Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 28, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	CBM
Entity Registrant Name	CAMBREX CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000820081
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		33,724,367
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-10638
Entity Tax Identification Number	222476135
Entity Address, Address Line One	ONE MEADOWLANDS PLAZA
Entity Address, City or Town	EAST RUTHERFORD
Entity Address, State or Province	NEW JERSEY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	07073
City Area Code	201
Local Phone Number	804-3000