CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 19,345	$ 22,380
Cost of revenue	16,627	18,896
Gross profit	2,718	3,484
Operating expenses:
Selling, general, and administrative	3,436	3,925
Research and development	775	822
Restructuring charge	907	0
Total operating expenses	5,118	4,747
Loss from operations	(2,400)	(1,263)
Interest income, net	127	31
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	487	282
Other income (expense), net	10	(825)
Loss before provision for income taxes	(1,776)	(1,775)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	59	184
Net loss	(1,835)	(1,959)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(205)	(441)
Net loss attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ (2,040)	$ (2,400)
Net loss attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.08)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,364	32,297
Diluted (in shares)	32,364	32,297