Consolidated Statement of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 708,226	$ 683,231	$ 544,063
Cost of goods sold	469,515	460,581	351,274
Selling, general and administrative expenses	175,487	164,738	139,209
Non-income tax contingency charge	0	0	4,132
CEO transition costs	0	0	1,317
Costs and Expenses, Total	645,002	625,319	495,932
Operating income	63,224	57,912	48,131
Other income, net	3,415	5,050	2,106
Interest expense	(4,283)	(4,666)	(5,225)
Interest income	592	1,081	1,201
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	62,948	59,377	46,213
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	15,575	14,256	12,616
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	47,373	45,121	33,597
Equity in net income of associated companies	2,867	3,102	807
Net income	50,240	48,223	34,404
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,835	2,331	2,284
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 47,405	$ 45,892	$ 32,120
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 3.64	$ 3.71	$ 2.85
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 3.63	$ 3.66	$ 2.80