CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 22,380	$ 23,486
Cost of revenue	18,896	15,292
Gross profit	3,484	8,194
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	3,925	3,785
Research and development	822	835
Total operating expenses	4,747	4,620
Income (loss) from operations	(1,263)	3,574
Interest income, net	31	88
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	282	154
Other expense, net	(825)	(489)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	(1,775)	3,327
Provision for income taxes	(184)	(375)
Net income (loss)	(1,959)	2,952
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(441)	(1,317)
Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ (2,400)	$ 1,635
Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.05
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.05
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,297	32,034
Diluted (in shares)	32,297	33,018