Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (12,981)	$ 19,771	$ 16,568	$ 51,928
Currency translation adjustments	(28,305)	(6,859)	(29,256)	(17,111)
Defined benefit retirement plans	1,126	678	2,354	2,258
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(81)	162	1,499	(493)
Other comprehensive loss	(27,260)	(6,019)	(25,403)	(15,346)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(40,241)	13,752	(8,835)	36,582
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest	22	(43)	(115)	(146)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ (40,219)	$ 13,709	$ (8,950)	$ 36,436