Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net loss	$ (33,777)	$ (16,230)	$ (23,763)
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(220)	(3)	20
Comprehensive loss	(33,997)	(16,233)	(23,743)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in Pangu BioPharma Limited	9	6	160
Comprehensive loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. common stockholders	$ (33,988)	$ (16,227)	$ (23,583)