CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)
Net income (loss)	$ (1,959)	$ 2,952
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation gain, net of tax	407	338
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(17)	100
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	390	438
Comprehensive income (loss)	(1,569)	3,390
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(498)	(1,384)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ (2,067)	$ 2,006