Quarterly Results - Unaudited (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results (unaudited) [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 211,072	$ 212,918	$ 201,183	$ 194,909	$ 191,245	$ 190,428	$ 186,915	$ 178,077	$ 820,082	$ 746,665	$ 737,555
Gross Profit	73,997	74,776	71,835	70,887	69,831	70,897	71,401	67,981
Operating income	17,074	14,009	17,903	13,758	20,951	21,863	22,701	19,838	62,744	85,353	74,568
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ (9,762)	$ 11,142	$ 11,906	$ 6,992	$ 17,434	$ 16,008	$ 15,015	$ 12,946	$ 20,278	$ 61,403	$ 51,180
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ (0.73)	$ 0.84	$ 0.9	$ 0.53	$ 1.31	$ 1.21	$ 1.13	$ 0.98	$ 1.53	$ 4.64	$ 3.84
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ (0.73)	$ 0.83	$ 0.89	$ 0.52	$ 1.31	$ 1.21	$ 1.13	$ 0.98	$ 1.52	$ 4.63	$ 3.84