Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 22,300	$ 63,039	$ 52,706
Currency translation adjustments	21,076	(13,772)	(24,869)
Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Net (loss) gain arising during the period, other	(96)	(2,990)	3,821
Amortization of actuarial loss	(2,255)	(2,155)	(2,561)
Amortization of prior service (gain) loss	(84)	(82)	(82)
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(130)	537	(978)
Other Comprehensive gain (loss)	23,021	(14,152)	(19,547)
Comprehensive Income	45,321	48,887	33,159
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,736	1,575	889
Comprehensive income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 42,585	$ 47,312	$ 32,270