Quarterly Results - Unaudited (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 194,033	$ 198,867	$ 191,286	$ 181,674	$ 184,297	$ 184,059	$ 184,846	$ 176,193	$ 765,860	$ 729,395	$ 708,226
Gross Profit	69,576	70,300	68,216	65,114	65,163	65,990	67,314	62,608
Operating income	16,485	20,553	20,945	19,373	15,232	18,807	19,793	17,411	77,356	71,243	63,224
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 12,639	$ 15,696	$ 15,427	$ 12,730	$ 14,086	$ 12,551	$ 16,083	$ 13,619	$ 56,492	$ 56,339	$ 47,405
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 0.95	$ 1.18	$ 1.17	$ 0.96	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 4.27	$ 4.28	$ 3.64
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 0.95	$ 1.18	$ 1.16	$ 0.96	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 4.26	$ 4.27	$ 3.63