Quarterly Results - Unaudited (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per 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
Quarterly Results (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 172,868	$ 180,923	$ 176,797	$ 177,638	$ 173,261	$ 182,313	$ 167,792	$ 159,865	$ 708,226	$ 683,231	$ 544,063
Gross Profit	59,154	59,126	60,636	59,795	56,664	59,486	53,766	52,734
Operating income	13,676	15,863	16,983	16,702	11,367	17,504	14,941	14,100	63,224	57,912	48,131
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
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 0.99	$ 0.84	$ 0.86	$ 0.96	$ 0.80	$ 1.09	$ 0.86	$ 0.96	$ 3.64	$ 3.71	$ 2.85
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.85	$ 0.95	$ 0.80	$ 1.07	$ 0.85	$ 0.94	$ 3.63	$ 3.66	$ 2.80