AXT (AXTI) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AXT INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001051627	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	32,837,252
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$25,793	$24,961
Short-term investments	15,366	12,499	[1]
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $987 and $1,054 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	21,079	14,943	[1]
Inventories	36,648	39,127	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,914	8,010	[1]
Total current assets	104,800	99,540	[1]
Long-term investments	7,332	10,145	[1]
Property, plant and equipment, net	34,663	37,621	[1]
Related party notes receivable - long-term	1,874	1,715	[1]
Other assets	15,216	14,801	[1]
Total assets	163,885	163,822	[1]
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	9,480	8,140	[1]
Accrued liabilities	6,790	7,286	[1]
Total current liabilities	16,270	15,426	[1]
Long-term portion of royalty payments	1,925	2,525	[1]
Other long-term liabilities	323	325	[1]
Total liabilities	18,518	18,276	[1]
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'	[1]
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; 883 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Liquidation preference of $6.2 million and $6.1 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	3,532	3,532	[1]
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 70,000 shares authorized; 32,771 and 32,605 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	32	32	[1]
Additional paid-in capital	195,151	194,156	[1]
Accumulated deficit	-68,082	-67,005	[1]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,333	8,953	[1]
Total AXT, Inc. stockholders' equity	138,966	139,668	[1]
Noncontrolling interests	6,401	5,878	[1]
Total stockholders' equity	145,367	145,546	[1]
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$163,885	$163,822	[1]
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	$987,000	$1,054,000
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	883	883
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	883	883
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	$6,200,000	$6,100,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	70,000	70,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	32,771	32,605
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	32,771	32,605

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$23,138	$20,521	$63,932	$66,732
Cost of revenue	17,820	18,075	51,736	57,717
Gross profit	5,318	2,446	12,196	9,015
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	3,505	4,303	10,629	12,435
Research and development	1,160	766	2,922	2,627
Restructuring charge	0	0	907	0
Total operating expenses	4,665	5,069	14,458	15,062
Income (loss) from operations	653	-2,623	-2,262	-6,047
Interest income, net	106	55	360	136
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	390	346	1,502	1,099
Other income (expense), net	-236	-47	250	-491
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	913	-2,269	-150	-5,303
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	43	-204	254	322
Net income (loss)	870	-2,065	-404	-5,625
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-226	-230	-673	-1,105
Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$644	($2,295)	($1,077)	($6,730)
Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.07)	($0.04)	($0.21)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.07)	($0.04)	($0.21)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	32,504	32,366	32,416	32,407
Diluted (in shares)	32,738	32,366	32,416	32,407

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$870	($2,065)	($404)	($5,625)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	32	307	-408	1,177
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	-418	73	-279	26
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-386	380	-687	1,203
Comprehensive income (loss)	484	-1,685	-1,091	-4,422
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-229	-272	-606	-1,353
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$255	($1,957)	($1,697)	($5,775)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($404)	($5,625)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,219	4,075
Amortization of marketable securities premium	352	394
Stock-based compensation	861	1,004
Provision for doubtful accounts	9	627
Gain on sale of investments	-626	-811
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net	-10	-7
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-6,182	1,083
Inventories	2,400	2,147
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,076	-1,730
Other assets	-655	-77
Accounts payable	1,372	2,647
Accrued liabilities	-187	774
Other long-term liabilities	-648	-494
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,577	4,007
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-1,374	-3,919
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	10	9
Purchases of available for sale securities	-11,346	-14,091
Proceeds from maturities of available for sale securities	10,998	12,486
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,712	-5,515
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from common stock options exercised	134	278
Repurchase of the Company's common stock, including commission	0	-287
Dividends paid by joint ventures	-83	-1,730
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	51	-1,739
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-84	336
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	832	-2,911
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	24,961	30,634
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$25,793	$27,723

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of AXT, Inc. (“AXT,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to AXT, Inc. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries) are unaudited, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of AXT and our consolidated subsidiaries for all periods presented.
	Our management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	The results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future or for the full fiscal year. It is recommended that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2014 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2014 and August 8, 2014, respectively.
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AXT, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology Co., Ltd., and our majority-owned subsidiaries, Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd., Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd. and Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd. All significant inter‑company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in business entities in which we do not have control, but have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20-50% ownership), are accounted for by the equity method. For majority-owned subsidiaries, we reflect the noncontrolling interest of the portion we do not own on our condensed consolidated balance sheets in stockholders’ equity and in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea

Investments and Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Investments and Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 2. Investments and Fair Value Measurements
	Our cash, cash equivalents and investments are classified as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14											31-Dec-13
				Gross			Gross								Gross			Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gain			(Loss)			Value			Cost		Gain			(Loss)			Value
	Classified as:
	Cash	$	25,769	$	—		$	—		$	25,769		$	24,852	$	—		$	—		$	24,852
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund		24		—			—			24			109		—			—			109
	Total cash and cash equivalents		25,793		—			—			25,793			24,961		—			—			24,961
	Investments (available for sale):
	Certificates of deposit		9,713		2			(16	)		9,699			6,320		2			(4	)		6,318
	Corporate bonds		11,543		2			(26	)		11,519			14,276		8			(6	)		14,278
	Corporate equity security		88		1,392			—			1,480			125		1,923			—			2,048
	Total investments		21,344		1,396			(42	)		22,698			20,721		1,933			(10	)		22,644
	Total cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	47,137	$	1,396		$	(42	)	$	48,491		$	45,682	$	1,933		$	(10	)	$	47,605
	Contractual maturities on investments:
	Due within 1 year	$	13,972							$	15,366		$	10,569							$	12,499
	Due after 1 through 5 years		7,372								7,332			10,152								10,145
		$	21,344							$	22,698		$	20,721							$	22,644
	We manage our investments as a single portfolio of highly marketable securities that is intended to be available to meet our current cash requirements. We have no investments in auction rate securities. Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $319,000 and $665,000, respectively. Gross realized gains from sales of available-for-sale investments during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were $302,000 and $626,000, respectively. There were no sales of available-for-sales securities and no realized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Also included in short-term investments at September 30, 2014 is our investment in the common stock of Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, Inc. (IntelliEPI), a Taiwan publicly-traded company. We began classifying this asset as an available-for- sale security upon its initial public offering (IPO) in 2013. Prior to the IPO in 2013, during the third and fourth quarter of 2013, we sold some of our stock in IntelliEPI and realized a gain of approximately $800,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 we sold additional IntelliEpi stock and realized a gain of approximately $626,000. An unrealized gain of $1.4 million net of tax remains as of September 30, 2014 for IntelliEpi stock still held. These securities are valued at fair market value at September 30, 2014. There is no assurance that the Company will realize this value when the securities are sold in the future.
	The gross unrealized losses related to our portfolio of available-for-sale securities were primarily due to changes in interest rates and market and credit conditions of the underlying securities. We have determined that the gross unrealized losses on some of our available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2014 are temporary in nature. We periodically review our investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indications of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the magnitude of the decline in market value, the length of time the market value has been below cost (or adjusted cost), credit quality, and our ability and intent to hold the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
	The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		In Loss Position					In Loss Position						Total In
		< 12 months					> 12 months						Loss Position
				Gross						Gross					Gross
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		(Losses)			Value			(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	Investments:
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,009	$	(16	)	$	—		$	—		$	4,009	$	(16	)
	Corporate bonds		3,802		(25	)		4,583			(1	)		8,385		(26	)
	Total in loss position	$	7,811	$	(41	)	$	4,583		$	(1	)	$	12,394	$	(42	)
	The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		In Loss Position					In Loss Position						Total In
		< 12 months					> 12 months						Loss Position
				Gross						Gross					Gross
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		(Loss)			Value			(Loss)			Value		(Loss)
	Investments:
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,425	$	(4	)	$	720		$	(0	)	$	4,145	$	(4	)
	Corporate bonds		4,473		(5	)		3,711			(1	)		8,184		(6	)
	Total in loss position	$	7,898	$	(9	)	$	4,431		$	(1	)	$	12,329	$	(10	)
	Investments in Privately-held Companies
	We have made strategic investments in private companies located in China in order to gain access at a competitive cost to raw materials that are critical to our substrate business (see Note 6). The investment balances for all of these companies, including minority investments indirectly in privately-held companies made by our consolidated joint ventures, accounted for under the equity method are included in “other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $12.1 million and $10.9 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	We also maintain minority investments in one company which is accounted for under the cost method as we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operations. Our investments under the cost method are reviewed for other than temporary declines in value on a quarterly basis. We monitor our investments for impairment and record reductions in carrying value when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our investments in this unconsolidated company had a carrying value of $200,000 and were also included in “other assets” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC topic 820, Fair value measurement (“ASC 820”) establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. Level 2 instrument valuations are obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments. Level 3 instrument valuations are obtained from unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require us to develop our own assumptions. As of September 30, 2014, we did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities. On a recurring basis, we measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, primarily consisting of our short-term and long-term investments.
	The type of instrument valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include our money market funds, which are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Other than corporate equity securities which are based on quoted market prices and classified as Level 1, we classify our available-for-sale securities including certificates of deposit, corporate bonds as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. There were no changes in valuation techniques or related inputs in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014. There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other
		30-Sep-14		Active Markets of			Observable Inputs
				Identical Assets			(Level 2)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents and investments:
	Money market fund	$	24	$	24		$	—
	Corporate equity securities		1,480		1,480			—
	Certificates of deposit		9,699		—			9,699
	Corporate bonds		11,519		—			11,519
	Total	$	22,722	$	1,504		$	21,218
	Liabilities	$	—	$	—		$	—
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	Balance as of		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other
	31-Dec-13		Active Markets of			Observable Inputs
			Identical Assets			(Level 2)
			(Level 1)
Assets:
Cash equivalents and investments:
Money market fund	$	109	$	109		$	—
Corporate equity securities		2,048		2,048			—
Certificates of deposit		6,318		—			6,318
Corporate bonds		14,278		—			14,278
Total	$	22,753	$	2,157		$	20,596
Liabilities	$	—	$	—		$	—
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets that are subject to nonrecurring fair value measurements are not included in the table above. These assets include investments in companies accounted for by equity and cost methods (See Note 6). We did not record any other-than-temporary impairment charges for any of these investments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 3. Inventories
	The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	19,249	$	21,063
	Work in process		14,372		14,027
	Finished goods		3,027		4,037
		$	36,648	$	39,127
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, carrying values of inventories were net of inventory reserve of $11.9 million and $11.0 million, respectively, for excess and obsolete inventory.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Note 4. Accrued Liabilities
	The components of accrued liabilities are summarized below (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued compensation and related charges	$	1,823	$	1,762
	Accrued product warranty		904		1,048
	Current portion of royalty payments		800		800
	Dividends payable by consolidated joint ventures		647		649
	Accrued professional services		528		543
	Accrued income taxes		244		125
	Other accrued liabilities		1,844		2,359
		$	6,790	$	7,286

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Note 5. Related Party Transactions
	In August 2011, our consolidated joint venture, Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd. (JiYa), entered into a non-interest bearing note agreement in the amount of $1.7 million with one of its equity investment entities. The original term of the loan was for two years and ten months with 3 periodic principal payments required. After various amendments to the terms of the note, in December 2013 the parties agreed to delay all principal repayment until December 2016. As of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, we included $1.7 million in “Related party notes receivable – long term” in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Beginning in 2012, JiYa is contractually obligated under an agency sales agreement to sell raw material on behalf of one of its equity investment entities. JiYa bills the customers and remits the receipts, net of its portions of sales commission, to this equity investment entity. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, JiYa has recorded $0 of income from agency sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, JiYa has recorded $0 and $20,000 of income from agency sales respectively, which was included in “other expense, net” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts payable to this equity investment entity.
	JiYa also purchases raw materials from one of its equity investment entities for production in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, amounts payable of $1.85 million and $1.5 million, respectively, were included in “accounts payable” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Beginning in 2012, our consolidated joint venture, Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd. (Jin Mei), is contractually obligated under an agency sales agreement to sell raw material on behalf of its equity investment entity. Jin Mei bills the customers and remits the receipts, net of its portions of sales commission, to this equity investment entity. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Jin Mei has recorded $1,000 and $29,000 income from agency sales, respectively, which were included in “other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, $17,000 and $123,000 of income from agency sales was recorded in “other expense, net” respectively, in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	In March 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology Co., Ltd. (Tongmei), entered into an operating lease for the land it owns with our consolidated joint venture Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd. The lease agreement for the land of approximately 22,081 square feet commenced on January 1, 2012 for a term of 10 years with annual lease payments of $24,000 subject to a 5% increase at each third year anniversary. The annual lease payment is due by January 31 of each year.
	Tongmei has paid $120,000 on behalf of Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd., its equity investment entity, to purchase materials. In 2014, an agreement was signed between Tongmei and Donghai to set the date of repayment on December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2014, this balance was included in “Related party notes receivable – long term” in our consolidated balance sheets.
	In April 2014, Tongmei loaned an additional of $49,000 to Dongfang. The loan bears interest at 6.15% per annum and the principal and interest is due on December 31, 2015. As of September 30, 2014, this balance was included in “Related party notes receivable – long term” in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Our Related Party Transactions Policy seeks to prohibit all conflicts of interest in transactions between related parties and us, unless they have been approved by our Board of Directors. This policy applies to all of our employees and directors, our subsidiaries and our joint ventures. Our executive officers retain board seats on the Board of Directors of the companies in which we have invested in our China joint ventures. See Note 6 for further details.

Investments_in_Companies

Investments in Companies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments in Companies [Abstract]	'
Investments in Companies	'
	Note 6. Investments in Companies
	We have made strategic investments in private companies located in China in order to gain access to raw materials at a competitive cost that are critical to our substrate business.
	The investments are summarized below (in thousands):
			Original Investment as of
			September 30,			December 31,		Accounting		Ownership
	Company		2014			2013		Method		Percentage
	Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd.		$	3,331		$	3,331	Consolidated			46	%
	Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd.			592			592	Consolidated			83	%
	Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd.			1,346			1,346	Consolidated			70	%
			$	5,269		$	5,269
			Investment Balance as of
			September 30,			December 31,		Accounting		Ownership
	Company		2014			2013		Method		Percentage
	Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd.		$	1,761		$	1,900	Equity			46	%
	Xilingol Tongli Germanium Co. Ltd.			5,355			4,692	Equity			25	%
	Emeishan Jia Mei High Purity Metals Co., Ltd.			988			945	Equity			25	%
			$	8,104		$	7,537
	Our ownership of Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd. (JiYa) is 46%. We continue to consolidate JiYa as we have significant influence in management and have majority control of the board. Our Chief Executive Officer is chairman of the JiYa board, while our president of China operations and our vice president of China administration and our vice president of wafer production are also members of the board.
	Our ownership of Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd. (Jin Mei) is 83%. We continue to consolidate Jin Mei as we have significant influence in management and have majority control of the board. Our Chief Executive Officer is chairman of the Jin Mei board, while our president of China operations and our vice president of China administration are also members of the board.
	Our ownership of Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd (BoYu) is 70%. We continue to consolidate BoYu as we have a significant influence in management and have majority control of the board. Our Chief Executive Officer is chairman of the BoYu board, while our president of China operations and our vice president of China administration are also members of the board.
	Although we have representation on the boards of directors of each of these companies, the daily operations of each of these companies are managed by local management and not by us. Decisions concerning their respective short term strategy and operations, any capacity expansion and annual capital expenditures, and decisions concerning sales of finished product, are made by local management with some inputs from us.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the three consolidated joint ventures generated $1.1 million and $565,000 of income, respectively, of which $226,000 and $230,000, respectively, were allocated to minority interests, resulting in $837,000 and $335,000 of income, respectively, included in our net income (loss). During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the three consolidated joint ventures generated $2.9 million and $3.3 million of income, respectively, of which $673,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, was allocated to minority interests, resulting in $2.2 million and $2.2 million of income, respectively, included in our net income (loss).
	For the three minority investment entities that are not consolidated, the investment balances are included in “other assets” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $8.1 million and $7.5 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. We own 46% of the ownership interests in one of these companies and 25% in each of the other two companies.  These three companies are not considered variable interest entities because:
		·	all three companies have sustainable businesses of their own;
		·	our voting power is proportionate to our ownership interests;
		·	we only recognize our respective share of the losses and/or residual returns generated by the companies if they occur; and
		·	we do not have controlling financial interest in, do not maintain operational or management control of, do not control the board of directors of, and are not required to provide additional investment or financial support to, any of these companies.
	We also maintain minority investments in privately-held companies made indirectly through our consolidated joint ventures.  These minority investments are accounted for under the equity method in the books of our consolidated joint ventures. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our consolidated joint ventures included these minority investments in “other assets” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets with a carrying value of $4.0 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
	All of the minority investment entities that are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method had the following summarized income information (in thousands) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Net revenue		$	11,487		$	11,024		$	38,433			$	29,938
	Gross profit		$	5,371		$	3,628		$	17,458			$	10,516
	Operating income		$	2,289		$	2,393		$	8,377			$	6,566
	Net income		$	1,759		$	1,631		$	6,485			$	4,960
	Our percentage of the entity earnings from all the minority investment entities that are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method were $390,000 and $346,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We also maintain minority investments directly in one privately-held company accounted for under the cost method and we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operations. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our investments in this unconsolidated privately-held company had a carrying value of $200,000 and are included in “other assets” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
	(in thousands)
		Preferred		Common		Additional		Accumulated			Other			AXT, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Stock		Paid In Capital		Deficit			Comprehensive			stockholders’			interests			stockholders’
											Income/(loss)			equity						equity
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,532	$	32	$	194,156	$	(67,005	)	$	8,953		$	139,668		$	5,878		$	145,546
	Common stock options exercised						134								134						134
	Stock-based compensation						861								861						861
	Net (loss) income								(1,077	)					(1,077	)		673			(404	)
	Dividends declared by joint ventures																	(83	)		(83	)
	Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities											(279	)		(279	)					(279	)
	Currency translation adjustment											(341	)		(341	)		(67	)		(408	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	3,532	$	32	$	195,151	$	(68,082	)	$	8,333		$	138,966		$	6,401		$	145,367
	There were no reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On February 21, 2013, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $6.0 million of our outstanding common stock through February 27, 2014. These purchases can be made from time to time in the open market and are funded from our existing cash balances and cash generated from operations. During 2013, we repurchased approximately 285,000 shares at an average price of $2.51 per share for a total purchase price of $716,000 under the stock repurchase program.
	As of December 31, 2013, approximately $5.3 million remained available for future repurchases under this program. No shares were repurchased in 2014 under this program and the plan expired on February 27, 2014.
	On October 27, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. These purchases can be made from time to time in the open market and are funded from our existing cash balances and cash generated from operations.  See Note 16 for further details.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 8. Stock-Based Compensation
	We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”), which established accounting for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at each grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period of the award. All of our stock-based compensation is accounted for as an equity instrument.
	The following table summarizes compensation costs related to our stock-based awards (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Cost of revenue	$	4		$	6		$	14	$	17
	Selling, general and administrative		227			285			716		860
	Research and development		41			43			131		127
	Total stock-based compensation		272			334			861		1,004
	Tax effect on stock-based compensation		—			—			—		—
	Net effect on net income (loss)	$	272		$	334		$	861	$	1,004
	As of September 30, 2014, the unamortized compensation costs related to unvested stock options granted to employees under our stock option plan was approximately $1.3 million, net of estimated forfeitures of $46,000. These costs will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years and will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures. We elected not to capitalize any stock-based compensation to inventory as of September 30, 2014 due to the immateriality of the amount.
	We estimate the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. There were 200,000 and 60,000 stock options granted with weighted average grant date fair values of $1.08 and $1.21 in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were 252,000 and 60,000 stock options granted with weighted average grant date fair values of $1.09 and $1.21 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of our stock options granted to employees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-14
	Expected term (in years)		4.4			4.3
	Volatility		62.26	%		63.1	%
	Expected dividend		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.86	%		1.88	%
	The following table summarizes the stock option transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
	Stock Options	Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
					average			average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Contractual
								Life
								(in years)
	Balance as of January 1, 2014		2,671		$	3.29			6.71	$	893
	Granted		252			2.26
	Exercised		(112	)		1.21
	Canceled and expired		(73	)		5.18
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		2,738		$	3.23			6.72	$	585
	Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2014		2,738		$	3.23			6.72	$	585
	Options exercisable as of September 30, 2014		1,688		$	3.52			5.44	$	505
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on our closing price of $2.44 on September 30, 2014, which would have been received by the option holder had all option holders exercised their options on that date.
	Restricted stock awards
	A summary of activity related to restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
	Stock Awards	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested as of January 1, 2014		241,232		$	3.44
	Granted		55,044		$	2.18
	Vested		(48,420	)	$	4.66
	Non-vested as of September 30, 2014		247,856		$	2.92
	As of September 30, 2014, the unamortized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards was approximately $514,000, which is to be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 1.2 years.

Net_Income_loss_Per_Share

Net Income (loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Income (loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (loss) Per Share	'
	Note 9. Net Income (loss) Per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods less shares of common stock subject to repurchase and non-vested stock awards. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the periods. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded in net loss periods, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$	644		$	(2,295	)	$	(1,077	)	$	(6,730	)
	Less: Preferred stock dividends		(44	)		(44	)		(132	)		(132	)
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	600		$	(2,339	)	$	(1,209	)	$	(6,862	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares (basic)		32,504			32,366			32,416			32,407
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Common stock options		201			—			—			—
	Restricted stock awards		33			—			—			—
	Weighted average common shares (dilutive)		32,738			32,366			32,416			32,407
	Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share:
	Basic	$	0.02		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.21	)
	Diluted	$	0.02		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.21	)
	Options excluded from diluted net income (loss)  per share as the impact is anti-dilutive		2,000			2,524			2,684			2,563
	Restricted stock excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share as the impact is anti-dilutive		77			243			250			242
	The 883,000 shares of $0.001 par value Series A preferred stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, valued at $3,532,000, are non-voting and non-convertible preferred stock with a 5.0% cumulative annual dividend rate payable when declared by the board of directors and a $4 per share liquidation preference over common stock, which must be paid before any distribution is made to common stockholders. These preferred shares were issued to Lyte Optronics, Inc. stockholders in connection with the completion of our acquisition of Lyte Optronics, Inc. on May 28, 1999.

Segment_Information_and_Foreig

Segment Information and Foreign Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information and Foreign Operations [Abstract]	'
Segment Information and Foreign Operations	'
	Note 10. Segment Information and Foreign Operations
	Segment Information
	We operate in one segment for the design, development, manufacture and distribution of high-performance compound semiconductor substrates and sale of materials. In accordance with ASC topic 280, Segment Reporting, our chief operating decision-maker has been identified as our Chief Executive Officer, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the Company. Since we operate in one segment, all financial segment and product line information can be found in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The following table represents revenue amounts (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	23,138	$	20,521	$	63,932	$	66,732
	The following table represents revenue amounts (in thousands) reported for products shipped to customers in the corresponding geographic region:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				30-Sep
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Geographical region:
	Europe (primarily Germany)	$	5,429	$	5,732	$	16,980	$	16,043
	China		4,298		6,611		13,423		20,344
	Taiwan		3,835		1,536		8,735		8,474
	Japan		3,511		1,931		9,281		7,233
	Asia Pacific (excluding China, Taiwan and Japan)		3,537		2,413		8,376		6,828
	North America (primarily the United States)		2,528		2,298		7,137		7,810
	Total	$	23,138	$	20,521	$	63,932	$	66,732
	Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, and are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Long-lived assets by geographic region were as follows (in thousands):
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	North America	$	255	$	204
	China		34,408		37,417
		$	34,663	$	37,621
	Significant Customers
	No customer represented more than 10% of our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. No customer represented more than 10% of our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. Our top five customers, although not the same five customers for each period, represented 35% and 37% of our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our top five customers, although not the same five customers for each period, represented 35% and 31% of our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition, and limit the amount of credit extended when deemed necessary, but generally do not require collateral. One customer accounted for over 10% of our trade accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2014 while one customer accounted for 20% of our trade accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
	Indemnification Agreements
	We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers that require us to (i) indemnify our directors and officers against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers, other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature, (ii) advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified and (iii) obtain directors’ and officers’ insurance if available on reasonable terms, which we currently have in place.
	Product Warranty
	We provide warranties for our products for a specific period of time, generally twelve months, against material defects. We provide for the estimated future costs of warranty obligations in cost of sales when the related revenue is recognized. The accrued warranty costs represent the best estimate at the time of sale of the total costs that we expect to incur to repair or replace product parts that fail while still under warranty. The amount of accrued estimated warranty costs are primarily based on historical experience as to product failures as well as current information on repair costs. On a quarterly basis, we review the accrued balances and update these based on the historical warranty cost trends. The following table reflects the change in our warranty accrual which is included in “accrued liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning accrued warranty and related costs	$	980		$	804		$	1,048		$	588
	Accruals for warranties issued		243			183			820			588
	Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties including expirations and changes in estimates		(55	)		14			(357	)		351
	Cost of warranty repair		(264	)		(106	)		(607	)		(602	)
	Ending accrued warranty and related costs	$	904		$	895		$	904		$	895
	Contractual Obligations
	We lease certain office space, manufacturing facilities and equipment under long-term operating leases expiring at various dates through February 2023. The majority of our lease obligations relates to our lease agreement for the facility at Fremont, California with approximately 27,760 square feet, which commenced on December 1, 2008 for a term of seven years, with an option by us to cancel the lease after five years, upon forfeiture of the security deposit and payment of one-half of the fifth year’s rent. On June 28, 2013, we sent a notice to terminate the lease effective November 30, 2013 with an early termination penalty of $142,000 which was recorded as an expense in the third quarter of 2013. On August 2, 2013, we signed a new lease agreement for the current facility with reduced footage of 20,767 square feet, which commenced on December 1, 2013 for a term of two years. The reduced square footage, the reduced rate per square foot, and the expected reduced operating costs, would save us approximately total $382,000 during 2014 and 2015. In September 2014, we signed an amendment to the current lease to further reduce square footage to 19,467 square feet and to extend the term of the lease two more years.
	We entered into a royalty agreement with a vendor effective December 3, 2010 with a term of eight years, terminating December 31, 2018.  We and our related companies are granted a worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty bearing, irrevocable license to certain patents for the term of the agreement. We shall pay a total of $7.0 million royalty payment over eight years beginning in 2011 based on future royalty bearing sales. This agreement contains a clause that allows us to make a claim for credit, starting in 2013, in the event that the royalty bearing sales for the year is lower than a pre-determined amount set forth in this agreement.
	Outstanding contractual obligations as of September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Payments due by period
	Contractual Obligations	Total			Less than 1 year			3-Jan			5-Apr			More than
								years			years			5 years
	Operating leases	$	689		$	260		$	330		$	53		$	46
	Royalty agreement		2,725			800			1,206			719			—
	Total	$	3,414		$	1,060		$	1,536		$	772		$	46
	Purchase Obligations
	In the normal course of business, we purchase or place orders for the necessary materials for our products from various suppliers and we commit to purchase products where we may incur a penalty if the agreement was canceled. As of September 30, 2014, we did not have any outstanding material purchase obligations.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time we may be involved in judicial or administrative proceedings concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Foreign_Exchange_Transaction_G

Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses	'
	Note 12. Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses
	We incurred foreign currency transaction exchange losses of $556,000 and $67,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We incurred foreign currency transaction exchange losses of $381,000 and $964,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts are included in “other income (expense), net” on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 13. Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	In accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the amounts of and benefits from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances. Events which cause limitations in the amount of net operating losses or credits that we may utilize in any one year include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% as defined, over a three year period. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, we recognized $16.4 million of liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Of this amount, none was accounted for as a reduction to balance of retained earnings. The amount decreased tax loss carryforwards in the U.S., which are fully offset by a valuation allowance.
	We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 includes no interest and penalties. As of September 30, 2014, we have no accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various states and foreign jurisdictions. We have substantially concluded all U.S. federal and state income tax matters through December 31, 2012.
	Provision for income taxes for three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was mostly related to our China subsidiary and our China joint venture operations. We have made a tax election in China whereby certain minimum foreign withholding taxes are treated as an expense and not a tax credit. Besides the state taxes liabilities, no federal income tax benefit or expense has been provided for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 due to our net loss, our valuation allowance being utilized and uncertainty of future profits in the U.S.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	Note 14. Restructuring Charges
	On February 25, 2014, we announced a restructuring plan with respect to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology Co, Ltd. (“Tongmei”) in order to better align manufacturing capacity with demand.  Under the restructuring plan, Tongmei implemented certain workforce reductions with respect to its manufacturing facility in China. We also announced that the restructuring plan would be completed by March 31, 2014, depending on local legal requirements.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we reduced the workforce at Tongmei by approximately 93 positions that are no longer required to support production and operations, or approximately 11 percent of the workforce. Accordingly, we recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $907,000 related to the reduction in force for severance-related expenses. As of March 31, 2014, we have completed this restructuring plan and the reduction in force. During the three month period ended September 30, 2014, we incurred no additional restructuring charges.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 15. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the convergence of U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The new guidance sets forth a new five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety and is intended to eliminate numerous industry-specific pieces of revenue recognition guidance that have historically existed in U.S. GAAP. The underlying principle of the new standard is that a business or other organization will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures and provides additional guidance for transactions that were not addressed completely in the prior accounting guidance. The ASU provides alternative methods of initial adoption and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 16. Subsequent Events
	On October 27, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. These purchases can be made from time to time in the open market and are funded from our existing cash balances and cash generated from operations.

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea1

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Cash, cash equivalents and investments	'
	Our cash, cash equivalents and investments are classified as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14											31-Dec-13
				Gross			Gross								Gross			Gross
		Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair			Amortized		Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost		Gain			(Loss)			Value			Cost		Gain			(Loss)			Value
	Classified as:
	Cash	$	25,769	$	—		$	—		$	25,769		$	24,852	$	—		$	—		$	24,852
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund		24		—			—			24			109		—			—			109
	Total cash and cash equivalents		25,793		—			—			25,793			24,961		—			—			24,961
	Investments (available for sale):
	Certificates of deposit		9,713		2			(16	)		9,699			6,320		2			(4	)		6,318
	Corporate bonds		11,543		2			(26	)		11,519			14,276		8			(6	)		14,278
	Corporate equity security		88		1,392			—			1,480			125		1,923			—			2,048
	Total investments		21,344		1,396			(42	)		22,698			20,721		1,933			(10	)		22,644
	Total cash, cash equivalents and investments	$	47,137	$	1,396		$	(42	)	$	48,491		$	45,682	$	1,933		$	(10	)	$	47,605
	Contractual maturities on investments:
	Due within 1 year	$	13,972							$	15,366		$	10,569							$	12,499
	Due after 1 through 5 years		7,372								7,332			10,152								10,145
		$	21,344							$	22,698		$	20,721							$	22,644
Fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		In Loss Position					In Loss Position						Total In
		< 12 months					> 12 months						Loss Position
				Gross						Gross					Gross
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		(Losses)			Value			(Losses)			Value		(Losses)
	Investments:
	Certificates of deposit	$	4,009	$	(16	)	$	—		$	—		$	4,009	$	(16	)
	Corporate bonds		3,802		(25	)		4,583			(1	)		8,385		(26	)
	Total in loss position	$	7,811	$	(41	)	$	4,583		$	(1	)	$	12,394	$	(42	)
	The following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		In Loss Position					In Loss Position						Total In
		< 12 months					> 12 months						Loss Position
				Gross						Gross					Gross
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		Value		(Loss)			Value			(Loss)			Value		(Loss)
	Investments:
	Certificates of deposit	$	3,425	$	(4	)	$	720		$	(0	)	$	4,145	$	(4	)
	Corporate bonds		4,473		(5	)		3,711			(1	)		8,184		(6	)
	Total in loss position	$	7,898	$	(9	)	$	4,431		$	(1	)	$	12,329	$	(10	)
Summary of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other
		30-Sep-14		Active Markets of			Observable Inputs
				Identical Assets			(Level 2)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents and investments:
	Money market fund	$	24	$	24		$	—
	Corporate equity securities		1,480		1,480			—
	Certificates of deposit		9,699		—			9,699
	Corporate bonds		11,519		—			11,519
	Total	$	22,722	$	1,504		$	21,218
	Liabilities	$	—	$	—		$	—
	The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Balance as of		Quoted Prices in			Significant Other
		31-Dec-13		Active Markets of			Observable Inputs
				Identical Assets			(Level 2)
				(Level 1)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents and investments:
	Money market fund	$	109	$	109		$	—
	Corporate equity securities		2,048		2,048			—
	Certificates of deposit		6,318		—			6,318
	Corporate bonds		14,278		—			14,278
	Total	$	22,753	$	2,157		$	20,596
	Liabilities	$	—	$	—		$	—

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Components of inventories	'
	The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Inventories:
	Raw materials	$	19,249	$	21,063
	Work in process		14,372		14,027
	Finished goods		3,027		4,037
		$	36,648	$	39,127

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Components of accrued liabilities	'
	The components of accrued liabilities are summarized below (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued compensation and related charges	$	1,823	$	1,762
	Accrued product warranty		904		1,048
	Current portion of royalty payments		800		800
	Dividends payable by consolidated joint ventures		647		649
	Accrued professional services		528		543
	Accrued income taxes		244		125
	Other accrued liabilities		1,844		2,359
		$	6,790	$	7,286

Investments_in_Companies_Table

Investments in Companies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments in Companies [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	The investments are summarized below (in thousands):
			Original Investment as of
			September 30,			December 31,		Accounting		Ownership
	Company		2014			2013		Method		Percentage
	Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd.		$	3,331		$	3,331	Consolidated			46	%
	Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd.			592			592	Consolidated			83	%
	Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd.			1,346			1,346	Consolidated			70	%
			$	5,269		$	5,269
			Investment Balance as of
			September 30,			December 31,		Accounting		Ownership
	Company		2014			2013		Method		Percentage
	Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd.		$	1,761		$	1,900	Equity			46	%
	Xilingol Tongli Germanium Co. Ltd.			5,355			4,692	Equity			25	%
	Emeishan Jia Mei High Purity Metals Co., Ltd.			988			945	Equity			25	%
			$	8,104		$	7,537
Summarized income information	'
	All of the minority investment entities that are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method had the following summarized income information (in thousands) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Net revenue		$	11,487		$	11,024		$	38,433			$	29,938
	Gross profit		$	5,371		$	3,628		$	17,458			$	10,516
	Operating income		$	2,289		$	2,393		$	8,377			$	6,566
	Net income		$	1,759		$	1,631		$	6,485			$	4,960

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Consolidated statement of changes in equity	'
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
	(in thousands)
		Preferred		Common		Additional		Accumulated			Other			AXT, Inc.			Noncontrolling			Total
		Stock		Stock		Paid In Capital		Deficit			Comprehensive			stockholders’			interests			stockholders’
											Income/(loss)			equity						equity
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,532	$	32	$	194,156	$	(67,005	)	$	8,953		$	139,668		$	5,878		$	145,546
	Common stock options exercised						134								134						134
	Stock-based compensation						861								861						861
	Net (loss) income								(1,077	)					(1,077	)		673			(404	)
	Dividends declared by joint ventures																	(83	)		(83	)
	Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities											(279	)		(279	)					(279	)
	Currency translation adjustment											(341	)		(341	)		(67	)		(408	)
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	3,532	$	32	$	195,151	$	(68,082	)	$	8,333		$	138,966		$	6,401		$	145,367

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Compensation costs related to stock-based awards	'
	The following table summarizes compensation costs related to our stock-based awards (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Cost of revenue	$	4		$	6		$	14	$	17
	Selling, general and administrative		227			285			716		860
	Research and development		41			43			131		127
	Total stock-based compensation		272			334			861		1,004
	Tax effect on stock-based compensation		—			—			—		—
	Net effect on net income (loss)	$	272		$	334		$	861	$	1,004
Weighted-average assumptions	'
	The fair value of our stock options granted to employees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14			30-Sep-14
	Expected term (in years)		4.4			4.3
	Volatility		62.26	%		63.1	%
	Expected dividend		0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.86	%		1.88	%
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes the stock option transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data):
	Stock Options	Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
					average			average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Contractual
								Life
								(in years)
	Balance as of January 1, 2014		2,671		$	3.29			6.71	$	893
	Granted		252			2.26
	Exercised		(112	)		1.21
	Canceled and expired		(73	)		5.18
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		2,738		$	3.23			6.72	$	585
	Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2014		2,738		$	3.23			6.72	$	585
	Options exercisable as of September 30, 2014		1,688		$	3.52			5.44	$	505
Restricted stock awards	'
	A summary of activity related to restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
	Stock Awards	Shares			Weighted-Average
					Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested as of January 1, 2014		241,232		$	3.44
	Granted		55,044		$	2.18
	Vested		(48,420	)	$	4.66
	Non-vested as of September 30, 2014		247,856		$	2.92

Net_Income_loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Income (loss) Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share calculations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$	644		$	(2,295	)	$	(1,077	)	$	(6,730	)
	Less: Preferred stock dividends		(44	)		(44	)		(132	)		(132	)
	Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	600		$	(2,339	)	$	(1,209	)	$	(6,862	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares (basic)		32,504			32,366			32,416			32,407
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Common stock options		201			—			—			—
	Restricted stock awards		33			—			—			—
	Weighted average common shares (dilutive)		32,738			32,366			32,416			32,407
	Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share:
	Basic	$	0.02		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.21	)
	Diluted	$	0.02		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.21	)
	Options excluded from diluted net income (loss)  per share as the impact is anti-dilutive		2,000			2,524			2,684			2,563
	Restricted stock excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share as the impact is anti-dilutive		77			243			250			242

Segment_Information_and_Foreig1

Segment Information and Foreign Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information and Foreign Operations [Abstract]	'
Product Information	'
	The following table represents revenue amounts (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Revenue	$	23,138	$	20,521	$	63,932	$	66,732
Revenue reported for products shipped to customers in the corresponding geographic region	'
	The following table represents revenue amounts (in thousands) reported for products shipped to customers in the corresponding geographic region:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				30-Sep
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Geographical region:
	Europe (primarily Germany)	$	5,429	$	5,732	$	16,980	$	16,043
	China		4,298		6,611		13,423		20,344
	Taiwan		3,835		1,536		8,735		8,474
	Japan		3,511		1,931		9,281		7,233
	Asia Pacific (excluding China, Taiwan and Japan)		3,537		2,413		8,376		6,828
	North America (primarily the United States)		2,528		2,298		7,137		7,810
	Total	$	23,138	$	20,521	$	63,932	$	66,732
Long-lived assets by geographic region	'
	Long-lived assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, and are attributed to the geographic location in which they are located. Long-lived assets by geographic region were as follows (in thousands):
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	North America	$	255	$	204
	China		34,408		37,417
		$	34,663	$	37,621

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Product warranty accrued liability	'
	The following table reflects the change in our warranty accrual which is included in “accrued liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning accrued warranty and related costs	$	980		$	804		$	1,048		$	588
	Accruals for warranties issued		243			183			820			588
	Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties including expirations and changes in estimates		(55	)		14			(357	)		351
	Cost of warranty repair		(264	)		(106	)		(607	)		(602	)
	Ending accrued warranty and related costs	$	904		$	895		$	904		$	895
Outstanding contractual obligations	'
	Outstanding contractual obligations as of September 30, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		Payments due by period
	Contractual Obligations	Total			Less than 1 year			3-Jan			5-Apr			More than
								years			years			5 years
	Operating leases	$	689		$	260		$	330		$	53		$	46
	Royalty agreement		2,725			800			1,206			719			—
	Total	$	3,414		$	1,060		$	1,536		$	772		$	46

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member])	Sep. 30, 2014
Minimum [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths)	20.00%
Maximum [Member]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths)	50.00%

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea2

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash, cash equivalents and investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$25,769,000	'	$25,769,000	'	$24,852,000	'
Cash equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Money market fund	24,000	'	24,000	'	109,000	'
Total cash and cash equivalents	25,793,000	27,723,000	25,793,000	27,723,000	24,961,000	30,634,000
Amortized Cost	47,136,000	'	47,136,000	'	45,682,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,397,000	'	1,397,000	'	1,933,000	'
Gross Unrealized (Loss)	-42,000	'	-42,000	'	-10,000	'
Fair Value	48,491,000	'	48,491,000	'	47,605,000	'
Contractual maturities on investments, amortized cost basis [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Due within 1 year	13,971,000	'	13,971,000	'	10,569,000	'
Due after 1 through 5 years	7,372,000	'	7,372,000	'	10,152,000	'
Investments, amortized cost	21,343,000	'	21,343,000	'	20,721,000	'
Contractual maturities on investments, fair value basis [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Due within 1 year	15,366,000	'	15,366,000	'	12,499,000	'
Due after 1 through 5 years	7,332,000	'	7,332,000	'	10,145,000	'
Investments, fair value	22,698,000	'	22,698,000	'	22,644,000	'
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments	319,000	0	665,000	0	'	'
Gross realized gains from sales of available-for-sale investments	302,000	0	626,000	0	'	'
Gain on sale of available for sale security	'	'	626,000	'	800,000	'
Unrealized gain, net of tax	'	'	1,400,000	'	'	'
Summary of fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value, in loss position less than twelve months	7,811,000	'	7,811,000	'	7,898,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position less than twelve months	'	'	-41,000	'	-9,000	'
Fair value, in loss position greater than twelve months	4,583,000	'	4,583,000	'	4,431,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position greater than twelve months	'	'	-1,000	'	-1,000	'
Fair value, total in loss position	12,394,000	'	12,394,000	'	12,329,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, total in loss position	'	'	-42,000	'	-10,000	'
Minority Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minority investments in unconsolidated privately-held companies	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000	'
Other assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minority Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in privately-held companies	12,100,000	'	12,100,000	'	10,900,000	'
Minority investments in unconsolidated privately-held companies	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000	'
Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	9,713,000	'	9,713,000	'	6,320,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain	2,000	'	2,000	'	2,000	'
Gross Unrealized (Loss)	-16,000	'	-16,000	'	-4,000	'
Fair Value	9,699,000	'	9,699,000	'	6,318,000	'
Summary of fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value, in loss position less than twelve months	4,009,000	'	4,009,000	'	3,425,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position less than twelve months	'	'	-16,000	'	-4,000	'
Fair value, in loss position greater than twelve months	0	'	0	'	720,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position greater than twelve months	'	'	0	'	0	'
Fair value, total in loss position	4,009,000	'	4,009,000	'	4,145,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, total in loss position	'	'	-16,000	'	-4,000	'
Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	11,543,000	'	11,543,000	'	14,276,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain	2,000	'	2,000	'	8,000	'
Gross Unrealized (Loss)	-26,000	'	-26,000	'	-6,000	'
Fair Value	11,519,000	'	11,519,000	'	14,278,000	'
Summary of fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value, in loss position less than twelve months	3,802,000	'	3,802,000	'	4,473,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position less than twelve months	'	'	-25,000	'	-5,000	'
Fair value, in loss position greater than twelve months	4,583,000	'	4,583,000	'	3,711,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, in loss position greater than twelve months	'	'	-1,000	'	-1,000	'
Fair value, total in loss position	8,385,000	'	8,385,000	'	8,184,000	'
Gross unrealized loss, total in loss position	'	'	-26,000	'	-6,000	'
Corporate equity security [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	87,000	'	87,000	'	125,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,393,000	'	1,393,000	'	1,923,000	'
Gross Unrealized (Loss)	0	'	0	'	0	'
Fair Value	1,480,000	'	1,480,000	'	2,048,000	'
Total Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash equivalents [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	21,343,000	'	21,343,000	'	20,721,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gain	1,397,000	'	1,397,000	'	1,933,000	'
Gross Unrealized (Loss)	-42,000	'	-42,000	'	-10,000	'
Fair Value	$22,698,000	'	$22,698,000	'	$22,644,000	'

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea3

Investments and Fair Value Measurements, Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	$24	$109
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	24	109
Corporate equity securities	1,480	2,048
Certificates of deposit	9,699	6,318
Corporate bonds	11,519	14,278
Total	22,722	22,753
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets of Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	24	109
Corporate equity securities	1,480	2,048
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Corporate bonds	0	0
Total	1,504	2,157
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Liabilities	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Cash Equivalents and Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Money market fund	0	0
Corporate equity securities	0	0
Certificates of deposit	9,699	6,318
Corporate bonds	11,519	14,278
Total	21,218	20,596
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Liabilities	$0	$0

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$19,249,000	$21,063,000
Work in process	14,372,000	14,027,000
Finished goods	3,027,000	4,037,000
Inventories, total	36,648,000	39,127,000	[1]
Inventory reserve	$11,900,000	$11,000,000
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of accrued liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'		'	'	'
Accrued compensation and related charges	$1,823	'	$1,762		'	'	'
Accrued product warranty	904	980	1,048		895	804	588
Current portion of royalty payments	800	'	800		'	'	'
Dividends payable by consolidated joint ventures	647	'	649		'	'	'
Accrued professional services	528	'	543		'	'	'
Accrued income taxes	244	'	125		'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	1,844	'	2,359		'	'	'
Accrued liabilities, total	$6,790	'	$7,286	[1]	'	'	'
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2011
	Installment		Installment				EquityMethodInvestee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Related party notes receivable - long term	$1,874,000	'	$1,874,000	'	$1,715,000	[1]	'
Accrued liabilities	6,790,000	'	6,790,000	'	7,286,000	[1]	'
Accounts payable	9,480,000	'	9,480,000	'	8,140,000	[1]	'
Area of leased property (in square feet)	27,760	'	27,760	'	'		'
Lease term	'	'	'7 years	'	'		'
Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co Ltd [Member]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Amount of loan under note agreement	'	'	'	'	'		1,700,000
Number of equity method investees to whom loan was granted	'	'	'	'	'		1
Term of loan	'	'	'2 years 10 months	'	'		'
Number of installments	3	'	3	'	'		'
Related party notes receivable - long term	1,700,000	'	1,700,000	'	1,700,000		'
Income from agency sales	0	0	0	20,000	'		'
Accrued liabilities	0	'	0	'	0		'
Accounts payable	1,850,000	'	1,850,000	'	1,500,000		'
Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co Ltd [Member]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Income from agency sales	1,000	29,000	17,000	123,000	'		'
Beijing Tongmei Xtal Technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'
Area of leased property (in square feet)	22,081	'	22,081	'	'		'
Lease term	'	'	'10 years	'	'		'
Annual lease payment	'	'	24,000	'	'		'
Increase in annual lease payment at each third year anniversary (in hundredths)	5.00%	'	5.00%	'	'		'
Payments to purchase materials	'	'	120,000	'	'		'
Additional loan paid to related party	'	'	$49,000	'	'		'
Interest on loan (in hundreths)	6.15%	'	6.15%	'	'		'
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Investments_in_Companies_Detai

Investments in Companies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income allocated to minority interests	$226,000	$230,000	$673,000	$1,105,000	'
Investments in unconsolidated privately-held entities, included in other assets	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000
AXT, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross equity earnings (losses) from minority-owned joint ventures that are not consolidated, recorded as other income	1,759,000	1,631,000	6,485,000	4,960,000	'
Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment by parent	8,104,000	'	8,104,000	'	7,537,000
Number of equity investment entities	3	'	3	'	3
Gross equity earnings (losses) from minority-owned joint ventures that are not consolidated, recorded as other income	390,000	346,000	1,500,000	1,100,000	'
Joint Ventures [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of consolidated joint ventures	3	3	3	3	'
Income from three consolidated joint ventures	1,100,000	565,000	2,900,000	3,300,000	'
Income allocated to minority interests	226,000	230,000	673,000	1,100,000	'
Net income from joint ventures attributable to parent	837,000	355,000	2,200,000	2,200,000	'
Minority investment in consolidated joint venture, included in other assets	4,000,000	'	4,000,000	'	3,400,000
Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments, consolidated	5,269,000	'	5,269,000	'	5,269,000
Beijing JiYa Semiconductor Material Co., Ltd [Member] | Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments, consolidated	3,331,000	'	3,331,000	'	3,331,000
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)	'	'	46.00%	'	'
Nanjing Jin Mei Gallium Co., Ltd [Member] | Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments, consolidated	592,000	'	592,000	'	592,000
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)	'	'	83.00%	'	'
Beijing BoYu Semiconductor Vessel Craftwork Technology Co., Ltd [Member] | Majority-owned Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Investments, consolidated	1,346,000	'	1,346,000	'	1,346,000
Percentage of ownership, consolidated method (in hundredths)	'	'	70.00%	'	'
Donghai County Dongfang High Purity Electronic Materials Co., Ltd [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment by parent	1,761,000	'	1,761,000	'	1,900,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths)	46.00%	'	46.00%	'	'
Xilingol Tongli Germanium Co. Ltd [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment by parent	5,355,000	'	5,355,000	'	4,692,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths)	25.00%	'	25.00%	'	'
Emeishan Jia Mei High Purity Metals Co., Ltd [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment by parent	$988,000	'	$988,000	'	$945,000
Percentage of ownership, equity method (in hundredths)	25.00%	'	25.00%	'	'

Investments_in_Companies_Minor

Investments in Companies, Minority Investment Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
AXT, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summarized income information of all the minority investment entities that are not consolidated and accounted for under the equity method [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$11,487,000	$11,024,000	$38,433,000	$29,938,000
Gross profit	5,371,000	3,628,000	17,458,000	10,516,000
Operating income	2,289,000	2,393,000	8,377,000	6,566,000
Net income	1,759,000	1,631,000	6,485,000	4,960,000
Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summarized income information of all the minority investment entities that are not consolidated and accounted for under the equity method [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$390,000	$346,000	$1,500,000	$1,100,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	$145,546,000	[1]	'	'
Common stock options exercised	'	'	'	134,000		'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	861,000		'	'
Net (loss) income	'	870,000	-2,065,000	-404,000		-5,625,000	'
Dividends declared by joint ventures	'	'	'	-83,000		'	'
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities	'	-418,000	73,000	-279,000		26,000	'
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	-408,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	145,367,000	'	145,367,000		'	145,546,000	[1]
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	5,000,000	'	'	6,000,000		'	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	'	'	'	0		'	285,000
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'		'	$2.51
Total purchase price	'	'	'	'		'	716,000
Stock repurchase program remaining authorized repurchase amount	'	'	'	'		'	5,300,000
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	3,532,000	'	3,532,000		'	3,532,000
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	32,000	'	32,000		'	32,000
Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	194,156,000		'	'
Common stock options exercised	'	'	'	134,000		'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	861,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	195,151,000	'	195,151,000		'	'
Accumulated Deficit [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	-67,005,000		'	'
Net (loss) income	'	'	'	-1,077,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	-68,082,000	'	-68,082,000		'	'
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	8,953,000		'	'
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities	'	'	'	-279,000		'	'
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	-341,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	8,333,000	'	8,333,000		'	'
AXT, Inc. Stockholders' Equity [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	139,668,000		'	'
Common stock options exercised	'	'	'	134,000		'	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	861,000		'	'
Net (loss) income	'	'	'	-1,077,000		'	'
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities	'	'	'	-279,000		'	'
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	-341,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	138,966,000	'	138,966,000		'	'
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, beginning of period	'	'	'	5,878,000		'	'
Net (loss) income	'	'	'	673,000		'	'
Dividends declared by joint ventures	'	'	'	-83,000		'	'
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	'	-67,000		'	'
Balance, end of period	'	$6,401,000	'	$6,401,000		'	'
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-based compensation in the form of employee stock options and restricted stock [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$272,000	$334,000	$861,000	$1,004,000	'
Tax effect on stock-based compensation	0	0	0	0	'
Net effect on net income (loss)	272,000	334,000	861,000	1,004,000	'
Weighted average assumptions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Expected term	'4 years 4 months 24 days	'	'4 years 3 months 18 days	'	'
Volatility (in hundredths)	62.26%	'	63.10%	'	'
Expected dividend (in hundredths)	0.00%	'	0.00%	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	1.86%	'	1.88%	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Compensation costs related to unvested stock options not yet recognized	1,300,000	'	1,300,000	'	'
Value of estimated forfeitures	'	'	46,000	'	'
Weighted-average period of amortization	'	'	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Number of options outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	2,671,000	'	'
Granted (in shares)	200,000,000	60,000,000	252,000	60,000	'
Exercised (in shares)	'	'	-112,000	'	'
Canceled and expired (in shares)	'	'	-73,000	'	'
Options outstanding, end of period (in shares)	2,738,000	'	2,738,000	'	2,671,000
Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	2,738,000	'	2,738,000	'	'
Options exercisable as of September 30, 2014	1,688,000	'	1,688,000	'	'
Weighted average exercise price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$3.29	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$2.26	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	'	'	$1.21	'	'
Canceled and expired (in dollars per share)	'	'	$5.18	'	'
Options outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$3.23	'	$3.23	'	$3.29
Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	$3.23	'	$3.23	'	'
Options exercisable as of September 30, 2014	$3.52	'	$3.52	'	'
Weighted average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period	'	'	'6 years 8 months 19 days	'	'6 years 8 months 16 days
Options outstanding, end of period	'	'	'6 years 8 months 19 days	'	'6 years 8 months 16 days
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period	'	'	'6 years 8 months 19 days	'	'
Option exercisable, end of period	'	'	'5 years 5 months 8 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period	'	'	893,000	'	'
Options outstanding, end of period	585,000	'	585,000	'	893,000
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period	585,000	'	585,000	'	'
Options exercisable, end of period	505,000	'	505,000	'	'
Closing price (in dollars per share)	$2.44	'	$2.44	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$1.08	$1.21	$1.09	$1.21	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average period of amortization	'	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'	'
Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	241,232	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	55,044	'	'
Vested (in shares)	'	'	-48,420	'	'
Non-vested, end of period (in shares)	247,856	'	247,856	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Non-vested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$3.44	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$2.18	'	'
Vested (in dollars per share)	'	'	$4.66	'	'
Non-vested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$2.92	'	$2.92	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards	514,000	'	514,000	'	'
Cost of Revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation in the form of employee stock options and restricted stock [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	4,000	6,000	14,000	17,000	'
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation in the form of employee stock options and restricted stock [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	227,000	285,000	716,000	860,000	'
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation in the form of employee stock options and restricted stock [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$41,000	$43,000	$131,000	$127,000	'

Net_Income_loss_Per_Share_Deta

Net Income (loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to AXT, Inc.	$644	($2,295)	($1,077)	($6,730)	'
Less: Preferred stock dividends	-44	-44	-132	-132	'
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	600	-2,339	-1,209	-6,862	'
Denominator [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic net income (loss) per share - weighted average common shares (in shares)	32,504	32,366	32,416	32,407	'
Effect Of Dilutive Securities On Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Denominator for dilutive net income (loss) per common share (in shares)	32,738	32,366	32,416	32,407	'
Net loss attributable to AXT, Inc. per common share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.07)	($0.04)	($0.21)	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.02	($0.07)	($0.04)	($0.21)	'
Weighted-average shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	883	'	883	'	883
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	883	'	883	'	883
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	'	$0.00	'	$0.00
Preferred stock, value	$3,532	'	$3,532	'	$3,532	[1]
Cumulative annual dividend rate (in hundredths)	'	'	5.00%	'	5.00%
Liquidation preference over common stock (in dollars per share)	$4	'	$4	'	$4
Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Securities excluded from diluted net loss per share as the impact is anti-dilutive (in shares)	2,000	2,524	26,884	2,563	'
Restricted stock awards [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Securities excluded from diluted net loss per share as the impact is anti-dilutive (in shares)	77	243	250	242	'
Common stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Effect Of Dilutive Securities On Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	201	0	0	0	'
Restricted stock awards [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Effect Of Dilutive Securities On Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	33	0	0	0	'
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Segment_Information_and_Foreig2

Segment Information and Foreign Operations, Revenue by product (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information and Foreign Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$23,138	$20,521	$63,932	$66,732

Segment_Information_and_Foreig3

Segment Information and Foreign Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Segment
Segment Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	1	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$23,138	$20,521	$63,932	$66,732	'
Long-lived assets by geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	34,663	'	34,663	'	37,621	[1]
Major Customer One [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of customers representing significant revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Number of customers who accounted for 10% or more share in trade accounts receivable	1	'	1	'	1
Percentage of trade accounts receivable accounted by one customer (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	20.00%
Top Five Major Customers [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue generated by major customers (in hundredths)	35.00%	37.00%	35.00%	31.00%	'
Number of major customers	5	5	5	5	'
Europe (primarily Germany) [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	5,429	5,732	16,980	16,043	'
China [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	4,298	6,611	13,423	20,344	'
Long-lived assets by geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	34,408	'	34,408	'	37,417
Taiwan [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	3,835	1,536	8,735	8,474	'
Japan [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	3,511	1,931	9,281	7,233	'
Asia Pacific (excluding China, Japan and Taiwan) [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	3,537	2,413	8,376	6,828	'
North America (primarily the United States) [Member] | Reportable Geographical Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues reported for products shipped to customers in corresponding geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	2,528	2,298	7,137	7,810	'
Long-lived assets by geographic region [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	$255	'	$255	'	$204
[1]	Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 02, 2013
		sqft		sqft		sqft
Product Warranty [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Period of warranty	'	'	'	'12 months	'	'
Change in warranty accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning accrued warranty and related costs	'	$980,000	$804,000	$1,048,000	$588,000	'
Accruals for warranties issued	'	243,000	183,000	820,000	558,000	'
Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties including expirations and changes in estimates	'	-55,000	14,000	-357,000	351,000	'
Cost of warranty repair	'	-264,000	-106,000	-607,000	-602,000	'
Ending accrued warranty and related costs	'	904,000	895,000	904,000	895,000	'
Contractual Obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Area of property under long-term operating lease (in square feet)	'	27,760	'	27,760	'	'
Period of operating lease	'	'	'	'7 years	'	'
Period to be lapsed for cancelling lease	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Penalty payment	'	'	'	142,000	'	'
Revised facility area	'	'	'	'	'	20,767
Term of revised area contract	'2 years	'	'	'	'	'
Savings as a result of revised facility area	'	'	'	'	'	382,000
Aggregate amount payable towards royalty	'	7,000,000	'	7,000,000	'	'
Term of royalty agreement	'	'	'	'8 years	'	'
Outstanding contractual obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	'	3,414,000	'	3,414,000	'	'
Less than 1 year	'	1,060,000	'	1,060,000	'	'
1-3 years	'	1,536,000	'	1,536,000	'	'
4-5 years	'	772,000	'	772,000	'	'
More than 5 years	'	46,000	'	46,000	'	'
Operating leases [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding contractual obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	'	689,000	'	689,000	'	'
Less than 1 year	'	260,000	'	260,000	'	'
1-3 years	'	330,000	'	330,000	'	'
4-5 years	'	53,000	'	53,000	'	'
More than 5 years	'	46,000	'	46,000	'	'
Royalty agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding contractual obligations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total	'	2,725,000	'	2,725,000	'	'
Less than 1 year	'	800,000	'	800,000	'	'
1-3 years	'	1,206,000	'	1,206,000	'	'
4-5 years	'	719,000	'	719,000	'	'
More than 5 years	'	$0	'	$0	'	'

Foreign_Exchange_Transaction_G1

Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains/Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign exchange transaction exchange gains (losses)	($556,000)	($67,000)	($381,000)	($964,000)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net operating losses or credits utilization period	'	'	'1 year	'
Change in cumulative ownership percentage (in hundredths)	'	'	50.00%	'
Period with in which cumulative ownership change	'	'	'3 years	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$16,400,000	'	$16,400,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits interest and penalties	0	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits accrued interest and penalties	0	'	0	'
Federal income tax benefit or expense	$0	$0	$0	$0

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
		Position
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of workforce reduced	'	93	'	'	'
Percentage of reduction in workforce (in hundredths)	'	11.00%	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	$0	$907	$0	$907	$0

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$5	$6
Subsequent Event [Member]	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$5	'