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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$ 148.3

X

- Definition

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	dvax_CashCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	dvax_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	dvax_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	dvax_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration