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Inventories(Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract] |  |  |
Opening balance | $ 81,295 | $ 80,369 | $ 82,966
Changes |  |  |
Additional provisions | 21,953 | 9,831 | 18,461
Increase (decrease) in existing provisions | (6,964) | (8,905) | (21,058)
Total changes | 14,989 | 926 | (2,597)
Final Balance | $ 96,284 | $ 81,295 | $ 80,369

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- Definition The amount of additional inventory provisions made. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition The amount increase or decrease in existing provisions. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition The increase (decrease) in inventory reserves. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sqm_InventoriesAbstract
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- Definition The amount of inventory reserves recognized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sqm_InventoryReserves
Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant