Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 683,231	$ 544,063	$ 451,490
Cost of goods sold	460,581	351,274	294,652
Selling, general and administrative expenses	164,738	139,209	126,018
Non-income tax contingency charge	0	4,132	0
CEO transition costs	0	1,317	2,443
Restructuring and related activities	0	0	2,289
Costs and Expenses, Total	625,319	495,932	425,402
Operating income	57,912	48,131	26,088
Other income, net	5,050	2,106	2,409
Interest expense	(4,666)	(5,225)	(5,533)
Interest income	1,081	1,201	728
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	59,377	46,213	23,692
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	14,256	12,616	7,065
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	45,121	33,597	16,627
Equity in net income of associated companies	779	494	863
Net income	45,900	34,091	17,490
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,331	2,284	1,270
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 43,569	$ 31,807	$ 16,220
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 3.52	$ 2.82	$ 1.48
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 3.47	$ 2.77	$ 1.47