Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,649	$ 19,370	$ 29,549	$ 32,157
Currency translation adjustments	(519)	(17,111)	(951)	(10,252)
Defined benefit retirement plans	522	1,496	1,228	1,580
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	307	(169)	1,580	(655)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	310	(15,784)	1,857	(9,327)
Comprehensive income	15,959	3,586	31,406	22,830
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(82)	47	(137)	(103)
Comprehensive income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 15,877	$ 3,633	$ 31,269	$ 22,727