Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net loss	$ (12,154)	$ (7,155)
Other comprehensive loss:
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(496)	(14)
Comprehensive loss	(12,650)	(7,169)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in Pangu BioPharma Limited	1	4
Comprehensive loss attributable to aTyr Pharma, Inc. common stockholders	$ (12,649)	$ (7,165)