Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 820,082	$ 746,665	$ 737,555
Cost of goods sold	528,587	466,555	459,810
Selling, general and administrative expenses	198,813	193,665	196,387
Restructuring and related activities	0	(439)	6,790
Combination-related expenses	29,938	1,531	0
Costs and Expenses, Total	757,338	661,312	662,987
Operating income	62,744	85,353	74,568
Other expense, net	(718)	(492)	(3,377)
Interest expense	(3,892)	(2,889)	(2,585)
Interest income	2,534	2,037	1,624
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	60,668	84,009	70,230
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	41,653	23,226	17,785
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	19,015	60,783	52,445
Equity in net income of associated companies	3,285	2,256	261
Net income	22,300	63,039	52,706
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,022	1,636	1,526
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 20,278	$ 61,403	$ 51,180
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 1.53	$ 4.64	$ 3.84
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 1.52	$ 4.63	$ 3.84