| Document And Entity Information | Sep. 14, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | NAVIDEA BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Sep. 14, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-35076 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 31-1080091 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 4995 Bradenton Avenue |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Suite 240 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Dublin |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 43017 |
| City Area Code | 614 |
| Local Phone Number | 793-7500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NAVB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000810509 |
