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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of operating segment | Segment	1
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$ 196.1
United States
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue earned	85.00%	96.00%	89.00%
Percentage of long lived assets	11.00%	11.00%
Maximum
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash equivalents original maturity period	3 months
Dynavax GmbH
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]
Currency translation adjustments	$ (1.3)	$ (1.6)	$ 0.5
Currency transaction gain (loss)	$ 0.1	$ 0.4	$ (0.2)

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