Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ (12,121)	$ (9,897)
Unrealized gain on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	14	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	13	67
Total other comprehensive loss	(12,094)	(9,830)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(291)	68
Comprehensive loss attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (11,803)	$ (9,898)