v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Aug. 04, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol ATHX  
Entity Registrant Name ATHERSYS, INC / NEW  
Entity Central Index Key 0001368148  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   84,982,125