CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$ (1,588)	$ 11,009	$ 10,061
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation loss, net of tax	(1,847)	(5,749)	3,726
Change in foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	81	9	(138)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net loss upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary	(617)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,383)	(5,740)	3,588
Comprehensive income (loss)	(3,971)	5,269	13,649
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,519)	(994)	(347)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ (5,490)	$ 4,275	$ 13,302