Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 58,297us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 58,851us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 50,240us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Currency translation adjustments	(15,701)	(3,490)	(1,510)
Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) arising during the period, other	(6,210)	6,614	(14,582)
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,162	2,748	1,852
Amortization of prior service (gain) loss	(70)	119	76
Current period changes in fair value of derivatives	0	0	272
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(124)	(142)	867
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(19,943)	5,849	(13,025)
Comprehensive Income	38,354	64,700	37,215
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,568)	(1,206)	(2,698)
Comprehensive income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 36,786us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 63,494us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 34,517us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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