The parent entity's additional interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage.

No definition available.

Name:	axti_AdditionalMinorityOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of return or dividends on equity method investment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_EquityMethodInvestmentReturnsOrDividends
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

n/a

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_InvestmentScheduleAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of investment of redeemable non controlling interests approved by government.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_InvestmentsApprovedByGovernment
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total investments in (A) entities in which the entity has significant influence and control, (B) joint ventures that are consolidated, but (C) entities in which local management manage daily operations, (D) entities that not required additional investment of financial support from the parent entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_InvestmentsInJointVenturesConsolidated
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents number of joint ventures in which entity has interest and therefore has consolidated the figures as the date of reporting.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_NumberOfConsolidatedJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the number of new board representatives

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_NumberOfNewBoardRepresentatives
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of payment installments.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_NumberOfPaymentInstallments
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of individuals on the board

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_NumberOfPersonsOnBoard
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow to a noncontrolling interest installment two. Includes, but not limited to, reduction of noncontrolling interest ownership.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersInstallmentTwo
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the equivalent percentage of ownership from the issuance of shares.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_PercentageIncreaseInOwnershipFromShareIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of equity issued on conversion of noncontrolling interests.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_PercentageOfEquityIssuedOnConversionOfNonControllingInterests
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of equity purchased by employees, key managers and Contributors.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_PercentageOfEquityPurchasedByEmployeesKeyManagersAndContributors
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the percentage of ownership interest sold during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	axti_PercentageOfOwnershipInterestSold
Namespace Prefix:	axti_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123351718&loc=d3e2420-110228

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents a sale (new stock issuance) by a subsidiary to noncontrolling interests (third parties, parties directly or indirectly unrelated to parent) during the period. The capital transaction by subsidiary does not result in a loss of control by the parent, but does effect a change in total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterests
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the purchase by the parent of an additional equity interest in a subsidiary during the period, thereby effecting a change in total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The purchase of the additional equity interest represented by this element increases the parent's controlling interest in the subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4M
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120409616&loc=SL4591554-111686

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesPurchaseOfInterestByParent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109237563&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123359005&loc=d3e8813-108599

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of equity in securities of subsidiaries or equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(9)(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(13)(g))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399700&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(b)(7)(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123367319&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfStockInSubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvestee
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(24))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400017&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442526-122756

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124359900&loc=SL124442552-122756

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow to a noncontrolling interest. Includes, but not limited to, reduction of noncontrolling interest ownership. Excludes dividends paid to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the deconsolidation of a previously consolidated subsidiary or the sale of investment in consolidated subsidiaries (generally greater than 50 percent).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Value of new stock classified as temporary equity issued during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TemporaryEquityStockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis=axti_XiaoyiXinganGalliumCo.Ltd.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=axti_DonghaiCountyDongfangHighPurityElectronicMaterialsCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis=axti_DonghaiCountyDongfangHighPurityElectronicMaterialsCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=axti_BeijingJiyaSemiconductorMaterialCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis=axti_BeijingJiyaSemiconductorMaterialCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=axti_XilingolTongliGermaniumCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis=axti_XilingolTongliGermaniumCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=axti_XiaoyiXinganGalliumCo.Ltd.Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis=axti_EmeishanJiaMeiHighPurityMetalsCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentNonconsolidatedInvesteeAxis=axti_EmeishanJiaMeiHighPurityMetalsCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_OwnershipAxis=axti_NanjingJinMeiGalliumCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_OwnershipAxis=axti_BeijingBoyuSemiconductorVesselCraftworkTechnologyCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_OwnershipAxis=axti_BeijingTongmeiXtalTechnologyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=axti_NanjingJinMeiGalliumCoLtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=axti_BeijingBoyuSemiconductorVesselCraftworkTechnologyCoLtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_SubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=axti_NanjingJinMeiGalliumCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=axti_ChaoyangJinmeiGalliumCo.LtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_OwnershipAxis=axti_ChaoyangJinmeiGalliumCo.LtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=axti_BeijingBoyuSemiconductorVesselCraftworkTechnologyCo.LtdInvestmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_InvestorMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=axti_ChaoyangXinmeiHighPuritySemiconductorMaterialsCo.LtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_OwnershipAxis=axti_ChaoyangXinmeiHighPuritySemiconductorMaterialsCo.LtdMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Investments in Privately-Held Raw Material Companies (Details)				1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 25, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2018 USD ($) installment	Nov. 02, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2020 USD ($)	May 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) employee entity	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($) employee	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020	Jul. 31, 2020	Jun. 01, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Jun. 14, 2018	Nov. 01, 2017
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									$ 11,312,000			$ 10,166,000
Noncontrolling interests									20,835,000			18,317,000
Number of persons on board \| employee								1
Impairment charge									0	$ 0
Joint Ventures [Member]
Summary of investments
Number of consolidated joint ventures \| entity								3
Other Assets [Member]
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									11,300,000			10,200,000
Xiaoyi XingAn Gallium Co., Ltd.
Summary of investments
Dividend received				$ 774,000
Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd Investment \| Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									$ 2,057,000			2,053,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method									46.00%
Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd Investment \| Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									$ 4,292,000			3,760,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method									39.00%
Xilingol Tongli Germanium Co. Ltd Investment \| Xilingol Tongli Germanium Co. Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, equity method									25.00%
Xiaoyi XingAn Gallium Co., Ltd. \| Xiaoyi XingAn Gallium Co., Ltd.
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									$ 4,739,000			4,095,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method									25.00%
Emeishan Jia Mei High Purity Metals Co., Ltd Investment \| Emeishan Jia Mei High Purity Metals Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Investments, equity method									$ 224,000			258,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method									25.00%
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)							100.00%									97.00%
Percentage of outstanding shares											8.50%
Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)											67.00%		63.00%
Percentage of outstanding shares											33.00%
Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)				85.50%
Percentage of outstanding shares	7.28%								14.50%
Private equity ownership percentage	7.28%								14.50%
Percentage of key managers and contributors purchased											0.40%
Increase in redeemable noncontrolling interests					$ 1,500,000						$ 48,100,000
Investments, government approved	$ 49,000,000
Raised additional capital					$ 1,500,000
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd
Summary of investments
Number of new board representatives \| employee									2
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd \| Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Private equity ownership percentage											0.38%
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd \| Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology
Summary of investments
Private equity ownership percentage											0.38%
Beijing Boyu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co Ltd
Summary of investments
Number of new board representatives \| employee											2
Beijing Boyu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co Ltd \| Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology
Summary of investments
Private equity ownership percentage											7.59%
Majority-Owned Subsidiaries [Member]
Summary of investments
Investments, consolidated method									$ 8,400,000			5,572,000
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Investments, consolidated method									$ 592,000			592,000
Additional percentage of ownership, consolidated method		12					3	2
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest		$ 1,400,000					$ 413,000	$ 252,000
Number of installments \| installment		2
Payment of first installment		$ 163,000
Payment of second installment							$ 1,200,000
Noncontrolling interests															$ 0
Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd Investment \| Nanjing JinMei Gallium Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)		95.00%						97.00%	85.50%								95.00%	83.00%
ChaoYang Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd [Member]
Summary of investments
Investments, consolidated method									$ 1,820,000			1,820,000
ChaoYang Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd [Member] \| ChaoYang Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd [Member]
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)						91.50%			85.50%					100.00%
Percentage of ownership interest sold						8.50%
Proceeds from sale of previously consolidated subsidiary shares						$ 396,000
Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Investments, consolidated method									$ 1,346,000			1,346,000
Additional percentage of ownership, consolidated method											4
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest											$ 1,600,000
Gain (loss) from equity transaction			$ 0
Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd Investment \| 3rd Party Investor
Summary of investments
Percentage ownership from issuance of shares			10.00%
Raised additional capital			$ 2,000,000
Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd Investment \| Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd Investment
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)			63.00%						85.50%										70.00%
ChaoYang XinMei High Purity Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd
Summary of investments
Investments, consolidated method									$ 4,642,000			$ 1,814,000
ChaoYang XinMei High Purity Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd \| ChaoYang XinMei High Purity Semiconductor Materials Co., Ltd
Summary of investments
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)									58.50%