| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 14, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001831363 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 14, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-39926 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1448275 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1065 East Hillsdale Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Foster City |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94404 |
| City Area Code | (650) |
| Local Phone Number | 525-5535 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | TERN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
