Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 182,313	$ 137,669	$ 509,970	$ 401,980
Cost of goods sold	122,827	88,641	343,984	257,081
Gross profit	59,486	49,028	165,986	144,899
Selling, general and administrative expenses	41,982	34,699	119,441	103,486
Non-income tax contingency charge	0	3,581	0	3,581
CEO transition costs	0	1,317	0	1,317
Operating income	17,504	9,431	46,545	36,515
Other income, net	2,740	(320)	4,070	1,566
Interest expense	(1,166)	(1,345)	(3,584)	(4,042)
Interest income	262	313	805	840
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	19,340	8,079	47,836	34,879
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	5,640	1,661	12,961	8,985
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	13,700	6,418	34,875	25,894
Equity in net income of associated companies	105	439	715	734
Net income	13,805	6,857	35,590	26,628
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	447	517	1,791	1,716
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 13,358	$ 6,340	$ 33,799	$ 24,912
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 1.04	$ 0.56	$ 2.77	$ 2.22
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 1.03	$ 0.55	$ 2.73	$ 2.19
Dividends declared	$ 0.24	$ 0.235	$ 0.715	$ 0.70