Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ (28,506)	$ (14,264)	$ (60,617)	$ (26,385)
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	10	(9)	(10)	5
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	(87)	(4)	(104)	9
Total other comprehensive loss	(28,583)	(14,277)	(60,731)	(26,371)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(79)	(12)	(152)	(303)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (28,504)	$ (14,265)	$ (60,579)	$ (26,068)