Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 867,520	$ 820,082	$ 746,665
Cost of goods sold	555,206	528,587	466,555
Selling, general and administrative expenses	207,872	198,813	193,665
Restructuring and related activities	0	0	(439)
Combination-related expenses	16,661	29,938	1,531
Costs and Expenses, Total	779,739	757,338	661,312
Operating income	87,781	62,744	85,353
Other expense, net	(642)	(718)	(492)
Interest expense	(6,158)	(3,892)	(2,889)
Interest income	2,117	2,534	2,037
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	83,098	60,668	84,009
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	25,050	41,653	23,226
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	58,048	19,015	60,783
Equity in net income of associated companies	1,763	3,285	2,256
Net income	59,811	22,300	63,039
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	338	2,022	1,636
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 59,473	$ 20,278	$ 61,403
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - basic	$ 4.46	$ 1.53	$ 4.64
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation Common Shareholders - diluted	$ 4.45	$ 1.52	$ 4.63