Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ (32,111)	$ (12,121)
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	(20)	14
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	(17)	13
Total other comprehensive loss	(32,148)	(12,094)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(73)	(291)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (32,075)	$ (11,803)