Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Rent Expenses Incurred To Related Party	$ 798	$ 811	$ 810
Interest Expense, Related Party	$ 663	$ 455	$ 453

Represents the amount of rent expenses incurred to related party and included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

No definition available.

Name:	sva_RentExpensesIncurredToRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	sva_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration