Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,731	$ 68,492
Accounts receivable, net	189,484	165,629
Inventories, net	77,708	71,557
Current deferred tax assets	8,367	7,826
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,228	15,343
Total current assets	351,518	328,847
Property, plant and equipment, net	85,763	85,488
Goodwill	77,933	58,151
Other intangible assets, net	70,408	31,272
Investments in associated companies	21,751	19,397
Non-current deferred tax assets	24,411	24,724
Other assets	33,742	36,267
Total assets	665,526	584,146
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	403	1,395
Accounts payable	74,987	72,281
Dividends payable	3,990	3,299
Accrued compensation	19,853	20,801
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Current	1,239	1,438
Current deferred tax liabilities	732	1,057
Other current liabilities	23,697	30,585
Total current liabilities	124,901	130,856
Long-term debt	75,328	17,321
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	8,584	6,729
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Benefits, Non-current	46,088	37,006
Other non-current liabilities	45,490	47,538
Total liabilities	300,391	239,450
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Common stock $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2014 - 13,300,891 shares; 2013 - 13,196,140 shares	13,301	13,196
Capital in excess of par value	99,056	99,038
Retained earnings	299,524	258,285
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(54,406)	(34,700)
Total Quaker shareholders equity	357,475	335,819
Noncontrolling interest	7,660	8,877
Total equity	365,135	344,696
Total liabilities and equity	$ 665,526	$ 584,146