Name:	ifrs-full_DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount of interest costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset and which form part of the cost of that asset.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2017-01-01
-Paragraph 112
-Subparagraph c
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_112_c&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2017-03-09

Name:	ifrs-full_InterestCostsCapitalised
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The percentage of the entity's revenue. [Refer: Revenue]

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name IFRS
-Number 8
-IssueDate 2017-01-01
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IFRS&num=8&date=2017-03-01&anchor=para_34&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2017-03-09

Name:	ifrs-full_PercentageOfEntitysRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The amount adjusted to the fair value of assets associated with the railway.

No definition available.

Name:	sqm_IncreaseDecreaseInValueOfAssets
Namespace Prefix:	sqm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The percentage of the entity's assets.

No definition available.