Earnings Per Share - Basic (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 10,486	$ 13,358	$ 32,972	$ 33,799
Less: income allocated to participating securities	(99)	(224)	(386)	(611)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 10,387	$ 13,134	$ 32,586	$ 33,188
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	12,937,417	12,621,459	12,840,029	11,989,748
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.80	$ 1.04	$ 2.54	$ 2.77