Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accrued Expense Accrued Expense Accrued Expense Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional paid-in capital Adjustment For Amortization Amortization (other Expense) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Convertible Debt With Conversion Feature Deemed dividend resulting from beneficial conversion feature on Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock Adjustments to additional paid in capital, fair value of redemption feature of purchase of business combination. Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Fair Value Of Redemption Feature Of Purchase Of Business Combination Fair value of redemption feature of Avigen purchase Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Stock-based compensation related to founders' warrants Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Warrant Issued Fair value of warrant issued Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization of deferred employee stock based compensation. Amortization Of Deferred Employee Stock Based Compensation Amortization of deferred employee stock-based compensation Amortization Of Deferred Revenue Amortization Of Deferred Revenue Amortization of Kissei upfront payment Amortization Of Financing Costs Amortization (Interest Expense) Amortization of premium or discount on investment securities, accretion of convertible notes to fair market value and amortization of debt discount and issuance costs. Amortization Of Premium Discount On Investment Securities Convertible Notes And Debt Discount And Issuance Costs Amortization of premium/discount on investment securities, convertible debt, debt discount and issuance costs Annual Limitation of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Annual Limitation Of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Limitations on tax benefits related to federal and state NOL Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Total Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Aspire Capital Fund Llc [Member] Aspire Capital Fund Llc [Member] Aspire Capital Fund Llc Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: At Market Issuance Sales Agreement [Member] At Market Issuance Sales Agreement [Member] At Market Issuance Sales Agreement Average value of shares issued under an employee stock purchase plan. Average Value Of Shares Issued Under Employee Stock Purchase Plan Average value of shares issued under an employee stock purchase plan Avigen. Avigen [Member] Avigen Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Basis Of Accounting Policy Policy [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] The Company, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business acquisition cost of acquired entity cash paid per share held. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Per Share Held Share received by former Avigen shareholders Business acquisition cost of acquired entity secured convertible notes issued conversion price per share. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Secured Convertible Notes Issued Conversion Price Per Share Common stock, initial conversion price Business acquisition number of consideration installments. Business Acquisition Number Of Consideration Installments Number of paid increments Business Acquisition Percentage Of Voting Interests Acquired Percentage of outstanding shares acquired California [Member] California [Member] California Cancelation of stock options issued to employees. Cancelation Of Stock Options Issued To Employees Cancelation of stock options issued to employees and related deferred compensation Capitalized Computer Software Gross Software Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash F D I C Insured Amount Cash insured amount Cashless warrant exercises. Cashless Warrant Exercises Cashless warrant exercises Cashless warrant exercises, shares. Cashless Warrant Exercises Shares Cashless warrant exercises, (in shares) Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Per share exercise price Warrants exercise price Class of Warrant or Right, Expiration Period Class Of Warrant Or Right Expiration Period Warrant, expiration period Class of Warrant or Right, Fair Value Class Of Warrant Or Right Fair Value Fair value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes valuation model Warrant, fair value Class Of Warrant Or Right Number Of Securities Called By Warrants Or Rights Common stock in warrant to purchase Warrant issued to purchase of Common shares Class Of Warrant Or Rights Exercisable Period From Date Of Issuance Class Of Warrant Or Rights Exercisable Period From Date Of Issuance Warrant, exercisable period Class of warrants or rights exercise price of warrants or rights. Class Of Warrants Or Rights Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Common share price Closing Price Of Common Stock Closing Price Of Common Stock Stock purchase agreement, closing price of common stock per share that results in not effect any sales Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock and Warrants [Member] Common Stock And Warrants [Member] Common Stock and Warrants Common Stock Capital Shares Reserved For Future Issuance Common Stock reserved for future issuance Common stock reserved for issuance Common stock fair market value percentage. Common Stock Fair Market Value Percentage Common stock fair market value, percentage Common Stockholders Equity Ending Balance Common Stock [Member] Common Shares Common Stock Common Stock Outstanding, Percentage Common Stock Outstanding Percentage Shares reserved for issuance, increase as percentage of common stock outstanding Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Shares Subscriptions Stock purchase agreement, aggregate amount of common stock agreed to be purchased Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 and 30,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 17,407,311 and 16,127,615 shares issued at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and 17,403,125 and 16,088,015 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Sales agreement, aggregate offering price Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Net loss and comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss Computer Equipment [Member] Computer Concentrations and uncertainties. Concentrations And Uncertainties Policy [Text Block] Concentrations and Credit Risk Consists of each firm commitment underwritten public offering unit. Consists Of Each Firm Commitment Underwritten Public Offering Unit Consists of each firm commitment underwritten public offering unit Consolidation Policy [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Contra Liability [Member] Contra Liability [Member] Contra Liability Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock Conversion Of Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in February Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock, shares. Conversion Of Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock Shares Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in February (in shares) Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock. Conversion Of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock in February Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock, shares. Conversion Of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock Shares Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in February (in shares) Conversion Of Stock Amount Converted 1 Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock upon initial public offering Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible Notes Payable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible preferred Shares Convertible Preferred Stock, as Converted Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Issued Upon Conversion Series B Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock Terms Of Conversion Series B Preferred stock conversion term Cost Of Revenue Cost of revenues Cumulative Stock Ownership Change Period Cumulative Stock Ownership Change Period Increase of ownership of certain stockholders or public groups in the stock, period Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt instrument agreement date. Debt Instrument Agreement Date Loan and security agreement date Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Carrying Value at the end Carrying Value at the beginning Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price 1 Initial conversion price Debt Instrument Face Amount Amount borrowed Principal amount of secured convertible notes Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage The stated interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Debt Issuance Costs [Member] Debt Issuance Costs The deemed dividend on the Series C Preferred Stock is the aggregate difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock and the Series C Preferred Stock conversion price per share. The deemed dividend increased the net loss applicable to common shareholders in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share. Deemed Dividend Resulting From Convertible Preferred Stock Deemed dividend resulting from beneficial conversion feature on Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock Deemed Dividends On Preferred Stock Deemed Dividends On Preferred Stock Deemed dividend on the Series C preferred stock Deferred Charges [Member] Deferred Charges [Member] Deferred Charges Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Share Based Payments [Member] Deferred compensation Deferred Revenue Current Current deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Noncurrent Long-term deferred revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalized Expenses Deferred Tax Assets Capitalized Expenses Capitalized licenses Deferred Tax Assets Gross Total Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net Net Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Tax Assets Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Net [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets: Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Other Other, net Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Research Research tax credits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Share Based Compensation Cost Stock Options Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities Total Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Expense Capitalized Research And Development Costs In process R&D Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Discretionary contributions to employee savings plan Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Disclosure - Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure Changes In Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure - Changes in Stock Options Outstanding [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Commitments And Contingencies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance [Abstract] Disclosure Common Stock Reserved For Future Issuance [Abstract] Disclosure - Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance [Abstract] Disclosure - Company Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Company Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Company Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Savings Plan - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Employee Savings Plan Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Savings Plan - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Future Minimum Payments [Abstract] Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-term Debt Activity [Abstract] Disclosure Longterm Debt Activity [Abstract] Disclosure - Long-term Debt Activity [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Property And Equipment Net [Abstract] Disclosure Property And Equipment Net [Abstract] Disclosure Property And Equipment Net [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax [Abstract] Disclosure Reconciliation Of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate To Effective Income Tax [Abstract] Disclosure - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax [Abstract] Disclosure Related Party Transactions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Related Party Transactions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Related Party Transactions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Securities Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Securities Excluded From Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Securities Excluded from Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stockholders Equity Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Subsequent Events Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted-average Assumptions for Stock Option [Abstract] Disclosure Weightedaverage Assumptions For Stock Option [Abstract] Disclosure - Weighted-average Assumptions for Stock Option [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Basic and diluted net loss per common share Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Net Loss Per Share Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Provision for income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Change In Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Permanent Differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Permanent Differences Permanent differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation State And Local Income Taxes State income taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Exempt Income Tax credits Employee Related Liabilities Current Accrued compensation and related expenses Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unamortized compensation cost Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition 1 Unamortized compensation cost, vesting period Employee stock based compensation. Employee Stock Based Compensation Deferred employee stock-based compensation Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock Employee Stock Option [Member] ESPP assumptions Employee Stock Ownership Plan E S O P Plan Description Shares reserved, description Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Number Of Shares Available for Issuance Employee Stock Purchase Plan Number Of Shares Available For Issuance Shares available for future issuance Employee stock purchase plan offering period. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Offering Period Employee stock purchase plan offering period Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Equipment [Member] Equipment Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Issuance Per Share Amount Issuance of common stock for cash to founders, par value Shares purchase & equity issuance, per share amount Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Investment in China joint venture, percentage Percentage of outstanding voting stock Equity method investment third party percentage. Equity Method Investment Third Party Percentage Other parties investment in China joint venture, percentage Exercise period of warrants. Exercise Period Of Warrants Exercise period of warrants Exercise Price as Percentage of Fair Market Value of Underlying Shares Exercise Price As Percentage Of Fair Market Value Of Underlying Shares Exercise price of stock option as a percentage of fair market value