<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>268</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>420</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>84</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>12</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000100 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010100 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>050000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060100 - Disclosure - Nature of the business and organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAndOrganization</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the business and organization</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060200 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060300 - Disclosure - Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AcquisitionOfHealthcareProtectiveProductsDivision</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060400 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060500 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AccountsReceivable</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts receivable</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060600 - Disclosure - Inventories</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/Inventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060700 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060800 - Disclosure - In-process research and development and goodwill</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/InprocessResearchAndDevelopmentAndGoodwill</Role>
      <ShortName>In-process research and development and goodwill</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060900 - Disclosure - Assets held for sale</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AssetsHeldForSale</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets held for sale</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061000 - Disclosure - Long-term debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/LongtermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/StockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061200 - Disclosure - Income taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061300 - Disclosure - Variable interest entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/VariableInterestEntities</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable interest entities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061400 - Disclosure - Collaboration Agreements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/CollaborationAgreements</Role>
      <ShortName>Collaboration Agreements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061500 - Disclosure - Restructuring</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/Restructuring</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061600 - Disclosure - 401(k) savings plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/KSavingsPlan</Role>
      <ShortName>401(k) savings plan</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061700 - Disclosure - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/Leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061800 - Disclosure - Business interruption insurance recovery</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/BusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecovery</Role>
      <ShortName>Business interruption insurance recovery</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061900 - Disclosure - Related party transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related party transactions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062000 - Disclosure - Earnings per share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062100 - Disclosure - Segment information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062200 - Disclosure - Quarterly financial data (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly financial data (unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062300 - Disclosure - Subsequent events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>070200 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080200 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080300 - Disclosure - Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AcquisitionOfHealthcareProtectiveProductsDivisionTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080400 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080500 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AccountsReceivableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts receivable (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080600 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/InventoriesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080700 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081000 - Disclosure - Long-term debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/LongtermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' equity (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081200 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081500 - Disclosure - Restructuring (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/RestructuringTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081700 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/LeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>082000 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>082100 - Disclosure - Segment information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>082200 - Disclosure - Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>082300 - Disclosure - Subsequent events (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SubsequentEventsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent events (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090100 - Disclosure - Nature of the business and organization (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/NatureOfBusinessAndOrganizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the business and organization (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090200 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090300 - Disclosure - Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AcquisitionOfHealthcareProtectiveProductsDivisionDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090400 - Disclosure - Fair value measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair value measurements (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090500 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts receivable (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090600 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/InventoriesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090700 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property, plant and equipment (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090800 - Disclosure - In-process research and development and goodwill (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/InprocessResearchAndDevelopmentAndGoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>In-process research and development and goodwill (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090900 - Disclosure - Assets held for sale (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Assets held for sale (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091000 - Disclosure - Long-term debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/LongtermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term debt (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/StockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' equity (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091102 - Disclosure - Stockholders' equity, Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/StockholdersEquitySharebasedCompensationArrangementsBySharebasedPaymentAwardDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' equity, Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091200 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091202 - Disclosure - Income taxes, Income Tax Contingency (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxContingencyDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income taxes, Income Tax Contingency (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091300 - Disclosure - Variable interest entities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable interest entities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091400 - Disclosure - Collaboration Agreements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/CollaborationAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Collaboration Agreements (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091500 - Disclosure - Restructuring (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/RestructuringDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091600 - Disclosure - 401(k) savings plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/KSavingsPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>401(k) savings plan (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091700 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/LeasesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Leases (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091800 - Disclosure - Business interruption insurance recovery (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/BusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecoveryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business interruption insurance recovery (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091900 - Disclosure - Related party transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related party transactions (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>092000 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per share (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>092100 - Disclosure - Segment information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment information (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>092200 - Disclosure - Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>092300 - Disclosure - Subsequent events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://ebsi.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent events (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ContractsRevenue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_RecognitionOfDeferredRevenue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate had a mix of decimals attribute values: 1 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityIncomeOrLossBeforeTax had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '090200 - Disclosure - Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '090300 - Disclosure - Acquisition of Healthcare Protective Products Division (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '090700 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '090800 - Disclosure - In-process research and development and goodwill (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '091000 - Disclosure - Long-term debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '091100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' equity (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '091200 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '091400 - Disclosure - Collaboration Agreements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '091700 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '092300 - Disclosure - Subsequent events (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 010000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 010100 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 020000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 030000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 040000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>ebs-20131231.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20131231.xsd</File>
    <File>ebs-20131231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20131231_def.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20131231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>ebs-20131231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
