Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 167,792	$ 135,991	$ 327,657	$ 264,311
Cost of goods sold	114,026	87,460	221,157	168,440
Gross profit	53,766	48,531	106,500	95,871
Selling, general and administrative expenses	38,825	35,118	77,459	68,787
Operating income	14,941	13,413	29,041	27,084
Other income, net	791	1,123	1,330	1,886
Interest expense	(1,200)	(1,386)	(2,418)	(2,697)
Interest income	271	343	543	527
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	14,803	13,493	28,496	26,800
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	4,499	4,143	7,321	7,324
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	10,304	9,350	21,175	19,476
Equity in net income of associated companies	251	384	610	295
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	10,555	9,734	21,785	19,771
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	714	581	1,344	1,199
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 9,841	$ 9,153	$ 20,441	$ 18,572
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 0.80	$ 0.82	$ 1.72	$ 1.66
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 0.79	$ 0.80	$ 1.69	$ 1.64
Dividends declared	$ 0.24	$ 0.235	$ 0.475	$ 0.465