Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 32,547	$ 16,909
Accounts receivable, net	154,197	150,676
Inventories	72,471	74,758
Current deferred tax assets	6,401	6,338
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	12,194	10,868
Total current assets	277,810	259,549
Property, plant and equipment, net	85,112	82,916
Goodwill	59,169	58,152
Other intangible assets, net	32,809	31,783
Investments in associated companies	16,603	14,073
Non-current deferred tax assets	30,673	29,823
Other assets	34,458	34,856
Total assets	536,634	511,152
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	1,468	636
Accounts payable	67,586	65,026
Dividends payable	3,208	3,099
Accrued compensation	16,842	16,987
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Current	2,188	2,038
Current deferred tax liabilities	253	238
Other current liabilities	16,247	18,625
Total current liabilities	107,792	106,649
Long-term debt	30,000	46,701
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	6,383	7,094
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Non-current	49,916	34,533
Other non-current liabilities	52,867	54,818
Total liabilities	246,958	249,795
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Equity [Abstract]
Common stock $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2012 - 13,094,901 shares; 2011 - 12,911,508 shares	13,095	12,912
Capital in excess of par value	94,470	89,725
Retained earnings	215,390	180,710
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(41,855)	(28,967)
Total Quaker shareholders equity	281,100	254,380
Noncontrolling interest	8,576	6,977
Total equity	289,676	261,357
Total liabilities and equity	$ 536,634	$ 511,152