Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,900	$ 12,787
Currency translation adjustments	(432)	6,859
Defined benefit retirement plans	706	84
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	1,273	(486)
Other comprehensive income	1,547	6,457
Comprehensive income	15,447	19,244
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(55)	(150)
Comprehensive income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 15,392	$ 19,094