Quarterly Results - Unaudited (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Results (unaudited) [Abstract]

Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]

			First		Second		Third		Fourth
			Quarter (1)		Quarter (2)		Quarter (3)		Quarter (4)
2016
	Net sales		$	178,077	$	186,915	$	190,428	$	191,245
	Gross profit			67,875		71,235		70,779		69,704
	Operating income			19,234		22,093		21,339		20,385
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation			12,946		15,015		16,008		17,434
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
		Common Shareholders - Basic	$	0.98	$	1.13	$	1.21	$	1.31
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
		Common Shareholders - Diluted	$	0.98	$	1.13	$	1.21	$	1.31
2015
	Net sales		$	181,330	$	183,726	$	189,224	$	183,275
	Gross profit			66,328		70,617		71,329		68,766
	Operating income			17,864		21,445		18,728		13,223
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation			10,378		15,038		14,371		11,393
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
		Common Shareholders - Basic	$	0.78	$	1.13	$	1.08	$	0.86
	Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation
		Common Shareholders - Diluted	$	0.78	$	1.13	$	1.08	$	0.86