Earnings Per Share - Diluted (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except 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
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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
Less: income allocated to participating securities									(503)	(481)	(524)
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 55,989	$ 55,858	$ 46,881
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding									13,126,759	13,044,842	12,871,703
Effect of Dilutive Securities									21,309	24,770	58,798
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding									13,148,068	13,069,612	12,930,501
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.95	$ 1.18	$ 1.16	$ 0.96	$ 1.07	$ 0.95	$ 1.22	$ 1.04	$ 4.26	$ 4.27	$ 3.63