CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$ 5,041	$ (1,588)	$ 11,009
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	8,443	(1,847)	(5,749)
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale debt investments, net of tax	6	81	9
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net loss upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary		(617)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	8,449	(2,383)	(5,740)
Comprehensive income (loss)	13,490	(3,971)	5,269
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,181)	(1,519)	(994)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$ 11,309	$ (5,490)	$ 4,275