| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 23, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001806952 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 23, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | LYELL IMMUNOPHARMA, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-40502 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 83-1300510 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 201 Haskins Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | South San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94080 |
| City Area Code | (650) |
| Local Phone Number | 695-0677 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | LYEL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | true |
