Reportable segments (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue	$ 2,157,323	$ 1,939,322	$ 1,728,332
Specialty plant nutrients [Member]
Revenue	697,251	714,940	790,222
Iodine and its derivatives [Member]
Revenue	252,123	533,061	651,742
Lithium and its derivatives [Member]
Revenue	644,573	887,465	362,596
Industrial chemicals [Member]
Revenue	135,578	460,471	444,719
Potassium [Member]
Revenue	379,326	737,146	838,545
Other products and services [Member]
Revenue	$ 48,472	$ 261,074	$ 351,427

The income arising in the course of an entity's ordinary activities. Income is increases in economic benefits during the accounting period in the form of inflows or enhancements of assets or decreases of liabilities that result in an increase in equity, other than those relating to contributions from equity participants.

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+ Details