CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,444	$ 7,862	$ 6,823	$ 22,217
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(192)	460	119	1,377
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	9	(191)	115	(218)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(183)	269	234	1,159
Comprehensive income	1,261	8,131	7,057	23,376
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(486)	(1,483)	(3,003)	(4,744)
Comprehensive income attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ 775	$ 6,648	$ 4,054	$ 18,632

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments, resulting from the process of expressing in the reporting currency of the reporting entity those amounts that are denominated or measured in a different currency, and from transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the entity's functional currency.

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- Definition

Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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