Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ (32,864)	$ 158,369	$ (93,481)	$ 131,984
Unrealized gain on short-term investments, net of tax of $0	85	15	75	20
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of tax of $0	(5)	9	(109)	18
Total other comprehensive loss	(32,784)	158,393	(93,515)	132,022
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	331	(96)	179	(399)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (33,115)	$ 158,489	$ (93,694)	$ 132,421