Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 180,923	$ 182,313	$ 535,358	$ 509,970
Cost of goods sold	121,797	122,827	355,801	343,984
Gross profit	59,126	59,486	179,557	165,986
Selling, general and administrative expenses	43,263	41,982	130,009	119,441
Operating income	15,863	17,504	49,548	46,545
Other income, net	322	2,740	529	4,070
Interest expense	(1,034)	(1,166)	(3,359)	(3,584)
Interest income	149	262	409	805
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	15,300	19,340	47,127	47,836
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	4,373	5,640	12,692	12,961
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	10,927	13,700	34,435	34,875
Equity in net income of associated companies	257	105	612	715
Net income	11,184	13,805	35,047	35,590
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	698	447	2,075	1,791
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 10,486	$ 13,358	$ 32,972	$ 33,799
Per share data:
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.80	$ 1.04	$ 2.54	$ 2.77
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.80	$ 1.03	$ 2.52	$ 2.73
Dividends declared	$ 0.245	$ 0.24	$ 0.73	$ 0.715