Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Other comprehensive loss:
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ (14,264)	$ (40,921)	$ (26,385)	$ (50,818)
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	(9)	26	5	26
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	(4)	(48)	9	(4)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	0	1	0	(22)
Total other comprehensive loss	(14,277)	(40,944)	(26,371)	(50,774)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(12)	(348)	(303)	(280)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (14,265)	$ (40,596)	$ (26,068)	$ (50,494)