Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ (7,155)	$ 1,752
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(14)	(13)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(7,169)	1,739
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Pangu BioPharma Limited	4	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. common stockholders	$ (7,165)	$ 1,740