Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,133,503	$ 867,520	$ 820,082
Cost of goods sold	741,386	555,206	528,587
Gross profit	392,117	312,314	291,495
Selling, general and administrative expenses	283,828	207,872	198,813
Restructuring and related charges	26,678	0	0
Combination and acquisition-related expenses	35,477	16,661	29,938
Operating income	46,134	87,781	62,744
Other expense, net	(254)	(642)	(718)
Interest expense, net	(16,976)	(4,041)	(1,358)
Income before taxes and equity in net income of associated companies	28,904	83,098	60,668
Taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies	2,084	25,050	41,653
Income before equity in net income of associated companies	26,820	58,048	19,015
Equity in net income of associated companies	5,064	1,763	3,285
Net income	31,884	59,811	22,300
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	262	338	2,022
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation	$ 31,622	$ 59,473	$ 20,278
Per share data:
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation common shareholders - basic	$ 2.08	$ 4.46	$ 1.53
Net income attributable to Quaker Chemical Corporation common shareholders - diluted	$ 2.08	$ 4.45	$ 1.52