Merger of Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. and Aquinox Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 08, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Acquired in-process research and development		$ 0	$ 47,716
In process research and development
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Acquired in-process research and development	$ 47,700
Common stock
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Stock issued for acquisition (in shares)			4,589,771
Non-voting convertible preferred stock
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Stock issued for acquisition (in shares)			102,000
Aquinox | Common stock
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Stock issued for acquisition (in shares)	4,589,771
Aquinox | Non-voting convertible preferred stock
Acquisition Of Assets [Line Items]
Stock issued for acquisition (in shares)	101,927