Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 13,007	$ 10,925	$ 11,108	$ 12,365	$ 10,370	$ 13,942	$ 10,554	$ 11,026	$ 47,405	$ 45,892	$ 32,120
Less: income allocated to participating securities									(524)	(817)	(652)
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 46,881	$ 45,075	$ 31,468
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding									12,871,703	12,159,958	11,039,410
Effect of Dilutive Securities									58,798	158,215	202,551
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding									12,930,501	12,318,173	11,241,961
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.85	$ 0.95	$ 0.80	$ 1.07	$ 0.85	$ 0.94	$ 3.63	$ 3.66	$ 2.80