Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 746,665	$ 737,555	$ 765,860
Cost of goods sold	467,072	460,515	492,654
Selling, general and administrative expenses	196,981	198,990	195,850
Restructuring and related activities	(439)	6,790	0
Costs and Expenses, Total	663,614	666,295	688,504
Operating income	83,051	71,260	77,356
Other income (expense), net	1,810	(69)	767
Interest expense	(2,889)	(2,585)	(2,371)
Interest income	2,037	1,624	2,541
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	84,009	70,230	78,293
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	23,226	17,785	23,539
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	60,783	52,445	54,754
Equity in net income of associated companies	2,256	261	3,543
Net income	63,039	52,706	58,297
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,636	1,526	1,805
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 61,403	$ 51,180	$ 56,492
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 4.64	$ 3.84	$ 4.27
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 4.63	$ 3.84	$ 4.26