XML 101 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.1

Significant accounting policies (Details Textual) | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
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Significant accounting policies [Line Items] |  |
Discount Rate For Pension Obligations | 4.642% | 5.114%
SQM North America [Member] |  |
Significant accounting policies [Line Items] |  |
Discount Rate For Pension Obligations | 3.75% | 4.50%

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- Definition Represents the discount rate for pension obligation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | sqm_DiscountRateForPensionObligations
Namespace Prefix: | sqm_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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

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- Details
Name: | ifrs-full_GeographicalAreasAxis=sqm_SQMNorthAmericaCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |