CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 47	$ 870	$ (728)	$ (404)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	(2,626)	32	(2,321)	(408)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	(134)	(418)	(484)	(279)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,760)	(386)	(2,805)	(687)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(2,713)	484	(3,533)	(1,091)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	335	(229)	41	(606)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ (2,378)	$ 255	$ (3,492)	$ (1,697)