Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except 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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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
Less: income allocated to participating securities									(481)	(524)	(817)
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 55,858	$ 46,881	$ 45,075
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding									13,044,842	12,871,703	12,159,958
Effect of Dilutive Securities									24,770	58,798	158,215
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding									13,069,612	12,930,501	12,318,173
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 0.99	$ 0.83	$ 0.85	$ 0.95	$ 4.27	$ 3.63	$ 3.66