Earnings Per Share - Basic (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 10,540	$ 9,841	$ 22,486	$ 20,441
Less: income allocated to participating securities	(101)	(182)	(289)	(384)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 10,439	$ 9,659	$ 22,197	$ 20,057
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	12,850,917	12,043,858	12,790,799	11,668,657
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.81	$ 0.80	$ 1.74	$ 1.72