Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 176,797	$ 167,792	$ 354,435	$ 327,657
Cost of goods sold	116,161	114,026	234,004	221,157
Gross profit	60,636	53,766	120,431	106,500
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,653	38,825	86,746	77,459
Operating income	16,983	14,941	33,685	29,041
Other (expense) income, net	(134)	791	207	1,330
Interest expense	(1,151)	(1,200)	(2,325)	(2,418)
Interest income	137	271	260	543
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	15,835	14,803	31,827	28,496
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	4,874	4,499	8,319	7,321
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	10,961	10,304	23,508	21,175
Equity in net income of associated companies	209	251	355	610
Net income	11,170	10,555	23,863	21,785
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	630	714	1,377	1,344
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 10,540	$ 9,841	$ 22,486	$ 20,441
Per share data:
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.81	$ 0.80	$ 1.74	$ 1.72
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.81	$ 0.79	$ 1.72	$ 1.69
Dividends declared	$ 0.245	$ 0.24	$ 0.485	$ 0.475