| Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2021 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of presentation | Basis of presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC for annual reports and GAAP. The financial statements include the accounts of Avantor, Inc., its consolidated subsidiaries, and those business entities in which we maintain a controlling interest. For the periods presented, all share and per share information has been adjusted for a stock split that occurred in connection with our IPO. The financial statements reflect the adoptions of a new lease standard at January 1, 2019 and a new credit losses standard at January 1, 2020. Information about these new accounting standards is disclosed in note 3. |
| Principles of consolidation | Principles of consolidation All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from the financial statements. |
| Use of estimates | Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported throughout the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Earnings or loss per share | Earnings or loss per share Basic earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. In historical periods, junior convertible preferred stock and warrants were accounted for under a two-class method, but for all periods presented, those instruments were excluded from the calculation because they did not participate in losses. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued and reduced by the number of shares we could have repurchased with the proceeds from the issuance of the potentially dilutive shares. Variable conversion ratios are determined as of period end. Preferred dividends are added back to net income or loss available to common stockholders provided that the preferred securities are not anti-dilutive to the calculation. In periods of net loss available to common stockholders, diluted calculations are equal to basic calculations because the inclusion of dilutive shares would be anti-dilutive. |
| Segment reporting | Segment reporting We report three geographic segments based on customer location: the Americas, Europe and AMEA. Our operating segments are the same as our reportable segments. None of our customers contributed more than 10% to our net sales, and we disclose net sales for the following product lines: proprietary materials & consumables, third party materials & consumables, services & specialty procurement and equipment & instrumentation. We disclose geographic data for our two largest countries, the United States and Germany, as a percentage of consolidated net sales. No other countries were individually material. We also disclose certain regional data because of differences in geopolitical and / or competitive conditions. We disclose property and equipment by geographic area because many of these assets cannot be readily moved and are illiquid, subjecting them to geographic risk. None of our other long-lived assets are subject to significant geopolitical risk. We do not manage total assets on a segment basis. Segment information about interest expense, income tax expense or benefit and other significant non-cash items are not disclosed because they are not included in the segment profitability measurement nor are they otherwise provided to our chief operating decision maker on a regular basis. |
| Cash and cash equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents Cash equivalents are comprised of highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are classified as current liabilities, and changes to bank overdrafts are presented as a financing activity on our consolidated statements of cash flows. |
| Accounts receivable and allowance for current expected credit losses | Accounts receivable and allowance for current expected credit losses Substantially all of our accounts receivable are trade accounts that are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for current expected credit losses. We consider many factors in estimating our allowance including the age of our receivables, historical collections experience, customer types, creditworthiness and economic trends. Account balances are written off against the allowance when we determine it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. |
| Inventory | Inventory Inventory consists of merchandise inventory related to our distribution business and finished goods, raw materials and work in process related to our manufacturing business. Goods are removed from inventory as follows: • Merchandise inventory purchased by certain U.S. subsidiaries using the last-in, first-out method. • All other merchandise inventory using the first-in, first-out method. • Manufactured inventories using an average cost method. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost for manufactured goods is determined using standard costing methods to estimate raw materials, labor and overhead consumed. Variances from actual cost are recorded to inventory at period-end. Cost for other inventory is based on amounts invoiced by suppliers plus freight. If net realizable value is less than carrying value, we reduce the carrying amount to net realizable value and record a loss in cost of sales. |
| Property, plant and equipment | Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three three three Software development costs are capitalized as property, plant and equipment once the preliminary project stage is completed and management commits to funding the project if it is probable that the project will be completed for its intended use. Preliminary project planning and training costs related to software are expensed as incurred. |
| Impairment of long-lived assets | Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets and certain other assets. For impairment testing purposes, long-lived assets may be grouped with working capital and other types of assets or liabilities if they generate cash flows on a combined basis. We evaluate long-lived assets or asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential inability to recover their carrying amounts. Impairment is determined by comparing their carrying value to their estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If long-lived assets or asset groups are impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which their carrying value exceed their fair value. |
| Goodwill and other intangible assets | Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill represents the excess of the price of an acquired business over the aggregate fair value of its net assets. Other intangible assets consist of both finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment on October 1 of each year. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are Americas, NuSil, Europe and AMEA. All of our intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment whenever an impairment indicator arises. Examples of impairment indicators include unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated technological changes or competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts or anticipated acts by governments and courts. The impairment analysis for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of an optional qualitative assessment potentially followed by a quantitative analysis. If we determine that the carrying value of a reporting unit or an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. Annually, we evaluate whether these assets continue to have indefinite lives, considering whether they have any legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive or economic limitations and whether they are expected to contribute to the generation of cash flows indefinitely. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis, with customer relationships amortized over lives of ten five |
| Restructuring and severance charges | Restructuring and severance charges Restructuring plans are designed to improve gross margins and reduce operating costs over time. We typically incur upfront charges to implement those plans related to employee severance, facility closure and other actions: • Employee severance and related — Employee severance programs can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary severances are recorded at their reasonably estimated amount when associates accept severance offers. Involuntary severances covered by plan or statute are recorded at estimated amounts when probable and reasonably estimable. Significant judgment is required to determine probability and whether the amount can be reasonably estimated. Involuntary severances requiring continuing service are measured at fair value as of the termination date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period. Other involuntary severances are recognized at fair value on the date we notify associates of the severance plan, provided approval is obtained by the appropriate level of management. • Facility closure — On the date we cease using a facility, facility lease assets are tested for impairment in the same way as other long-lived assets. The remaining lease expense is recognized between the period that we commit to cease use of a facility and the date we exit. • Other — Other charges may be incurred to write down assets, divest businesses or for other reasons and are accounted for under applicable GAAP as described elsewhere in these policies. Restructuring and severance charges are classified as SG&A expenses. Accrued restructuring and severance charges are classified as employee-related or current liabilities if we anticipate settlement within one year, otherwise they are included in other liabilities. |
| Contingencies | Contingencies Our business exposes us to various contingencies including compliance with environmental laws and regulations, legal exposures related to the manufacture and sale of products and other matters. Loss contingencies are reflected in the financial statements based on our assessments of their expected outcome or resolution: • They are recognized as liabilities on our balance sheet if the potential loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. • They are disclosed if the potential loss is material and considered at least reasonably possible. Significant judgment is required to determine probability and whether the amount can be reasonably estimated. Due to uncertainties related to these matters, accruals are based only on the information available at the time. As additional information becomes available, we reassess potential liabilities and may revise our previous estimates. |
| Debt | Debt Borrowings under lines of credit are stated at their face amount. Borrowings under term debt and through the issuance of notes are stated at their face amounts net of unamortized deferred financing costs, including any original issue discounts or premiums. The accounting for financing costs depends on whether debt is newly issued, extinguished or modified. That determination is made on an individual lender basis when the lenders are part of a syndication. When new debt is issued, financing costs and discounts are deferred and recognized as interest expense through maturity of the debt. When debt is extinguished, unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts are written off and presented as a loss on extinguishment of debt. When debt is modified, new financing costs and prior unamortized deferred financing costs may be either (i) immediately recognized as interest expense, other expense, or SG&A expense or (ii) deferred and recognized as interest expense through maturity of the modified debt, depending on the type of cost and whether the modification was substantial or insubstantial. Borrowings and repayments under lines of credit are short-term in nature and presented on the statement of cash flows on a net basis. |
| Equity | Equity Stockholders’ equity or deficit comprises nonredeemable ownership interests in MCPS and common stock. Our accounting policies for these instruments are as follows: • MCPS is classified as permanent equity and initially recorded at fair value, net of issuance costs. Accrued but unpaid MCPS dividends are classified as other current liabilities with a corresponding reduction to common stock including paid-in capital. • Common stock is presented at par value plus additional paid-in amounts, net of issuance costs. Distributions are accounted for as reductions to common stock including paid-in capital and are classified as financing activities on the statement of cash flows. • Upon issuance, paid-in capital is allocated among host stock instruments and detachable warrants on a relative fair value basis. Costs directly associated with new equity issuances are recorded as other current assets until the issuances are completed or abandoned. If the issuance is completed, the costs are reclassified to stockholders’ equity and presented as a reduction of proceeds received. If the issuance is abandoned, the costs are reclassified to SG&A expenses. Costs associated with secondary equity offerings under a registration rights agreement are recorded as SG&A expenses. Disclosures about certain classes of stock are provided in the footnotes and not stated separately on the balance sheet or statement of stockholders’ equity or deficit when those presentations are not deemed to be material. |
| Revenue recognition | Revenue recognition We recognize revenue by applying a five-step process: (i) identify the contract with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligation in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (v) recognize revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the performance obligation through delivery of a promised product or service to a customer. Control of a performance obligation may transfer to the customer either at a point in time or over time depending on an evaluation of the specific facts and circumstances for each contract, including the terms and conditions of the contract as agreed with the customer, as well as the nature of the products or services to be provided. The substantial majority of our net sales are recognized at a point in time based upon the delivery of products to customers pursuant to purchase orders. We recognize service revenues and sales of certain of our custom-manufactured products over time as control passes to the customer concurrent with our performance. We are able to fulfill most purchase orders rapidly, and service and custom-manufacturing cycles are short. As a result, we do not record material contract assets or liabilities, nor do we have material unfulfilled performance obligations. We have elected to use the practical expedient not to adjust the transaction price of a contract for the effects of a significant financing component if, at the inception of the contract, we expect that the period between when we transfer a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less. Some customer contracts include variable consideration, such as rebates, some of which depend upon our customers meeting specified performance criteria, such as a purchasing level over a period of time. We use judgment to estimate the value of these pricing arrangements at each reporting date and record contract assets or liabilities to the extent that estimated values are recognized at a different time than the revenue for the related products. When estimating variable consideration, we also apply judgment when considering the probability of whether a reversal of revenue could occur and only recognize revenue subject to this constraint. The only significant costs we incur to obtain contracts are related to sales commissions. These commissions are primarily based on purchase order amounts, not recoverable and not applicable to periods greater than one year. We elected to apply the practical expedient to expense these costs as incurred as if the amortization period of the asset that would have otherwise been recognized is one year or less. Performance obligations following the delivery of products, such as rights of return and warranties, are not material. No other types of revenue arrangements were material to our consolidated financial statements. |
| Classification of expenses - cost of sales | Classification of expenses — cost of sales Cost of sales includes the cost of the product, depreciation of production assets, supplier rebates, shipping and receiving charges and inventory adjustments. For manufactured products, the cost of the product includes direct and indirect manufacturing costs, plant administrative expenses and the cost of raw materials consumed in the manufacturing process. |
| Classification of expenses - selling, general and administrative | Classification of expenses — selling, general and administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses include personnel and facility costs, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of non-production assets, research and development costs, advertising expense, promotional charges and other charges related to our global operations. Research and development expenses were not material for the periods presented. |
| Employee benefit plans | Employee benefit plans Some of our employees participate in defined benefit plans that we sponsor. We present these plans as follows due to their differing geographies, characteristics and actuarial assumptions: • U.S. plans — Two plans based in the United States, one of which we acquired from VWR in 2017. Another plan acquired from VWR was merged with ours in 2018. The U.S. plans are closed to participants who joined the Company after 2018, and annual accruals of future pension benefits for participating employees are not material to our financial statements. • Non-U.S. plans — Eight plans for our employees around the world that we acquired from VWR in 2017, most of which continue to accrue future pension benefits. • Medical plan — A post-retirement medical plan for certain employees in the United States. The medical plan is closed to new employees, and annual accruals of future pension benefits for participating employees are not material to our financial statements. We sponsor a number of other defined benefit plans around the world that are not material individually or in the aggregate and therefore are not included in our disclosures. Defined contribution and other employee benefit plans are also not material. The cost of our defined benefit plans is incurred systematically over expected employee service periods. We use actuarial methods and assumptions to determine expense each period and the value of projected benefit obligations. Actuarial changes in the projected value of defined benefit obligations are deferred to AOCI and recognized in earnings systematically over future periods. The portion of cost attributable to continuing employee service is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The rest of the cost is included in other income or expense, net. |
| Stock-based compensation expense | Stock-based compensation expense Some of our management and directors are compensated with stock-based awards. Stock-based compensation expense is included in SG&A expenses on the statement of operations. Stock options and RSUs We measure the expense of stock options and RSUs based on their grant-date fair values. These awards typically vest with continuing service, so expense is recognized on a straight-line basis from the date of grant through the end of the requisite service period. When awards are contingent upon the achievement of a performance condition, we record expense over the life of the awards in accordance with the probability of achievement. We measure the expense of awards with a market condition based on the grant-date fair value, which includes the probability of achieving the market condition. We recognize forfeitures of unvested awards as they occur by reversing any expense previously recorded in the period of forfeiture. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise or vesting of awards. The grant-date fair value of stock options is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model using assumptions based on the terms of each stock option agreement, the expected behavior of grant recipients and peer company data. We have limited historical data about our own awards upon which to base our assumptions. Expected volatility is calculated based on the observed equity volatility for a peer group over a period of time equal to the expected life of the stock options. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury observed market rates continuously compounded over the duration of the expected life. The expected life of stock options is estimated as the midpoint of the weighted average vesting period and the contractual term. The grant-date fair value of RSUs is measured as the quoted closing price of our common stock on the grant date. SARs SARs were issued to our employees by a NuSil investor. Prior to their settlement in November 2019 (see note 18), these awards were accounted as contributed capital in a manner similar to how a parent accounts for a contribution to an equity-method investee. The contributed capital was required to be remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. That contribution was included in the noncontrolling interest until it was derecognized in November 2017 in connection with a legal entity restructuring. Since then through November 2019, the contribution had been included within the common stock including paid-in capital. Changes to the fair value of the contributed capital were recognized as adjustments to stock-based compensation expense each period. We estimated the fair value of SARs by measuring the equity value of the issuer of the SARs using ordinary valuation techniques. The applicable portion of the equity value was then allocated to the SARs based on their relative participation rights. Award modifications When stock-based compensation arrangements are modified, we treat the modification as an exchange of the original award for a new award and immediately recognize expense for the incremental value of the new award. The incremental value is measured as the excess of the fair value of new awards over the fair value of the original awards, each based on circumstances and assumptions as of the modification date. Fair value is measured using the same methods previously described. |
| Income taxes | Income taxes Our worldwide income is subject to the income tax regulations of many governments. Income tax expense is calculated using an estimated global rate with recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected temporary differences between taxable and reported income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Income tax regulations change from time to time. The effect of a change in tax law on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized as a cumulative adjustment to income tax expense or benefit in the period of enactment. The effect of a change in tax law on the income tax expense or benefit itself is recognized prospectively for the applicable tax years. Income tax regulations can be complex, requiring us to interpret tax law and take positions. Upon audit, tax authorities may challenge our positions. We regularly assess the outcome of potential examinations and only recognize positions that are more likely than not to be sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is more likely than not of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs, as a result of information that arises or when a tax position is effectively settled. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense in our consolidated financial statements. |
| Fair value measurements | Fair value measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a measurement date. We classify fair value measurements based on the lowest of the following levels that is significant to the measurement: • Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities • Level 2 — Inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability • Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability based on our evaluation of the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability We exercise considerable judgment when estimating fair value, particularly when evaluating what assumptions market participants would likely make. The use of different assumptions or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair values. |
| Foreign currency translation | Foreign currency translation Our operations span the globe, so we are impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We determine the functional currency of our subsidiaries based upon the primary currency used to generate and expend cash, which is usually the currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located. For subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates, and revenues, expenses, income and losses of our subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using monthly average exchange rates. The resulting foreign currency translation gains or losses are deferred as AOCI and reclassified to earnings only upon sale or liquidation of those businesses. Gains and losses related to the remeasurement of debt and intercompany financing into functional currencies are reported in earnings as other income or expense, net. Gains and losses associated with the |
| Leases | Leases We primarily enter into real estate leases for manufacturing, warehousing and commercial office space to support our global operations. We also enter into vehicle and equipment leases to support those operations. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Short-term leases, defined as having an initial term of twelve months or less, are expensed as incurred and not recorded on the balance sheet. We record the value of all other leased property and the related obligations as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. Information about the amount and classification of lease assets and liabilities is included in note 23. At inception, lease assets and liabilities are measured at the present value of future lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we exercise judgment in selecting the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at inception to determine the present value of future payments. Operating lease assets are further adjusted for lease incentives and initial direct costs. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. We exercise judgment to calculate the term of those leases when extension or termination options are present and include such options in the calculation of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except for variable rent which is expensed as incurred. Short-term lease and variable rent expense was immaterial to the financial statements and has been included within operating lease expense. Finance lease expense includes depreciation, which is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the leased asset, and an immaterial amount of interest expense. Some of our lease agreements include both lease and non-lease components. We account for those components separately for real estate leases and as a combined single lease component for all other types of leases. |
| Business combinations | Business combinations We account for business acquisitions under the accounting standards for business combinations. The results of each acquisition are included in our consolidated results as of the acquisition date and the purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values. Any excess of the fair value consideration transferred over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Any purchase price that is considered contingent consideration is measured at its estimated fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is remeasured at the end of each reporting period, with changes in estimated fair value being recorded through SG&A expense within our statement of operations. |
| New accounting standards | New accounting standards New business combinations standard In October 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2021-08, Accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers , which amends the existing business combination guidance (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805) to require acquiring entities to apply the new revenue recognition standard (Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606) to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. As a result of the amendments under this new standard, it is expected that the acquirer in a business combination will generally recognize and measure acquired contract assets and contract liabilities in a manner consistent with how the acquired business recognized and measured them in the pre-acquisition financial statements. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. An entity that early adopts the standard at an interim date should apply the amendments (1) retrospectively to all business combinations for which the acquisition date occurs on or after the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period of early application and (2) prospectively to all business combinations that occur on or after the date of initial application. We have elected to early adopt this standard and have applied the related accounting to each business combination that we completed in the current fiscal year. The impact of adopting this standard was not material to our financial statements. New tax standard In December 2019, the FASB issued a new standard to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the existing guidance and also providing for additional clarification. This standard encompasses multiple amendments, and requires adoption either retrospectively, prospectively, or using a modified retrospective approach, depending on the amendment. For the amendments in which we are given the choice between adopting retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis, we will adopt on a modified retrospective basis. All other amendments will be adopted using the method prescribed by the standard. The standard was effective on January 1, 2021 and its impact is immaterial. New credit losses standard In June 2016, the FASB issued a new standard that modifies the recognition of credit losses related to financial assets. Under the new standard, an entity must measure and record its total expected credit losses, rather than recording such losses when it is probable that they have occurred, as was required under the previous standard. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach applied to our portfolio of trade receivables as of that date. On the adoption date, we (i) recorded a $1.6 million cumulative effect adjustment to increase accumulated deficit, (ii) increased our allowance for credit losses to accounts receivable by $2.2 million, and (iii) recognized a $0.6 million reduction to deferred income tax liabilities. New lease standard In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard related to leases. The most significant change for us was the recognition of new assets and liabilities for leases classified as operating leases. The standard also expanded disclosures about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. Our accounting for finance leases was substantially unchanged. Those new disclosures are provided in notes 2 and 23. We adopted the standard effective January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition approach whereby the new standard was applied to all leases existing at January 1, 2019 with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in equity representing the cumulative earnings effect of this new standard. We elected to utilize the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance in the standard which allowed us to not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases, (ii) historical lease classification and (iii) initial direct costs. The most significant impacts upon adoption were: (i) a $3.1 million cumulative effect adjustment that increased accumulated deficit and (ii) recognition of $155.0 million of operating lease assets and $162.5 million of operating lease liabilities. Other impacts were immaterial and included adjustments to existing finance lease assets and liabilities, recognition of deferred income tax assets and a similar amount of deferred income tax liabilities, and derecognition of prepaid rent expense assets. Other There were no other new accounting standards that we expect to have a material impact to our financial position or results of operations upon adoption. |
