Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ 158,369	$ 6,896	$ 131,984	$ (43,922)
Unrealized gain on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	15	16	20	42
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	9	96	18	92
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	0	0	0	(22)
Total other comprehensive loss	158,393	7,008	132,022	(43,766)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(96)	(186)	(399)	(466)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ 158,489	$ 7,194	$ 132,421	$ (43,300)