Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 177,638	$ 159,865
Cost of goods sold	117,843	107,131
Gross profit	59,795	52,734
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,093	38,634
Operating income	16,702	14,100
Other income, net	341	539
Interest expense	(1,174)	(1,218)
Interest income	123	272
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	15,992	13,693
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	3,445	2,822
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	12,547	10,871
Equity in net income of associated companies	146	359
Net income	12,693	11,230
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	747	630
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 11,946	$ 10,600
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 0.92	$ 0.92
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 0.91	$ 0.91
Dividends declared	$ 0.24	$ 0.235