Quarterly Results - Unaudited (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Results (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 184,297	$ 184,059	$ 184,846	$ 176,193	$ 172,868	$ 180,923	$ 176,797	$ 177,638	$ 729,395	$ 708,226	$ 683,231
Gross Profit	65,163	65,990	67,314	62,608	59,154	59,126	60,636	59,795
Operating income	15,232	18,807	19,793	17,411	13,676	15,863	16,983	16,702	71,243	63,224	57,912
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 14,086	$ 12,551	$ 16,083	$ 13,619	$ 13,007	$ 10,925	$ 11,108	$ 12,365	$ 56,339	$ 47,405	$ 45,892
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 0.99	$ 0.84	$ 0.86	$ 0.96	$ 4.28	$ 3.64	$ 3.71
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.85	$ 0.95	$ 4.27	$ 3.63	$ 3.66