Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The Company follows FASB's guidance regarding the calculation of earnings per share (“EPS”) for nonvested stock awards with rights to non-forfeitable dividends. The guidance requires nonvested stock awards with rights to non-forfeitable dividends to be included as part of the basic weighted average share calculation under the two-class method.

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The FASB's guidance regarding fair value measurements establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to guidance requiring use of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. The guidance does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather applies to all other accounting guidance that requires or permits fair value measurements.

The guidance utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

• Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that not active.

• Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions.

General Discussion Of Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedge Documentation [Policy Text Block]

The Company is exposed to the impact of changes in interest rates, foreign currency fluctuations, changes in commodity prices and credit risk. The Company does not use derivative instruments to mitigate the risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, changes in commodity prices or credit risk. Quaker uses interest rate swaps to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates. The swaps convert a portion of the Company's variable interest rate debt to fixed interest rate debt and are designated as cash flow hedges and reported on the balance sheet at fair value. The effective portions of the hedges are reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) until reclassified to earnings during the same period the hedged item affects earnings. The Company has no derivatives designated as fair value hedges and only has derivatives designated as hedging instruments under the FASB's guidance.

Income Tax Expense Benefit [Abstract]

Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The FASB's guidance regarding accounting for uncertainty in income taxes prescribes the recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. The guidance further requires the determination of whether the benefits of tax positions will be more likely than not sustained upon audit based upon the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are determined to be more likely than not sustained upon audit, a company recognizes the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not determined to be more likely than not sustained upon audit, a company does not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements. Additionally, the guidance provides for derecognition, classification, penalties and interest, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis Of Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for interim financial reporting and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as discussed below) which are necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Revenue Recognition Accounting Policy, Gross and Net Revenue Disclosure [Policy Text Block]

As part of the Company's chemical management services, certain third-party product sales to customers are managed by the Company. Where the Company acts as the principal, revenue is recognized on a gross reporting basis at the selling price negotiated with customers. Where the Company acts as an agent, such revenue is recorded using net reporting as service revenues, at the amount of the administrative fee earned by the Company for ordering the goods. Third-party products transferred under arrangements resulting in net reporting totaled $20,944 and $24,276 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively.

Comprehensive Income Policy [Policy Text Block]

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB's”) guidance regarding presentation of comprehensive income. The guidance requires that comprehensive income be presented with the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income or as a separate statement immediately following the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, and can no longer be presented as part of the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The Company adopted the guidance using the two statement approach, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's results or financial condition.