Earnings Per Share - Basic (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 16,083	$ 11,108	$ 29,702	$ 23,473
Less: Income Allocated to Participating Securities	(139)	(106)	(249)	(302)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$ 15,944	$ 11,002	$ 29,453	$ 23,171
Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding	13,037,822	12,850,917	13,019,991	12,790,799
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$ 1.22	$ 0.86	$ 2.26	$ 1.81