CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$ 10,061	$ 4,966	$ (2,533)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	3,726	(4,305)	(3,425)
Change in unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(138)	(312)	(313)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,588	(4,617)	(3,738)
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,649	349	(6,271)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(347)	1,158	752
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ 13,302	$ 1,507	$ (5,519)