| Cover | May 22, 2023 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | May 22, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36083 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001158114 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0533927 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 13139 Jess Pirtle Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Sugar Land |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77478 |
| City Area Code | 281 |
| Local Phone Number | 295-1800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, Par value $0.001 |
| Trading Symbol | AAOI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
