<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.25.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>385</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>316</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>100</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>12</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000001 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952151 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952152 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952153 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952154 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952155 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952156 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952157 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952158 - Disclosure - Nature of the business and organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Natureofthebusinessandorganization</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the business and organization</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952159 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Summaryofsignificantaccountingpolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952160 - Disclosure - Assets and liabilities held for sale</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Assetsandliabilitiesheldforsale</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets and liabilities held for sale</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952161 - Disclosure - Divestitures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Divestitures</Role>
      <ShortName>Divestitures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952162 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Impairmentandrestructuringcharges</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952163 - Disclosure - Inventories, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Inventoriesnet</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952164 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment, net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Propertyplantandequipmentnet</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment, net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952165 - Disclosure - Intangible assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Intangibleassets</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952166 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Fairvaluemeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952167 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952168 - Disclosure - Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Sharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequity</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952169 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per common share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Earningslosspercommonshare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (loss) per common share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952170 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Revenuerecognition</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952171 - Disclosure - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952172 - Disclosure - Income taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Incometaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952173 - Disclosure - Litigation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Litigation</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9952174 - Disclosure - Segment information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Segmentinformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>995445 - Disclosure - Insider Trading Arrangements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements</Role>
      <ShortName>Insider Trading Arrangements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955511 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SummaryofsignificantaccountingpoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955512 - Disclosure - Assets and liabilities held for sale (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/AssetsandliabilitiesheldforsaleTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets and liabilities held for sale (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Assetsandliabilitiesheldforsale</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955513 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/ImpairmentandrestructuringchargesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Impairmentandrestructuringcharges</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955514 - Disclosure - Inventories, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/InventoriesnetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Inventoriesnet</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955515 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/PropertyplantandequipmentnetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Propertyplantandequipmentnet</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955516 - Disclosure - Intangible assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/IntangibleassetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Intangibleassets</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955517 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Fairvaluemeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955518 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955519 - Disclosure - Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Sharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequity</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955520 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per common share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/EarningslosspercommonshareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (loss) per common share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Earningslosspercommonshare</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955521 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/RevenuerecognitionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Revenuerecognition</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955522 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/LeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955523 - Disclosure - Segment information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SegmentinformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Segmentinformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955524 - Disclosure - Nature of the business and organization (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/NatureofthebusinessandorganizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the business and organization (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Natureofthebusinessandorganization</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955525 - Disclosure - Assets and liabilities held for sale - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/AssetsandliabilitiesheldforsaleNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets and liabilities held for sale - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955526 - Disclosure - Assets and liabilities held for sale - Schedule of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/AssetsandliabilitiesheldforsaleScheduleofassetsandliabilitiesheldforsaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets and liabilities held for sale - Schedule of assets and liabilities held for sale (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955527 - Disclosure - Divestitures (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DivestituresDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Divestitures (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Divestitures</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955528 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/ImpairmentandrestructuringchargesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955529 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/ImpairmentandrestructuringchargesScheduleofImpairmentofLongLivedAssetsHeldandUsedbyAssetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955530 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule Restructuring and Related Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/ImpairmentandrestructuringchargesScheduleRestructuringandRelatedCostsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule Restructuring and Related Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955531 - Disclosure - Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/ImpairmentandrestructuringchargesScheduleofRestructuringReservebyTypeofCostDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment and restructuring charges - Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955532 - Disclosure - Inventories, net - Schedule of Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/InventoriesnetScheduleofInventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories, net - Schedule of Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955533 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment, net - Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/PropertyplantandequipmentnetScheduleofPropertyPlantandEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment, net - Schedule of Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955534 - Disclosure - Intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/IntangibleassetsScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955535 - Disclosure - Intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/IntangibleassetsScheduleofFinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible assets - Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955536 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Assets and Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsScheduleofFairValueHierarchyofAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements - Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Assets and Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955537 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955538 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Level 3 Fair Value Of Common Stock Warrant Liability (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsLevel3FairValueOfCommonStockWarrantLiabilityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements - Level 3 Fair Value Of Common Stock Warrant Liability (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955539 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements - Level 3 Fair Value Inputs In The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Models (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/FairvaluemeasurementsLevel3FairValueInputsInTheBlackScholesOptionPricingModelsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements - Level 3 Fair Value Inputs In The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Models (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955540 - Disclosure - Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtScheduleofDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955541 - Disclosure - Debt - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955542 - Disclosure - Debt - Senior Unsecured Notes due 2028 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtSeniorUnsecuredNotesdue2028Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Senior Unsecured Notes due 2028 (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955543 - Disclosure - Debt - Term Loan Agreement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtTermLoanAgreementDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Term Loan Agreement (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955544 - Disclosure - Debt - Revolving Loan Agreement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/DebtRevolvingLoanAgreementDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Revolving Loan Agreement (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955545 - Disclosure - Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequityNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequityTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955546 - Disclosure - Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequityScheduleofStockbasedCompensationExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955547 - Disclosure - Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SharebasedcompensationandstockholdersequityScheduleofStockholdersEquityNoteWarrantsorRightsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-based compensation and stockholders' equity - Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955548 - Disclosure - Earnings (loss) per common share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/EarningslosspercommonshareScheduleofBasicandDilutedNetLossperShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings (loss) per common share - Schedule of Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/EarningslosspercommonshareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955549 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/RevenuerecognitionScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955550 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/RevenuerecognitionNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955551 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Schedule of Rollforward of Contract Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/RevenuerecognitionScheduleofRollforwardofContractLiabilitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition - Schedule of Rollforward of Contract Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955552 - Disclosure - Revenue recognition - Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/RevenuerecognitionScheduleofAccountsReceivableNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenue recognition - Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955553 - Disclosure - Leases - Schedule of Components of Lease Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/LeasesScheduleofComponentsofLeaseExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases - Schedule of Components of Lease Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955554 - Disclosure - Leases - Schedule of Leases Supplemental Balance Sheets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/LeasesScheduleofLeasesSupplementalBalanceSheetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases - Schedule of Leases Supplemental Balance Sheets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955555 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/IncometaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Incometaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955556 - Disclosure - Litigation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/LitigationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Litigation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/Litigation</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955557 - Disclosure - Segment information - Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SegmentinformationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information - Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955558 - Disclosure - Segment information - Schedule of Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SegmentinformationScheduleofReconciliationofOperatingProfitLossfromSegmentstoConsolidatedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information - Schedule of Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="ebs-20250630.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>9955559 - Disclosure - Segment information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://emergentbiosolutions.com/role/SegmentinformationScheduleofSegmentReportingInformationbySegmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" isDefinitelyFs="true" isUsgaap="true" original="ebs-20250630.htm">ebs-20250630.htm</File>
    <File>ebs-20250630.xsd</File>
    <File>ebs-20250630_cal.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20250630_def.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20250630_lab.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20250630_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>ebs-20250630_g1.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="1">http://fasb.org/srt/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="986">http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="29">http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="11">http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2025</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
