furniture and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] United States [Member] Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, Additions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Intangible assets and goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Intangible assets [Abstract] Income (loss) from operations Asset Impairment Analysis Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment and abandonment of long-lived assets Impairment of intangible assets (including IPR&D) IPR&D [Member] Acquisitions In Process Research and Development, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings before taxes on income Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Federal income tax year selected for audit US Disposal Group Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] International Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Net income per share from continuing operations-basic (in dollars per share) Net income per share from continuing operations-basic (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations-basic (in dollars per share) Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Net loss from discontinued operations Net loss from discontinued operations Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net income from continuing operations-diluted (in dollars per share) Net income per share from continuing operations-diluted (in dollars per share) Net income per share-diluted from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Provision for income taxes Total provision for income taxes Income tax reconciliation [Abstract] Income taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Stock Compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Other differences Impact of foreign operations Federal tax at statutory rates Change in U.S. Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Income tax receivable, net Income taxes State taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Cash paid during the year for income taxes Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations Net Income from continuing operations Net Income from continuing operations Return to provision true-ups Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable Accrued expenses and other liabilities Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accrued compensation Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Dilutive securities-equity awards (in shares) Dilutive securities-convertible debt (in shares) Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Cost Basis [Abstract] Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Interest expense Interest Expense Cash paid during the year for interest Interest expense, net of tax U.S. Federal Tax Authority [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories [Abstract] Finished goods Inventories Total inventories Inventory, Net Raw materials and supplies Work-in-process Inventories Interest income Letter of credit, outstanding amount Purchase commitment period Long-term indebtedness [Abstract] Land and Improvements [Member] Operating lease expiration date Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Leases Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Litigation LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities: Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Commitment fee percentage Current borrowing capacity Outstanding credit facility Long-term Line of Credit Outstanding credit facility Amount drew down under the facility Maximum borrowing capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Total long-term indebtedness Total long-term indebtedness Long-term Debt [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Less current portion of long-term indebtedness, net of debt issuance Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term indebtedness Noncurrent portion of long-term indebtedness 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Purchase commitment amount Significant customers and accounts receivable Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Nature of the business and organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Numerator [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net income Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Retained earnings New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Recently issued accounting standards New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Recently issued accounting standards [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Non-U.S. Government [Member] Total other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense): Long-term indebtedness, current portion Number of operating segments Number of business segments Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary [Member] Open tax year Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] 2018 Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Future minimum lease payments under operating lease [Abstract] Total lease expense Income from operations Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Operating expenses: Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Minimum lease receipts Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Net operating loss carryforwards 2021 2023 and beyond 2020 2022 2019 Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Nature of the business and organization [Abstract] Unrealized losses on pension benefit obligation Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other assets Depreciation and amortization Other Depreciation and Amortization Other liabilities Supplemental information on non-cash investing and financing activities: Other income (expense), net Taxes paid on behalf of employees for equity activity Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Cash Amount of cash paid to Sanofi Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Purchases of property, plant and equipment and other Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Asset acquisitions Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Pension expense Pension plans Pension Benefits [Member] Defined benefit and 401(k) savings plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15.0 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Prepaid expenses and other current assets Reclassification Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Restricted cash Proceeds from (Repayments of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities Proceeds from long-term debt obligations Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from sale of assets Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options Product Sales [Member] Product [Member] Net income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment [Abstract] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, plant and equipment, net Total Property, plant and equipment, net Bad debt expense Total purchase commitment Purchase commitment [Abstract] Quarterly financial data (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly financial data (unaudited) [Abstract] Gross unrecognized tax benefits activity [Roll Forward] Payments of notes payable to Aptevo Repayments of Notes Payable Principal payments on long-term indebtedness Repayments of Long-term Debt Research and Development Tax Credit [Member] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Research and development Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and development Restricted cash Restricted Stock Units [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Total revenues Revenue Revenues Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue recognition [Abstract] Revenue [Abstract] Performance obligations expected to be satisfied Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Performance Obligations [Abstract] Revenues Disaggregated By Major Sources Revenue recognition Revenues: Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Concentration Risk [Abstract] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Axis] Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract] Exercisable, end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Contractual life of awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Expected average life of options Outstanding, beginning of period Outstanding, end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Future Amortization Expense Revenue [Member] Product Sales [Member] Plan [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Future Benefits Expected to be Paid Quarterly Financial Information Reconciliation of Taxes Determined by Applying U.S. Federal Statutory Rate to Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Percentage of Product Sales to the U.S. Government Assumptions used in valuing stock options granted Net Periodic Pension Cost Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share Option Award Activity Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Allocation of purchase price based upon estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits Activity Future Minimum Lease Payments under Operating Lease Obligations Restricted Stock Units Activity Long-term indebtedness Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Before Income Tax Weighted Average Assumptions Intangible Assets Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Components of the Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Operations Net Deferred Tax Asset Future debt payments of long term indebtedness Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Total purchase price Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Summarized Results of Discontinued Operations Included in Consolidated Statements of Income Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Allocated Stock-Based Compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment information [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Reportable Segments [Abstract] Continuing Operations [Member] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative [Member] Selling, General and 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Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Restricted stock unit award activity [Roll Forward] Restricted stock units granted (in shares) Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Restricted stock units grant price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Total intrinsic value of options exercised Stock options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Common stock available for future awards (in shares) Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Exercisable, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share) Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding [Roll Forward] Equitable adjustment (in shares) Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) Outstanding, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding, end of period Outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock authorized for issuance under the plan (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Options expected to vest, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Accounting for stock-based compensation Options expected to vest, end of period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options expected to vest, end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Award Type [Domain] Summary of significant accounting policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Purchase commitment State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Scenario [Axis] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Table] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Operating Activities [Axis] Issuance of common stock from acquisition Equity Authorized amount for the repurchase program Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Shares issued to extinguish convertible notes Stock issued during period [Abstract] Stock issued or granted during period [Abstract] Issuance of common stock from acquisition (in shares) Pension plan activity Issuance of common stock to acquire Adapt Pharma Shares issued to extinguish convertible notes (in shares) Shares issued to extinguish convertible notes Employee equity plans activity (in shares) Repurchased common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchased common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Employee equity plans activity Separation of Aptevo Total stockholders' equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' equity [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Tax credit carryforward, amount Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax credit carryforward, valuation allowance amount Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax credit carryforwards, expiration date Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date Income taxes payable, net Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury stock, at cost, 1.2 common shares at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock (in shares) Type of Adoption [Domain] Unbilled Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Increases for tax positions for prior years Decreases for tax positions for prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Increases for tax positions for current year Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance Gross unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits acquired in business combinations Unsecured debt Unsecured Debt Use of estimates Beginning Balance Ending Balance SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Deductions SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Charged to costs and expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Weighted-average number of shares - basic (in shares) Weighted-average number of shares-basic (in shares) Weighted-average number of shares - diluted (in shares) Weighted-average number of shares-diluted (in shares) Denominator [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Product and Service [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Axis] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Axis] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] U.S. Government [Member] UNITED STATES Revenue earned during the period arising from manufacturing sale under the terms of a contract. Contract Manufacturing [Member] Contract Manufacturing [Member] Contract Manufacturing [Member] Amount of revenue earned from products sold or services provided under the terms of a contract, including, but not limited to, government contracts and grants. Contracts and Grants [Member] Contracts and Grants [Member] Refers to the number of additional option periods. Number of additional option periods Refers to the term of contract with BARDA. Term of contract Refers to the Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing contract. CIADM [Member] Refers to NuThrax which is sold by the company. Biothrax [Member] Business acquisition in October of 2017. ACAM2000 [Member] Refers to foreign jurisdictions. ForeignJurisdictions [Member] Refers to product sales from other products. Other [Member] The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns, and classified as a non-current liability as of the balance sheet date. Unrecognized tax benefits, noncurrent The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns, and classified as a current liability as of the balance sheet date. Unrecognized tax benefits, current The after-tax amount of amortization of issuance costs recognized in the period associated with any convertible debt. Amortization of issuance cost on convertible debt net of tax Amortization of debt issuance costs, net of tax The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes and other adjustments. Adjusted net loss Net income, adjusted The portion of profit or loss for the period, adjusted from continuing operations. Net income, adjusted from continuing operations Net income, adjusted from continuing operations The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations before purchase price adjustment. Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) before purchase price adjustment Total deferred Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) from effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of2017 Incomplete Accounting Provisional Income Tax Expense Benefit Provisional tax benefit Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense from transition tax on accumulated earnings of controlled foreign corporation deemed repatriated pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of2017 Incomplete Accounting Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings Provisional Income Tax Expense Provisional tax expense Amount of reasonable estimate for undistributed accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiary intended to be permanently reinvested outside country of domicile for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Undistributed Accumulated Earnings of Foreign Subsidiary Estimated undistributed foreign E&P Period for U.S. federal cash taxes reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) from effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, U.S. Federal Cash Taxes on Deemed Mandatory Repatriation Period U.S. federal cash taxes on deemed mandatory repatriation period Amount of income tax expense (benefit) for measurement period adjustment from accounting for tax effect pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provisional tax benefit, adjustment Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) for remeasurement of deferred tax from change in tax rate pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provisional transition tax amount reduction Amount of income tax expense (benefit) from effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax benefit amount Minimum exercise price of option as percentage of the fair market value of the shares underlying such option on the date of grant. Exercise price of option as percentage of fair market value at grant date, minimum Exercise price of option as percentage of fair market value at grant date, minimum The cash outflow associated with regulatory related milestones. Amount of payment for regulatory related milestones Amount of additions due to acquisition of financial instrument classified as a liability measured using unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Additions Due To Acquisition Additions due to acquisition Business acquisition in December 2014 and December 2015 Evolva Holding SA 035 & Unither [Member] RSDL, a product of HPPD. RSDL [Member] Disclosure of accounting policy for contingent consideration obligations. Contingent Consideration Obligations [Policy Text Block] Contingent Consideration Disclosure of accounting policy for concentrations risk. Concentrations Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentrations Risk Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives [Text Block] Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment Refers to the number of revenue generating products. Number of revenue generating products Refers to the number of categories of public health threats. Number of categories of public health threats Carrying amount of purchased research and development assets acquired in a business combination that have an indefinite life until completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. In process research and development Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current portion of liabilities incurred and payable to former shareholders and stock option holders for certain developmental, regulatory or commercial milestones. Contingent Consideration Current Portion Contingent consideration, current portion Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the noncurrent portion of liabilities incurred and payable to former shareholders and stock option holders for certain developmental, regulatory or commercial milestones. Contingent Consideration Net Of Current Portion Contingent consideration, net of current portion Amount of cash outflow associated with the distribution of Aptevo common stock. Distribution of Aptevo Distribution to Aptevo Fair value measurement of contingent value rights and contingent purchase considerations granted under purchase agreements. Change In Fair Value Of Contingent Consideration Change in fair value of contingent obligations The cash outflow for contingent value rights. Contingent value right payment Contingent consideration payments The provision charged to earnings in the period related to chargebacks obligations. Provision for chargebacks, charged to earnings Provision for chargebacks Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of non-cash development expenses from joint venture. Noncontrolling Interest, Noncash development expenses from joint venture Non-cash development expenses from joint venture Percentage of the employee's gross salary that is subject to employer's matching contribution. Defined Contribution Plan, Percentage of Employee Gross Salary Subject to Employer Matching Percentage of employee's gross salary subject to employer's matching contribution Facility held for productive use including, but not limited to, office, production, storage and distribution facilities in Rockville, Maryland. Fill/Finish Space - Rockville [Member] Fill/Finish Space - Rockville [Member] Facility held for productive use including, but not limited to, office, production, storage and distribution facilities in Baltimore, Maryland. Office and Warehouse Space - Baltimore [Member] Office and Warehouse Space - Baltimore [Member] Facility held for productive use including, but not limited to, office, production, storage and distribution facilities in Canton, Massachusetts. Office and Warehouse Space - Canton [Member] Office and Warehouse Space - Canton [Member] Facility held for productive use including, but not limited to, office, production, storage and distribution facilities in Washington, DC. Office Space - Washington, DC [Member] Office Space - Washington, DC [Member] Amount of required minimum rental payments for leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year net of future sublease income. Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Net of Future Sublease Income Total net minimum lease payments This element represents the annual escalation percentage of rent payment in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes. Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Annual Escalation Percentage Annual escalation percentage SG&A line item for intangible amortization expense Selling, general and administrative [Member] Research and development portion of intangible amortization expense Research and development [Member] COGS line item for intangible amortization expense Cost of product sales and contract manufacturing [Member] Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year and after following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Five and After 2023 and beyond A series of molecules included as an IPR&D asset. EV-035 [Member] Goodwill, Cost Basis [Abstract] A component of the Biodefense segment. Therapeutics and Vaccines [Member] A component of the Biodefense segment. Medical Devices [Member] Tabular disclosure of the accounts receivable, net current. Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Refers to the term of procurement contract. Term of procurement contract Document and Entity Information [Abstract] A share-based compensation plan adopted by the Company in 2006. Emergent BioSolutions Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 2006 Plan [Member] Fair value of share-based compensation awards vested. Includes options, share units, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock. Share based Compensation Arrangement Share based Payment Award, Awards Vested in Period, Fair Value Total fair value of awards vested Refers to the number of equity award plans the Company has. Number of equity award plans The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that expired during the reporting period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expired In Period Cancelled (in shares) Equitable adjustment of shares (or other type of equity) under an equity-based award plan, other than a stock option plan during the reporting period. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Other Increases (Decreases) in Period Equitable adjustment (in shares) Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that expired during the reporting period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expired Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Cancelled (in dollars per share) Equitable adjustment of weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans during the reporting period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Equitable Adjustment Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Equitable adjustment (in dollars per share) Amount of obligation to transfer good or service to customer for which consideration has been received or is receivable recorded during the current reporting period. Contract with Customer, Liability, Additions Deferral of revenue Number of persons employed by the entity Number of employees The lock-up period considered for adjuestment of fair value, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Lock-up Period for Adjustment of Fair Value Lock-up period for adjustment of fair value Interest rate used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure present value. For example, but not limited to, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), cost of capital, cost of equity and cost of debt. Present Value, Discount Rate Present value discount rate Amount of contingent consideration, assumed at the acquisition date. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Consideration Contingent consideration Amount of accrued expenses and other liabilities, assumed at the acquisition date. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Business acquisition on October 15, 2018. Adapt Pharma [Member] This is a live attenuated cholera vaccine and the first vaccine approved by the FDA for the prevention of cholera infection Vaxchora [Member] This is a live attenuated vaccine for oral administration to prevent typhoid fever. Vivotif [Member] Business acquisition on October 4, 2018. PaxVax [Member] Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flow [Table Text Block] Summary of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Cash Flows Number of shares received by shareholders due to spin-off. Number of shares received (in shares) Number of shares held as of the record date of the spin-off. Number of shares held (in shares) Record Date Record date for distribution Record date for distribution Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Distributed Percentage Of Outstanding Shares Distributed Percentage of outstanding shares distributed Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Income Statement Sales Revenue [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense), net [Abstract] Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expense [Abstract] Amount of selling, general and administrative expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Selling General And Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts attributable to disposal group, including but not limited to, discontinued operations. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Sales Revenue Goods Net Product sales Amount of revenue earned from products sold or services provided under the terms of a contract, including, but not limited to, government contracts and construction contracts, classified as other attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Contracts Revenue Collaborations Shares issued in the distribution. Number of common stock distributed Number of common stock distributed (in shares) Amount of research and development expense attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Research And Development Research and development Term of manufacturing services contract commencing on the date of distribution. Term of manufacturing services contract Term of agreement to provide transitional services following the date of distribution. Term of transition services agreement Company which develops vaccines, antibody therapies and technology platforms for use against infectious diseases, oncology, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and other medical conditions that have resulted in significant unmet or underserved public health needs. Aptevo [Member] Aptevo [Member] Amount of revenue from manufacturing services. Manufacturing services revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations [Abstract] A valuation allowance relating to inventory. Inventory Allowance [Member] A valuation allowance relating to prepaid expenses and other current assets. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Allowance [Member] Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible scientific research and experimental development tax credit carryforwards. Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Scientific Research and Experimental Development Scientific research and experimental development credit carryforward Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards. Net Operating Loss Carryforward (state) State losses carryforward Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible research tax credit carryforwards. State research and development carryforward Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to permanent differences. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Permanent Difference Permanent differences Amount of reported income tax expense (benefit) in excess of (less than) expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying domestic federal statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations, attributable to increase (decrease) from transition tax on accumulated earnings of controlled foreign corporation deemed repatriated pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax on Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Amount Transition Tax Effective Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to transaction costs. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Transaction Costs Transaction costs Amount of reported income tax expense (benefit) in excess of (less than) expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying domestic federal statutory income tax rate to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations, attributable to increase (decrease) from Gilti (Global Intangible Low-taxed Income) tax on accumulated earnings of controlled foreign corporation deemed repatriated pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,Global Intangible Low-taxed Income Tax, net GILTI, net The percentage of costs incurred under the contracts and grants of total research and development expenses. Percentage of Costs Incurred Under Contract and Grants Percentage of costs incurred under contracts and grants Debt instrument dated January 2014 due 2021. Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] Represents the period over which options can be exercised from the date of grant. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by share Based Payment Award, Options, Exercise Period Exercise period of options Represents the number of stock-based compensation plans the company maintains. Number of stock based employee compensation plans Number of stock based employee compensation plans Refers to the Company's two stock-based employee compensation plans, the Amended and Restated Emergent BioSolutions Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the Emergent BioSolutions Employee Stock Option Plan (the "2004 Plan"). Emergent Plans [Member] Represents the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle expected by the entity to have a significant effect on increase in lease liabilities. New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Increase in Lease Liabilities Percentage of increase in lease liabilities Represents the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle expected by the entity to have a significant effect on increase in leased assets. New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Increase in Leased Assets Percentage of increase in leased assets Refers to the base period of contract term. Base period Tabular disclosure of revenue and earnings of business acquisitions included in consolidated financial statements. Impact of Business Acquisitions [Table Text Block] Impact of Business Acquisitions Impact of Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Impact of Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Refers to upfront payments by the entity. Upfront Payments Upfront cash payment Refers to the value of contract. Value of contract Business acquisition in July 2017. GSK [Member] Business acquisition in July 2017. Sanofi [Member] Term of contract under acquisition. Term of contract under acquisition Asset acquisition in October of 2017. RaxibacumabMember [Member] Raxibacumab [Member] Amount for deliveries of product to the Strategic National Stockpile ("SNS"). Amount for deliveries of product Amount for deliveries of product to the SNS The cash outflow associated with manufacturing related milestones. Amount of payment for manufacturing related milestones Credit agreement dated September 2017. Credit Agreement [Member] 2017 Credit Agreement [Member] Refers to line of credit facility additional borrowing capacity through accordion feature. Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity, accordion feature Borrowing capacity with accordion feature Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. A leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the funded debt by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters. Debt Covenant, Net Leverage Ratio, One Debt covenant, leverage ratio through September 29, 2019 Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. A leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the funded debt by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters. Debt Instrument, covenant, leverage ratio Debt covenant, net leverage ratio Debt covenant, leverage ratio, maximum Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. A leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the funded debt by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters. Debt Covenant, Net Leverage Ratio, Two Debt covenant, leverage ratio from September 30, 2019 to September 29, 2020 The number of additional equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive if the debt was converted to equity. Debt Instrument Number Of Additional Equity Instruments Additional conversion rate of notes per $1,000 principal amount (in shares) The number of equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive if the debt was converted to equity. Debt Instrument, Number of Equity Instruments Conversion rate of notes per $1,000 principal amount (in shares) A debt service coverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. The debt coverage ratio is calculated by dividing earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters less cash taxes by the sum of current obligations and interest expense for borrowed money, in each case due and payable following four quarters. Debt Instrument, covenant, debt service coverage ratio Debt covenant, consolidated debt service coverage ratio, minimum Amount for accrued, but unpaid interest on the converted notes for the period. Debt Instrument Accrued interest on converted notes Accrued interest on converted notes Number of lending institutions in which the entity has a credit facility. Number of lending institutions Number of lending institutions Additional amount borrowed under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity Additional amount borrowed under the facility Amount of leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. Amount Required for Net Leverage Ratio Amount required for net leverage ratio The rate of interest that was being paid on the original debt issue that is to repay in the third year. Percentage of Original Principal Amount Required to Repay During the Third Year Percentage of original principal amount required to repay during the third year Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. A leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the funded debt by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters. Debt Covenant, Net Leverage Ratio, Four Debt covenant, leverage ratio adjusted for forth quarter period Minimum percentage of the accounts receivable from the federal government will be past due for more than 90 days (subject to certain exceptions). Minimum Percentage of Account Receivable from Federal Government Past Due Percentage of account receivable from federal government past due Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. A leverage ratio is calculated by dividing the funded debt by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the most recent four quarters. Debt Covenant, Net Leverage Ratio, Three Debt covenant, leverage ratio thereafter The rate of interest that was being paid on the original debt issue that is to repay in the first two years. Percentage of Original Principal Amount Required to Repay in First Two Years Percentage of original principal amount required to repay in the first two years The rate of interest that was being paid on the original debt issue that is to repay in remaining years. Percentage of Original Principal Amount Required to Repay Remaining Years Percentage of original principal amount required to repay remaining year Percentage of debt covenant of net leverage ratio to step up in connection with material acquisitions. Percentage of Debt Covenant, Net Leverage Ratio, Step Up in Connection with Material Acquisitions Percentage of debt covenant, net leverage ratio, step up in connection with material acquistions Term of the interest rate that fluctuates over time as a result of an underlying benchmark interest rate or index. Debt Instrument Term of Variable Rate Debt instrument, term of variable rate Maximum consolidated net leverage ratio required to be maintained under a debt covenant agreement. Consolidated Secured, Net Leverage Ratio Consolidated secured net leverage ratio The cash proceeds in excess during the term of the Senior Secured Credit Facility from certain dispositions of property or from casualty events involving their property, subject to certain reinvestment rights. Cash Proceeds Excess Amount from Dispositions of Property or Casualty Events Subject to Certain Reinvestment Right Cash proceeds excess amount from dispositions of property or casualty events subject to certain reinvestment right Amended credit agreement dated October 15, 2018. Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Term loan dated December 2013. Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fifth fiscal year and thereafter following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five and Thereafter 2023 and thereafter Non current portion of other debt. Other Long Term Debt Facility [Member] Other [Member] Plan designed to provide retirement benefits, classified as swiss plan. Switzerland Plan [Member] Swiss Plan [Member] Amount of contribution received by defined benefit plan from employee which increases plan assets. Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employee Employee contributions Percentage of accounts receivable. Percentage of Accounts Receivable Percentage of accounts receivable Period of a change in the nature or conduct of the business following a change in ownership, which changes the life of operating loss carryforwards. Operating Loss Carryforwards, Period of Change in Nature and Conduct of Business for Changing Life of Operating Loss Carryforwards Period of change in the nature or conduct of business following change in ownership Refers to Canadian Federal Scientific Research And Experimental Development. CanadianFederalScientificResearchAndExperimentalDevelopment [Member] Canadian Federal Scientific Research And Experimental Development [Member] Refers to Manitoba Scientific Research And Experimental Development. ManitobaScientificResearchAndExperimentalDevelopment [Member] Manitoba Scientific Research And Experimental Development [Member] Refers to State and Local Jurisdiction -Tax Effected. State and Local Jurisdiction -Tax Effected [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction - Tax Effected [Member] Refers to U.S. Federal Tax Authority-Tax Effected. U.S. Federal Tax Authority-Tax Effected [Member] U.S. Federal Tax Authority - Tax Effected [Member] Refers to Canadian Federal Gross. Canadian Federal Gross [Member] Refers to Canadian Federal Tax Effected. Canadian Federal Tax Effected [Member] Refers to Foreign Tax Authority Tax Effected. Foreign Tax Authority Tax Effected [Member] Refers to Foreign Tax Authority Tax Effected Excluding Canada. Foreign Tax Authority Tax Effected Excluding Canada [Member] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Tax Credit Carryforward, [Abstract]