Document and Entity Information
| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 07, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001029142 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 7, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-34207 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0728374 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2100 Powell Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Emeryville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94608 |
| City Area Code | (510) |
| Local Phone Number | 848-5100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | DVAX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |